- Following its discontinuation back in 2023, General Motors is set to bring back the Chevrolet Bolt EV for the 2027 model year (next year), re-cementing the model’s position as the cheapest electric car on the US market.
- The initial launch model will be priced from $29,990, with a more affordable $28,995 model arriving later down the line.
- Compared to the previous Bolt, which begun development way back in 2012, the new model uses the much improved GM Ultium platform – allowing it to be the longest range EV available for under $30,000, with an estimated 255 mile range.
Updated Chevrolet Bolt to return for the US market
The technological improvements over the previous generation Bolt are evident. Battery range on the previous model stood at approximately 238 miles – already impressive for its time – with that figure now standing at 255 miles. The switch to more affordable LFP batteries compared to the old Bolt’s NMC batteries has also allowed Chevrolet to maintain this model’s competitive price nearly a decade on from the original. Recharging also takes a step up, with a maximum rapid charging speed of 150kW available on suitable public chargers – 2.5 times faster than the original. It’s also the first Chevrolet EV to launch with a native NACS charging ports, as multiple manufacturers operating in North America commit to adopting the charging standard in the region.
Once the Bolt arrives on the US market next year, it’ll become a direct competitor to the new third-generation Nissan Leaf, which starts at an identical $29,990 at launch. This EV duo will also outperform Tesla’s new budget-oriented Model Y and S variants on price, which start from $36,990.
Scott Bell, Vice President of Global Chevrolet, commented:
“The Chevrolet Bolt was the industry’s first affordable mass-market, long-range EV and it commanded one of GM’s most loyal customer bases thanks to its price, versatility and practicality.
After production ended, we heard our customer’s feedback and their love for this product. So the Bolt is coming back—by popular demand and better than ever—for a limited time. This is a celebration of what Bolt means to our customers and to Chevrolet. It’s your chance to own a popular EV that’s affordable. So, if you’ve been waiting, this is the moment. Don’t miss it.”
