2014 Chevrolet Spark EV Hatchback Sedan

Chevrolet bills its Spark EV as 'pure, electric fun,' and - giving its 400 lb-ft of right-now torque an sub-eight second 0-60 mph quickness - it definitely is. It also has a surprisingly usable back seat and great connectivity capabilities. With federal tax incentives, it can be had for a bit under $25,000 from participating dealerships in California, Oregon, Canada, South Korea and selected other global markets.

This EV version of Chevy's sporty four-door mini car replaces the workaday Spark's 1.25-liter gas four-banger with a 130-horsepower GM-designed electric motor and a 21 kWh lithium ion battery. Its EPA city/highway combined driving range is 82 miles, and it can be DC high-voltage charged repeatedly without harming its battery.

The drive unit and motor will be assembled at GM's White Marsh, MD., manufacturing facility - the first time a U.S. automaker has built both a complete electric motor and drive unit for a modern electric vehicle in the United States. The Spark EV is also the first all-electric vehicle in North America to offer optional SAE Combo DC Fast Charge capability, which can charge its battery to 80 percent capacity in about 20 minutes. It recharges in less than seven hours using a dedicated 240V outlet, and a common on-board charge receptacle accommodates all three charging platforms - 120V AC, 240V AC and DC Fast Charge.