SparkevBlogspot said:
There's no set formula on year vs miles. What's important is how much battery capacity it has, because heavily abused would have much lower capacity even with newer year and low miles. Worst abuse would be charging it to 100%, disconnect from charging, let it sit under 100F+ degree heat day after day. This could happen for many months a year in hot parts of CA, such as Palm Springs.
If the dealer (or used car lot) had it charged to 100% and let it sit under the sun like they do with gassers, that would be an example of abuse. Another is an owner who charges to full, disconnect, then goes away for days/weeks frequently and let the car sit in hot temperature (ie, summer vacations).
To determine capacity, you have to charge to 100%, then drive for about 50% (about 30 miles at 70 MPH). Energy screen on center display will show you % used and kWh used since last charged to full 100%. Divide kWh by % to estimate full battery capacity. You can do it with fewer miles/%, but that will give less accurate answer, and more miles/% more accurate.
Here are my average monthly results using the method outlined above:
2014 Spark EV 2 LT no DCFC
Mar 2016: 18.94 kWh, 106 mile range.
Mar 2017: 17.34 kWh, 99 mile range.
5400 miles covered Mar 16 through Mar 17. March 2017 Ending ODO was 9,829 miles.
2015 Spark EV 2LT with DCFC
Mar 2016: 17.39 kWh, 100 mile range
Mar 2017: 17.10 kWh, 98 mile range
8400 miles covered Mar 2016 through Mar 2017. March 2017 ending ODO was 16,813 miles.
All of my data shows the battery in the 2014 Spark EV is degrading faster than the 2015.
My suggestion would be to find a 2015 Spark EV 2LT with DCFC that is low mileage and is clean.
Note: I have no intention of getting rid of my 2014. Rather, when the battery degrades to the point where it impacts my ability to get to my local destinations, I will just have the battery pack replaced. The car has been problem-free and is more fun than I have had in a vehicle for many decades. The 2015 has been trouble-free too and is also just as much fun to drive. Personally, I think Chevy made a BIG mistake by not keeping the Spark EV in production. It can't be beat for local in-town use and is much more electrically efficient than the Bolt.