2016 Chevrolet Spark EV Owner’s Manual

The 2016 Chevrolet Spark EV is an all-electric form of the small Spark. It is a good example of efficient, pollution-free city transportation. With its modern look and small size, the Spark EV fits right in with city life and offers a drive experience that is good for the environment. The 2016 Spark EV has an electric powertrain that gives it instant torque, quick acceleration, and a reasonable electric driving range. This makes it a good car for city trips. With its green technology, modern design, and compact size, the 2016 Chevrolet Spark EV is an attractive and eco-friendly choice for people who want to drive in cities in a green and efficient way.

Driving and Operating

Driving for Better Energy Efficiency
Use the following tips to help maximize energy efficiency and range. In colder temperatures, while these efficiency tips will help, the electric vehicle driving range may be lower due to higher energy usage.

Driving Style
Efficiency Gauge (Instrument Cluster)
The ball indicator should be kept green and in the center of the gauge. Inefficient acceleration is indicated when the ball turns yellow and travels above the center of the gauge. Aggressive braking is indicated when the ball turns yellow and travels below the center of the gauge.

Acceleration/Braking/Coasting
Avoid unnecessary rapid accelerations and decelerations. The electric range is maximized at80 km/h (50 mph) and below. Higher speeds use more energy and can significantly reduce electric range. Use cruise control when appropriate. Plan ahead for decelerations and coast whenever possible. For example, do not rush to traffic signals. Do not shift to N (Neutral) to coast. The vehicle recovers energy while coasting and braking in D (Drive) or L (Low).

Drive Mode and PRNDL Selection
Use Normal Mode when possible. Sport Mode provides more responsive acceleration than Normal Mode but can reduce efficiency. Use L (Low) in heavy stop-and-go traffic or when traveling downhill. L (Low) requires less brake pedal application and provides a controlled, efficient way to slow the vehicle down.

Climate Setting

• Using the heat and air conditioning systems decrease the energy available for electric driving.
• Optimal energy efficiency is achieved with the heat, air conditioning, and the fan turned off.
• Operating with the TEMP button off is the most energy-efficient climate setting as long as is not selected.
• Use the heated seat feature instead of climate settings. Heating the seat uses less energy than heating the vehicle interior.
• Use remote start to heat or cool the interior when the vehicle is plugged in to maximize the electric range by utilizing electricity from the electrical outlet.
• In hot weather, avoid parking in direct sunlight or use sunshades inside the vehicle.
• Turn off the front and rear window defog/defrost when they are no longer needed.
• Avoid driving with the windows open at highway speeds.

Vehicle Charging/Maintenance
Charging
Keep the vehicle plugged in, even when fully charged, to keep the battery temperature ready for the next drive. This is important when outside temperatures are extremely hot or cold.

Maintenance
Always keep the tires properly inflated and the vehicle properly aligned. The weight of excess cargo in the vehicle affects efficiency and range. Avoid carrying more than is needed. Avoid unnecessary use of electrical accessories. Power used for functions other than propelling the vehicle will reduce EV range. Using a rooftop carrier will reduce efficiency due to additional weight and drag.

Distracted Driving
Distraction comes in many forms and can take your focus from the task of driving. Exercise good judgment and do not let other activities divert your attention away from the road. Many local governments have enacted laws regarding driver distraction. Become familiar with the local laws in your area. To avoid distracted driving, always keep your eyes on the road, hands on the wheel, and mind on the drive.

• Do not use a phone in demanding driving situations. Use a hands-free method to place or receive necessary phone calls.
• Watch the road. Do not read, take notes, or look up information on phones or other electronic devices.
• Designate a front seat passenger to handle potential distractions.
• Become familiar with vehicle features before driving, such as programming favorite radio stations and adjusting climate control and seat settings. Program all trip information into any navigation device prior to driving.
• Wait until the vehicle is parked to retrieve items that have fallen to the floor.
• Stop or park the vehicle to tend to children.
• Keep pets in an appropriate carrier or restraint.
• Avoid stressful conversations while driving, whether with a passenger or on a cell phone.
  Warning: Taking your eyes off the road too long or too often could cause a crash resulting in injury or death. Focus your attention on driving.

Refer to the Infotainment section for more information on using that system, including pairing and using a cell phone.

Defensive Driving
Defensive driving means “always expect the unexpected.” The first step in driving defensively is to wear the safety belt.

• Assume that other road users (pedestrians, bicyclists, and other drivers) are going to be careless and make mistakes. Anticipate what they might do and be ready.
• Allow enough following distance between you and the driver in front of you.
• Focus on the task of driving.

Drunk Driving
Death and injury associated with drinking and driving is a global tragedy.

Warning

• Drinking and then driving is very dangerous. Your reflexes, perceptions, attentiveness, and judgment can be affected by even a small amount of alcohol. You can have a serious — or even fatal — collision if you drive after drinking.
• Do not drink and drive or ride with a driver who has been drinking. Ride home in a cab; or if you are with a group, designate a driver who will not drink.

Control of a Vehicle
Braking, steering, and accelerating are important factors in helping to control a vehicle while driving.

Braking
Braking action involves perception time and reaction time. Deciding to push the brake pedal is perception time. Actually doing it is reaction time. Average driver reaction time is about three-quarters of a second. In that time, a vehicle moving at 100 km/h (60 mph) travels 20m (66 ft), which could be a lot of distance in an emergency. Helpful braking tips to keep in mind include:

• Keep enough distance between you and the vehicle in front of you.
• Avoid needless heavy braking.
• Keep pace with traffic.

If propulsion is disabled while the vehicle is being driven, brake normally but do not pump the brakes. If the brakes are pumped, the pedal could get harder to push down. If propulsion stops, there will still be some power brake assist but it will be used when the brake is applied. Once the power assist is used up, it can take longer to stop and the brake pedal will be harder to push.

Electric Power Steering
The vehicle has electric power steering. It does not have power steering fluid. Regular maintenance is not required. If power steering assist is lost due to a system malfunction, the vehicle can be steered, but may require increased effort. See your dealer if there is a problem. If the steering wheel is turned until it reaches the end of its travel and is held against that position for an extended period of time, power steering assist may be reduced. If the steering assist is used for an extended period of time, power assist may be reduced. Normal use of the power steering assist should return when the system cools down.

Curve Tips

• Take curves at a reasonable speed.
• Reduce speed before entering a curve.
• Maintain a reasonable steady speed through the curve.
• Wait until the vehicle is out of the curve before accelerating gently into the straightaway.

Steering in Emergencies

• There are some situations when steering around a problem may be more effective than braking.
• Holding both sides of the steering wheel allows you to turn 180 degrees without removing a hand.
• The Antilock Brake System (ABS) allows steering while braking.

Off-Road Recovery
The vehicle’s right wheels can drop off the edge of a road onto the shoulder while driving. Follow these tips:

1. Ease off the accelerator and then, if there is nothing in the way, steer the vehicle so that it straddles the edge of the pavement.
2. Turn the steering wheel about one-eighth of a turn, until the right front tire contacts the pavement edge.
3. Turn the steering wheel to go straight down the roadway.

FAQ’s