The 2014 Chevy Spark EV Is an Electric Car Sleeper

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Electric and hybrid vehicles are going to be far more prevalent in the near future, which means that many new car buyers will be somewhat limited on choices. However, many electric vehicles are well out of the price range of most prospective buyers’ budgets and the used car market for them isn’t that much better. Unless you do a little digging.

There is one EV gem in the used electric car spectrum and it’s not made by Tesla or Nissan. It’s the 2014 Chevrolet Spark EV, and from what we can tell, it’s quite the electric car sleeper.

“The small block of the electric segment”

2014 Chevy Spark | Chevrolet

What makes the 2014 Chevy Spark EV so great isn’t the mere fact that it was an electric car that debuted at a time when EVs weren’t that popular. Instead, what makes it interesting is the power that it puts out. Under the hood of this pint-sized electric car is an electric motor that’s paired to a 21-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, a combination that’s good for 140 hp and a whooping 400 lb-ft of torque.

For reference, that’s almost the same amount of torque that the Chevrolet Camaro SS produces from its massive V8 engine. But what’s even better is that the Spark EV produces that torque from the moment you step on the accelerator. We think Car and Driver said it best when they described the Spark EV as “the small-block of the electric car segment.”

The Spark EV was quicker than its gas-only counterpart

2014 Chevy Spark interior
2014 Chevy Spark | Chevrolet

With all of that torque, you would expect the Spark EV to be pretty quick, and it was. According to Car and Driver’s testing, the electric-powered Spark was able to get from 0 to 60 mph in just 7.9 seconds. That was almost four seconds quicker than its gas-powered counterpart and pretty good considering the car weighed about 3,000 pounds. The gas-only Spark weighed around 600 pounds less.

Like most electric cars, the Spark EV’s battery sits low in the chassis, under the rear-seat area. The placement makes for a lower center of gravity in addition to better weight distribution, giving the Spark EV a near 50/50 front and rear balance. That doesn’t necessarily mean that it could handle like a sports car, however, Car and Driver did note that it was fun to drive around town, and speeding up for yellow lights was downright effortless.

As far as the car’s range, the Spark EV is rated for up to 82 miles and it can be recharged with a 240-volt charger in just seven hours. For those without a 240-volt outlet, the Spark EV could be recharged using a normal 110-volt plug, but that process can take as long as 20 hours, according to Edmunds.

What happened to the Spark EV?

2014 Chevy Spark instrument panel
2014 Chevy Spark | Chevrolet

GM ended production of the Spark EV in 2017 to make room for the Chevy Bolt, which was more practical and efficient (238-mile range). However, the fact that it was produced for two model years means that you can currently find a Spark EV for sale on the used market.

A search on Autotrader reveals that there are currently 70 listings nationwide. Many Spark EVs are being listed for sale between $6,000 and $12,000. Anyone looking for a cheap way to get into an EV in the future should probably take note, as the Spark EV is quite the hidden EV gem.

RELATED: Chevy Volt vs. Spark EV: The Volt Loses, 2 States to 50

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The Best Plug-In Hybrids to Overcome Your Range Anxiety According to TrueCar

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Not everyone is ready to get behind the wheel of an electric vehicle (EV). After all, driving an EV can be intimidating. What happens if it runs out of power? The good news is that choosing a plug-in hybrid instead of an EV can stop range anxiety. Even better, TrueCar recently revealed its picks for the best new plug-in hybrids. Let’s find out what they are.

What’s the difference between a plug-in hybrid and an EV?

First things first, let’s talk about the difference between a plug-in hybrid and an EV. While a plug-in hybrid comes equipped with a gasoline-powered engine and a larger battery than your average car, an EV comes equipped with an even larger battery and an electric motor, Edmunds reports. Further, while an EV runs purely on electricity, a plug-in hybrid will use gas once its battery is low on power. 

Here’s the thing about EVs, though. Because they run on electricity alone, driving one can lead to something called range anxiety, which is the feeling an EV owner experiences when their car is low on power, and there isn’t a charging station nearby.

When it comes down to it, J.D. Power reports, range anxiety can leave an EV owner worrying over whether or not they’re about to be stranded. The good news is that choosing a plug-in hybrid over an EV can help car owners overcome range anxiety.

The 2021 Volvo V60 Recharge is one of the best plug-in hybrids

2021 Volvo V60 | Volvo

As for the best plug-in hybrids to overcome range anxiety? TrueCar reports there are several new plug-in hybrids worth considering. In fact, among them are new cars like the 2021 Volvo V60 Recharge. This year’s model comes equipped with a direct-injected turbo and supercharged engine with an 87-hp electric motor for a combined 415-hp. Also standard with all-wheel drive, the 2021 Volvo V60 Recharge delivers an EPA-estimated 30 mpg combined city/highway and 69 MPGe combined city/highway.

