The new Bolt brings familiar looks, but there’s plenty new beneath the surface
Chevrolet has introduced the front-wheel drive 2027 Bolt with a price that makes it America’s cheapest electric vehicle (EV). The 2027 Bolt LT starts at $29,990, an MSRP that includes the destination freight charge (DFC), with deliveries beginning early next year. However, later next year, Chevrolet will release an even more affordable LT model with a $28,995 base price, including DFC.
While the 2027 Bolt’s exterior design is similar to the 2023 Bolt EUV, it offers improvements across the board. One of the model’s central value propositions is offering the most electric range of any competitor under $30,000, at 255 miles. Chevrolet notes that popular demand sparked the return of the Bolt, which stopped production after the 2023 model year. “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 customers’ 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," Scott Bell, vice president, Global Chevrolet, said.
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A closer look at the 2027 Bolt’s powertrain and driving dynamics
In addition to offering 255 miles of range, the 2026 Bolt features a peak charging speed of 150 kW+, more than 2.5x faster than the previous Bolt EV, along with the first native NACS charging port on a Chevrolet. With this charging speed, drivers can power their Bolt’s battery from 10% to 80% in 26 minutes via DC public fast charging. GM plans to import the 2027 Bolt’s battery from China until it can produce less expensive batteries in-house using lithium iron phosphate chemistry. A blended regenerative braking system, a one-pedal driving mode, and software that prioritizes technology returning braking energy to the battery further contribute to range.
A new X76 drive unit, designed in-house by Chevrolet, powers the model. It features a permanent-magnet motor that uses minimal rare-earth elements to reduce costs, segmented magnets to lower heat build-up and energy loss, and silicon carbide inverter materials to mitigate energy loss between the battery and drive unit. The 2027 Bolt, producing 210 horsepower, will be the 10th GM model to feature the X76 drive unit, but Chevrolet labeled it as its most advanced X76 variant to date. Years ago, the 2023 Bolt had a different pedal feel during regenerative and friction braking, but Chevrolet has made the 2027 Bolt’s pedal feel consistent across these modes.
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What else can you look forward to in the 2027 Bolt?
The new Bolt’s infotainment touchscreen spans 11.3 inches and includes Google-built-in apps like HBO Max, Angry Birds, and more. An 11-inch digital instrument cluster complements the 11.3-inch infotainment screen, and drivers gain more value from the available Super Cruise hands-free driving, thanks to the multi-year gap since its predecessor, which has resulted in additional compatible highway mapping. Chevrolet has integrated Google Maps with its Super Cruise system, so drivers can see how many minutes of their trip can be driven hands-free. Chevrolet emphasizes standard safety features in the 2027 Bolt, including Collision Mitigation, Rear Automatic Braking, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert with Braking.
New interior additions include an open center console design, passenger dash storage, and a column shifter, which creates more space between the front seats. The new Bolt is also introducing Chevrolet’s sporty RS trim to the model, defined by features such as exclusive badging, roof rails, high-gloss black wheels, and an Atomic Yellow exterior with red interior accent stitching. The 2027 Bolt RS’s starting price is $32,995, or $35,685 when adding the tech sunroof.
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Final thoughts
During a media briefing, GM didn’t clarify how long the Chevrolet Bolt’s limited run will last. However, GM anticipates that the Bolt and Equinox EV will represent most of Chevrolet’s near-future battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales, inherently raising the question of why the company’s already planning its end despite anticipating solid demand. Last month, GM announced intentions to cut down the Bolt’s production to one shift instead of two to evaluate demand levels more accurately. The 2027 Bolt will be manufactured at GM’s Fairfax Assembly plant in Kansas City, where the automaker recently placed 900 workers on indefinite layoff. Employees with the highest seniority will have the chance to return for the new Bolt’s production.
GM also stated during the briefing that the Bolt’s return was a direct response to the public’s reaction following the nameplate’s production end. The public’s response wasn’t surprising given the previous model’s U.S. sales figures, which reached an all-time high of 62,045 units in 2023, making it the best-selling non-Tesla EV at the time. The 2027 Bolt’s starting price, which is accessible for an EV, arrives at a time when electrified deals are fewer and far between following the federal government’s elimination of its $7,500 maximum tax credit. We'll have to see if all of its changes and developments result in a hot seller for Chevrolet and GM as a whole.
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