Getting Started with EVSpark
This page walks you through starting with EVSpark, the free CAN diagnostic tool for Mia Electric: required hardware, connecting to the vehicle, configuring the USB-CAN adapter, and making your first connection.
1. What you need
To use EVSpark you need:
- A Windows computer (Windows 10 or newer).
- An OBD2-to-DB9 (or bare-wire) cable to connect the vehicle's diagnostic port to the adapter.
- Your Mia Electric with ignition on (key in the +APC position).
Compatible USB-CAN adapter
EVSpark supports three families of adapters. The two WaveShare interfaces below are the simplest and the most affordable:
USB-CAN-A
(recommended, economical, STM32) — single-channel interface, ideal for Mia diagnostics.
Buy USB-CAN-A (~€30) USB-CAN-A DocumentationUSB-CAN-B
(dual-channel, high-performance) — advanced interface with more features and better stability.
Buy USB-CAN-B USB-CAN-B DocumentationDrivers for these interfaces can be downloaded from the homepage download section.
Since version 3.8, EVSpark also recognises IXXAT adapters through the HMS VCI driver — useful if you already own one, but there is no need to buy one for the Mia. Unlike the two interfaces above, that driver is not bundled in the portable executable: it must be installed on the machine. Adapter detection is verified, and communication was validated on a vehicle on 25 October 2026.
Recommended OBD2 cable
OBD2 16-pin to bare wire cable — This cable greatly facilitates the connection between your Mia Electric's OBD2 port and the USB-CAN interface.
2. OBD2 connection
The Mia's OBD2 port is located under the steering column. Here are the pins used:
| Pin | Signal |
|---|---|
| Pin 6 (Green) | CAN_H |
| Pin 14 (Brown/White) | CAN_L |
| Pin 4 or 5 | GND (ground — optional, improves reliability) |
| Pin 16 (Green/White) | +12V (optional power) |
Connect the USB-CAN-A adapter to these pins, then plug it into a USB port on your computer.
3. USB-CAN-A adapter configuration
Essential step — one-time setup
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
CAN Mode |
Normal |
Protocol |
Variable length |
CAN Baud Rate |
500k |
Once the settings are saved, close the USBCAN utility. The configuration is persistent — you won't need to redo it on subsequent uses.
4. Launching EVSpark
EVSpark is portable software: no installation required, it runs directly from the executable. You can even use it from a USB stick.
- Launch EVSpark.exe. If your antivirus flags a false positive, see our antivirus help page.
- Select your language from the menu (Français, English, Deutsch).
- In the Connection tab, select the adapter type (WaveShare USB-CAN-A) and the corresponding COM port.
- Click Connect.
If the connection succeeds, CAN frames should scroll in the Frames tab. The Vehicle tab shows the overall state of the Mia: BMS, battery, motor, charger, ABS, doors, odometer.
Advanced features
- Save your diagnostic sessions.
- Export data to CSV format.
- View fault code history.
5. Common issues
- Make sure the vehicle ignition is on.
- Double-check the three settings in the USBCAN utility (Normal, Variable length, 500k).
- Verify the OBD2 wiring (pins 6 and 14).
- In Windows Device Manager, check that the adapter is recognized and not already in use by another program.
- Try a different USB port.
- EVSpark is free, open-source software compiled with PyInstaller, which sometimes triggers false positives. The source code is available and can be audited.
- antivirus help page
Questions, feedback, unexpected behavior? Write to contact@evspark.fr.