But the 2021 Volvo V60 Recharge didn’t just make TrueCar’s list because of its fuel-sipping powertrain and electric motor. Volvo is known for its commitment to safety and premium amenities, and the 2021 Volvo V60 Recharge is proof of that, TrueCar reports. Not only is this year’s model an IIHS Top Safety Pick+, but it also features premium amenities such as a standard hands-free tailgate, a leather-trimmed interior, and WiFi access.

The 2021 Toyota Prius Prime is an affordable plug-in hybrid

A red 2021 Toyota Prius Prime parked
2021 Toyota Prius Prime | Toyota

TrueCar also included the 2021 Toyota Prius Prime among its picks for the best plug-in hybrids. This year’s model starts at $28,220, making it ideal for those shopping for a new car under $30,000. As for what’s under the hood?

At the heart and soul of this new plug-in hybrid is a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that comes paired with an electric motor. According to the EPA, this year’s model delivers an EPA-estimated 54 mpg combined city/highway and 133 MPGe combined city/highway.

That’s not all the 2021 Toyota Prius Prime has going for it either. In fact, this year’s new model offers up a “comfortable cabin, generous cargo space, and advanced safety features,” too, reports TrueCar. It boasts seating for up to five passengers, along with 19.8 cubic feet of cargo space. And when it comes to safety? This year’s model is standard with a slew of driver-assist safety features and was given a five-star overall safety rating by the NHTSA.

The 2021 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid is the best of its kind

A grey 2021 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In parked
2021 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In | Hyundai

For the best new plug-in hybrid, look no further than the 2021 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid. TrueCar reports that the Ioniq is the absolute best of its kind when it comes to new plug-in hybrids. It’s powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that comes paired with a lithium-ion polymer battery and, according to Hyundai, boasts a combined battery and gas range of up to 620 miles. It starts at only $26,700 too. 

The 2021 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid also features a comfortable cabin with plenty of features, TrueCar reports. In fact, opt for this year’s model, and you’ll find yourself enjoying standard features like paddle shifters with regenerative braking technology, push-button start, heated front seats, and an 8-inch touchscreen display featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Which new car is the best fit for you?

If you aren’t quite ready to get behind the wheel of a full-fledged EV, choosing a plug-in hybrid instead makes for a great option. And when it comes to choosing the best plug-in hybrid for overcoming range anxiety? We recommend taking a couple of TrueCar’s picks out for a test drive.

RELATED: Best Electric Cars: The Best EVs With Over 100 MPGe According to TrueCa

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The 2022 Ford Maverick Is Coming to Overthrow the Kia Telluride

by Gabrielle DeSantis

After the announcement of the Kia Telluride, the three-row SUV was everywhere. Even though the automotive market is going through supply chain issues, the Telluride is still so popular that dealerships mark the SUV up more than 19%. Has the 2022 Ford Maverick pickup truck come to dethrone the Telluride as the most popular car on the market?

How much will the Ford Maverick truck cost?

Will the 2022 Ford Maverick steal the Kia Telluride’s thunder? | Ford

The Ford Maverick and Kia Telluride are not in the same category of vehicles. The Maverick is a smaller pickup truck that is starting at $19,995. It was just released for orders starting in June, but Ford estimates that the first shipments will begin in the fall of 2021.

MotorTrend says that the Maverick has a max payload of 1,500 pounds. The Maverick can tow 2,000 pounds across the board. The all-wheel-drive option increases the towing capacity to 4,000 pounds – with the optional towing package. 

The truck will basically have the best of both worlds. It is still compact enough to fit into smaller spaces and has the capabilities of a pickup truck. The affordable starting price also makes it more accessible for potential buyers. As far as the weight goes, Ford says the Maverick weighs 3,563 pounds and has room for five.

Is the Kia Telluride worth the money?

The 2021 Kia Telluride is one of the most sought-after vehicles on the market right now. Due to the demand, many dealerships have hiked the price up. The base-level Telluride starts at $32,190, which would get you a lot further with the Ford. Not to mention you are not likely going to find a Telluride at that price right now.

One Kia from Rimrock Auto Group out in Montana was listed on the website for a final price of $78,995. The retail price is listed at $53,505. That’s a markup of over $25,490 without any of the tax or other fees included. Consumer Reports says the Telluride is around 19% over MSRP.

The curb weight for the Telluride is 4,317 pounds for the front-wheel-drive option. The all-wheel-drive vehicle weighs 4,482 pounds. The SUV has a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and has room for seven.

