Go to our How It Works webpage.
How much does it cost?
Go to our Rates page.
What qualifications do I need to drive Spark?
Go to our Sign-up page.
What are the rules & policies for driving Spark?
Go to our Policies page.
How do I drive Spark?
Review the Driver’s Manual.
Our Chevy Bolt is fully electric and drives very much like a conventional automatic gas-powered vehicle. It offers the added convenience of a one pedal driving option. Pull the shifter past D into L, and the Bolt’s accelerator operates as both your gas & brake, giving strong regeneration when the driver lifts a foot from the accelerator. In this mode, it’s possible to drive without ever touching the friction brake pedal, maximizing range and control. This method gives you a smooth and easy driving experience after giving yourself a few minutes to get used to it. You still use the regular brake pedal if you need more rapid braking (e.g. in an emergency).
If you prefer the Bolt EV to operate like a standard vehicle, you have the option to drive in D mode which will mimic the creep when you take your foot off the brake pedal. In this mode you have the option of using the left paddle behind the steering wheel to activate regenerative braking.
Charging through regeneration is quite efficient, drastically increasing the range of the vehicle by as much as 80%. The more hills you drive down, the greater the increase.
Push the little button at the top of the shift lever to go into Park.
How do I charge Spark?
We always try to ensure our Spark Bolt is charged up and ready to hit the road so in most cases you shouldn’t have to charge Spark near the start of your journey.
Spark batteries last longer in warmer temperatures than in colder temperatures. You can expect to have up to 500km of range in the summer, and 150km in the dead of winter.
If you take Spark out for a longer trip, you will need to stop to recharge at one of the public charging stations available. While most stations are still free, some stations now charge, and the cost of recharging outside of the Spark home base will be your responsibility. Find a charging station along your journey.
Our Chevy Bolt EV accepts the universal connector on every standard Level 2 charging station, which adds about 40 km of range per hour depending on the level of charge. The charge port is located on the driver side of the car. After plugging in, look for the charge light indicator on the front of the window, or on the dashboard to ensure charging has started.
You can also use the DC fast charging network to charge at a much faster rate. You will need to flip down the cover on the charge port to accept the DC fast charging cable. There are currently 2 fast charging stations nearby: one in Radium Hot Springs (beside the library) and one in Canal Flats (beside the skating rink). General protocol is to fast charge for no more than 45 min.
If you anticipate needing to charge the vehicle on your journey we suggest you sign up with flo and Charge Hub and get their apps on your phone. You can also order a flo card as backup.
It is recommended to charge to a maximum of 80%, especially when fast charging, for better battery performance and more efficient charge times. Once the battery gets to 80% charging speed will drastically decrease as it fills the top end of the battery.
How far will Spark go before I need to recharge?
Spark batteries last longer in warmer temperatures than in colder temperatures. You can expect to have up to 500km of range in the summer, and 150km in the dead of winter. We recommend planning ahead, and charging as you go so you don’t get close to ’empty’. There are hundreds of charging stations in the region, and most are free of charge to use! Find charging stations along your journey to top up your charge.