2014 Chevy Spark EV to Open with Post-credit Price of $19,185

Just as EV enthusiasts predicted, now that automakers have begun offering a higher number of choices for all-electric driving, they’ve also begun to do so with lower prices for consumers. The latest example of the trend: The 2014 Chevrolet Spark EV will start with an MSRP of $26,685 (excluding the brand’s $810 in destination fees, etc.); drivers who claim the full $7,500 federal tax credit will thus enjoy a net cost of $19,185; and that mark can be further reduced, by up to $2,500, by state incentives from locales like California.

And yes, the 2014 Chevy Spark EV also qualifies for single-occupant driving in the Golden State’s carpool lanes.

“The Chevrolet Spark EV is the most efficient—and now one of the most affordable—EVs you can buy,” said Chris Perry, vice president, Chevrolet Marketing. “Combined with outstanding infotainment and great design, the fun-to-drive Spark EV is engineered to impress.”

But exactly how impressive is the MSRP of the 2014 Chevy Spark EV? Here’s how it compares to some of the other low-cost EV alternatives now on the road (in terms of net cost after the full federal tax incentive and excluding destination charges and the like):

2013 Fiat 500e—$24,300

2013 Nissan LEAF—$21,300

2014 Chevy Spark EV—$19,185

2013 Smart Electric Drive—$18,000

Now, those looking for the 2013 Honda Fit EV should remember that it’s not literally for sale, only for lease; however, for comparison’s sake, Honda uses a theoretical MSRP of $37,415, resulting in a net cost of $29,915. As for the Mitsubishi i-MiEV, the 2012 model has a net price of $21,625, but no info for the 2013 version is yet available.

Also worth noting: For those who prefer to lease the 2014 Chevy Spark EV, the Bowtie Brand is offering a low-mileage payment plan that requires $999 at signing and makes the car available for $199 per month (for 36 months).

2014 Chevy Spark EV: Quick Spec Check

Along with its affordable pricing, the 2014 Chevy Spark EV also delivers:

• 130 hp and 400 lb.-ft. of torque
• 119 MPGe in combined driving
• 82 miles of all-electric range
• 0-60 sprints of 7.6 seconds
• 7-hour charging times (with 240-volt current)

In addition, the 2014 Chevy Spark EV is slated to become the first electric vehicle in the United States to offer DC Fast Charging compatibility. Although still on their way to the market, chargers with this technology will allow drivers of the 2014 Chevrolet Spark EV to recharge their vehicles to 80 percent of capacity in about 20 minutes.