Chevrolet has taken a clever and economical approach to expanding its electric vehicle lineup by tapping into its joint venture with SAIC-GM-Wuling in China. The result is the Chevrolet Spark EUV, a rebadged version of the Baojun Yep Plus, one of China’s most compact and stylish electric SUVs. This new model made a surprising entrance during Chevrolet’s 100th anniversary celebration in the Brazilian market, marking a significant milestone for the automaker’s presence in the region.
At first glance, the Spark EUV is almost identical to the Baojun Yep Plus. Apart from the Chevrolet badge affixed to the grille, very few modifications have been made to differentiate it. Interestingly, despite sharing the “Spark” name, the Spark EUV shares no technical or design DNA with the now-discontinued Spark EV that Chevrolet sold in limited U.S. markets between 2013 and 2017. That earlier model was a compact electric hatchback, while the new Spark EUV takes the form of a small SUV, with a more modern, upright stance.
Inside, the Spark EUV carries over the same digital-forward cockpit as the Baojun model. It features an 8.8-inch digital instrument panel paired with a 12.8-inch floating touchscreen for infotainment, creating a minimalist and high-tech driving environment. In terms of technology, the vehicle is also expected to adopt the same Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) developed in collaboration with drone manufacturer DJI, providing a level of sophistication rarely seen in vehicles of this size.
Dimensionally, the Spark EUV is compact, measuring 3,996 mm in length and offering a 2,560 mm wheelbase, making it Chevrolet’s smallest current offering. The Baojun lineup, from which the Spark is derived, also includes additional body styles such as a three-door variant and even a compact pickup version. However, it remains uncertain whether Chevrolet will offer these configurations in Brazil.
Powering the Spark EUV is a single rear-mounted electric motor that delivers 101 horsepower and 180 Nm of torque, paired with a 42 kWh battery. This setup offers a claimed range of 401 km, measured using China’s CLTC testing cycle. While the Baojun Yep Plus also offers 32 kWh and 54 kWh battery variants, Chevrolet has yet to confirm whether those will be available for the Brazilian version.
Affordability would seem to be one of the strongest selling points of this compact EV. However, pricing tells a different story. The Chevrolet Spark EUV starts at $28,600 in Brazil—more than double the cost of the same Baojun model in China, which is priced around $13,000. It’s also notably more expensive than competitors like the BYD Dolphin Mini, which starts at $20,700 in the same market. This pricing disparity could pose challenges in terms of market acceptance.
Despite the higher cost, the Spark EUV is expected to begin deliveries in Brazil this summer. Chevrolet also plans to expand its electric lineup in the region with the upcoming Captiva EV, which is based on the Chinese Wuling Starlight S. With this strategy, Chevrolet is positioning itself to benefit from its Chinese partnerships while introducing more compact and electrified options to new markets.