Chevrolet EV1
The pioneering spark that General Motors famously tried to extinguish.
- Power
- 137 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 8.0 s
- Top speed
- 80 mph
- Est. value
- $104k–$125k
About the Chevrolet EV1
The Chevrolet EV1 was the first purpose-built, mass-produced electric vehicle from a major modern automaker. Launched in 1996 as a lease-only experiment to meet California's ZEV mandate, it featured a radical 0.19 drag coefficient and an advanced aluminium spaceframe. Despite a loyal following, GM controversially cancelled the program in 2003, repossessing and crushing nearly all 1,117 units produced. Today, it is a holy grail for EV collectors, with only a handful of deactivated museum pieces and a single-digit number of private survivors known to exist.
Chevrolet EV1 specs
The Chevrolet EV1 produces 137 bhp (102 kW) and 149 Nm (110 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 8.0 seconds and has a top speed of 80 mph (129 km/h).
| Make | Chevrolet |
|---|---|
| Model | EV1 |
| Trim | Electric |
| Years | 1996–1999 |
| Type | Electric |
| Body style | Coupé |
| Country | United States |
| Production | About 1,117 built |
| Original price | About $34,000 when new |
| Engine | Three-phase AC induction electric motor |
|---|---|
| Induction | Electric |
| Power | 137 bhp (102 kW) at 7,000 rpm |
| Torque | 149 Nm (110 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 7,000 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 8.0 s |
| Top speed | 80 mph (129 km/h) |
| Transmission | Single-speed reduction |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1,400 kg (3,086 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 98 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a Chevrolet EV1 worth?
A typical Chevrolet EV1 is estimated to be worth $104,000 – $125,000 (about £78,000 – £93,000).
Its original price when new was about $34,000.
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Chevrolet EV1 rarity in CarSpot
The Chevrolet EV1 is an Epic card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 77 out of 100. Supercars and serious performance cars, typically worth around £100,000 to £250,000. An Epic card is worth 80 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Chevrolet EV1 fun facts
- The EV1 was the first and only car in history to be branded as a 'General Motors' product rather than under a specific marque like Chevrolet or Cadillac.
- Most EV1s were crushed in the Arizona desert, an event that inspired the famous 2006 documentary 'Who Killed the Electric Car?'.
- In 2025, a rare surviving EV1 in non-running condition sold at a court-ordered impound auction for over $100,000, highlighting its extreme collector status.