It isn’t so much that the SUV and truck are similar but seem to be eliciting similar reactions from the market. The Telluride combined the luxury of more high-end SUVs at a Kia price point. The Ford Maverick seems to be doing the same. Oftentimes, pickup truck prices can be above MSRP and get very pricey when you start adding options. Right now, the top Maverick Lariat trim starts at $25,490.

The body of a truck and the heart of an SUV

To compare the two, the Telluride wheelbase is 114.2 inches, and the Maverick wheelbase is 121.1 inches. The Kia is 197 inches long compared to Maverick’s 199.7 inches long. For the width, the Kia is a little more than five inches wides. Overall, these vehicles are pretty similar in size.

Since the Kia has been around a bit longer, it is getting a facelift for 2022. While the Maverick is new, buyers expect a lot from the truck. It seems it has captured the attention of many potential buyers who want an SUV with a truck bed. Well, that seems to be the 2022 Ford Maverick.

Unfortunately, the popularity of the Ford Maverick will probably follow the markup path the Kia Telluride is on as well. If you want a Maverick at a reasonable price, it is a good idea to place a reservation. The Maverick isn’t going to get less popular anytime soon.

RELATED: 2022 Ford Maverick vs. Hyundai Santa Cruz: Spec Battle

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Warning: This Dangerously Fast ATV Could Kill Young Kids

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Parenting is one of the most difficult things a person can do. It can feel impossible at times to strike a balance between keeping your kids safe and allowing them to go out and experience the world. Many kids have felt a nice rush of adrenaline when driving an ATV for the first time, and parents assume that all-terrain vehicles made specifically for kids would be safer than those made for adults. Unfortunately, one popular kids’ ATV has been recalled because it doesn’t meet federal safety standards.

Learn more about giving your child a properly-sized ATV, a recent recall on a youth model, and more tips about how to keep your kids safe while allowing them to enjoy all-terrain vehicles. 

A kids’ ATV engine size guide

A kid on an ATV | MAHMUD TURKIA/AFP via Getty Images

When parents decide to give their kids the gift of a fun and rideable machine like an all-terrain vehicle, many make the mistake of getting vehicles that aren’t the right size or go much too fast for young children. 

Penn State University has a handy guide that can help parents determine which size and power of ATV would be most appropriate for their children. This guide outlines the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s engine size recommendations: 

  • Children under six: should not use one
  • Children between six and 11: all-terrain vehicles with engines under 70 cc,
  • Children ages 12-15: all-terrain vehicles with engines between 70-90 cc
  • Teens over 16: all-terrain vehicles with engines larger than 90 cc. 

Even if you follow these guidelines, ATVs are never risk-free, especially for children. It’s important to teach your children how to drive ATVs responsibly, and it’s helpful to enroll your kids in an ATV class with organizations like the ATV Safety Institute. Many states have legal regulations regarding ATVs, so in addition to following the above size recommendations, check with your state’s regulations too. 

A major recall on the EGL Motor ACE D110 Youth ATV

Although youth ATVs should be designed with kids’ safety in mind, one ATV, the EGL Motor ACE D110 Youth ATV, exceeds the maximum speed limit for youth ATVs that are meant for kids six years old and up. According to Consumer Affairs, the CPSC voiced concerns about children being able to handle the controls on the ATV, which can cause them to crash at fast speeds, leading to injuries or even death. 

CSPC itself states that about 1,300 of these ATVs were sold since November of 2019, and many online retailers and dealerships carried the product. The agency recommends that the use of this product should be ceased immediately. 

Safety tips for kids and all-terrain vehicles

Reading about recalls like this may instill fear in parents when it comes to giving their child an all-terrain vehicle, but children can still have fun using these vehicles without putting their lives in danger.

TeensHealth offers a few all-terrain vehicle safety tips for kids, and one of the easiest and most important ones is to always wear a helmet. Head injuries from ATV and other motor vehicle crashes are common, and they can range from relatively mild to life-threatening. Keep your, and your child’s, noggins safe with a helmet. 

Along those same lines, it’s also important for adults and children to wear appropriate clothing when using an ATV. Wearing long sleeves, pants, and high boots can prevent severe scrapes if a crash occurs and the driver gets thrown from the vehicle. 

Finally, instill the importance of staying on all-terrain vehicle trails and driving at a safe speed into your kids. ATVs are built for trails, not concrete or other terrains, and this can make them go too fast or become unbalanced and more likely to tip over. As mentioned earlier, perhaps the best thing you can do is have your child become ATV certified before letting them go out on their own. 

RELATED: The Most Common ATV Problems You Should Know About

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