Normal Motors has formally introduced the relaunch of its common, inexpensive EV the Chevrolet Bolt for 2027, with new lithium iron phosphate battery chemistry enabling sooner charging.
The announcement marks a step change for the automaker, which is positioning the revived mannequin as a limited-run celebration of buyer loyalty and EV affordability.
“After manufacturing ended, we heard our buyer’s suggestions and their love for this product,” stated Scott Bell, vice chairman of International Chevrolet, based on GM’s official announcement. “So the Bolt is coming again – by common demand and higher than ever – for a restricted time. It is a celebration of what Bolt means to our prospects and to Chevrolet.”
The 2027 Bolt will launch within the US with a beginning worth of US$29,990 for the LT trim, with an much more inexpensive base LT variant arriving later within the mannequin 12 months at $28,995, although to be least expensive EV introduced in America thus far.
New battery chemistry, sooner charging
The brand new Bolt addresses what was extensively thought-about its predecessor’s greatest weak point: sluggish DC quick charging. The 2027 mannequin incorporates a 65kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery able to charging at speeds as much as 150kW—greater than 2.5 instances sooner than the unique Bolt, which maxed out at 50kW.
One of many key variations between the unique and 2027 fashions is the shift from nickel-cobalt chemistry (equipped by LG) to the more cost effective lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry (equipped by CATL) on the brand new Ultium platform.
The 2027 Bolt makes use of a 65kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery in prismatic can cells, based on GM’s official specs. The cells are equipped by CATL, the Chinese language battery producer, although GM is reported to have plans to start making the cells within the US.
“With DC public quick charging, drivers can now go from 10% to 80% battery cost in 26 minutes,” GM said in its announcement. The automobile gives an estimated 255 miles of vary and turns into Chevrolet’s first mannequin to function a local NACS charging port, offering direct entry to Tesla’s Supercharger community with out an adapter.
In a notable addition for an inexpensive EV, the 2027 Bolt options bidirectional charging functionality at 9.6kW when paired with GM Power’s dwelling merchandise. GM said that the function means the automobile “may present energy to a correctly outfitted dwelling throughout an outage” when paired with a GM Power House System.
Design and Know-how Evolution
The 2027 Bolt maintains a well-recognized silhouette remarkably just like its predecessor, the Bolt EUV. Phil Zak, govt design director for International Chevrolet, defined the method: “We took suggestions immediately from prospects to ensure the 2027 Bolt delivers improved know-how and expanded options with out compromising house, usability or fashion.”
The inside receives extra substantial updates, together with an 11.3-inch middle infotainment display screen and 11in driver info show, each bigger than earlier than. A brand new column shifter creates more room between entrance seats, and the automobile gives obtainable Tremendous Cruise driver help know-how. Nevertheless, one controversial change is the elimination of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in favor of GM’s Google built-in system.
A winding highway to return
The unique Bolt debuted in 2016 because the 2017 mannequin 12 months and received MotorTrend’s Automotive of the 12 months award. “The Chevrolet Bolt was the business’s first inexpensive mass-market, long-range EV and it commanded one in every of GM’s most loyal buyer bases because of its worth, versatility and practicality,” stated Bell.
In response to MotorTrend, “It was GM’s first pure electrical automotive and put Tesla on discover to launch the Mannequin 3 at a aggressive worth level.”
Regardless of its reputation – gross sales doubled in 2023 based on MotorTrend, reaching 49,492 items by means of Q3 – GM ended manufacturing to transition amenities to its newer Ultium platform. The choice proved controversial with prospects, prompting the reversal.
The Bolt’s return follows a winding path by means of GM’s EV technique revisions. CEO Mary Barra first introduced the mannequin’s discontinuation in April 2023, then reversed course by summer time, confirming at an Automotive Press Affiliation occasion in December 2023 that it could return. “That’s been one thing that has been actually nice this 12 months, and that knowledgeable the choice that we’ll have that again once more in ’25,” Barra stated on the time, based on Automotive Information through InsideEVs.
The automobile will likely be assembled at GM’s Fairfax Meeting plant in Kansas Metropolis, Kansas, slightly than the Orion, Michigan facility that produced the unique. Manufacturing is scheduled to start late this 12 months, with buyer deliveries beginning in early 2026.
In response to InsideEVs, a Reuters report primarily based on UAW negotiations indicated the union had secured a $391 million funding for the “future electrical automobile” at Fairfax Meeting.
Restricted manufacturing run
GM emphasised that the 2027 Bolt will likely be a “restricted run mannequin,” suggesting it serves as a bridge automobile whereas the automaker develops its broader inexpensive EV technique. Bell’s messaging strengthened urgency: “It’s your probability to personal a well-liked EV that’s inexpensive. So, if you happen to’ve been ready, that is the second. Don’t miss it.”
The brand new Bolt will likely be obtainable at Chevrolet sellers starting within the first quarter of 2026, becoming a member of the Equinox EV in what GM expects will account for many of Chevrolet’s 2026 EV quantity.
Photographs ©GM
