Little Chevy Spark EV packs big power (pictures)

Chevy launched the Spark in the US as a subcompact with a tiny 1.25-liter gasoline engine, and this year is using the platform for a new electric car. As is typical of most modern electric cars, the range is less than 100 miles.

The Spark is a hatchback, with four doors. There isn't a lot of room in back, and the cabin is only designed for four passengers.

In EV form, the Spark's front intakes are covered for better aerodynamic performance. The grille plates use a design Chevy developed for the Volt.

Chevy cleverly hides the rear door handles in the plastic panel to the rear of the side window.

At about 12.5 feet long, the Spark EV is a bit smaller than a Peterbilt tractor.

Directly under the hood sit the power control electronics, with the electric motor buried underneath. This drivetrain is good for 140 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque.

As in the gasoline Spark, the cabin's roof is comfortably high and a touch-screen LCD sits in the center of the dashboard.

Rear seat space is a little tight, and Chevy puts a plastic cup holder insert in the middle of the bench.

The drive selector looks like a transmission shifter, and even has the standard PRNDL gate. But it is purely electronic, with no actual gears to shift or engage.

The LCD instrument cluster is unique to the electric version of the Spark, and can display more in-depth information or this simplified screen.

Chevy calls this infotainment system MyLink, but its look and features are quite a bit different from those of the MyLink system in larger Chevy cars.

Chevy added some screens specific to the Spark EV on the center screen, such as this power flow animation.