Chevrolet Revives the Bolt for 2027 as an Affordable American EV
Chevrolet is bringing back the Bolt for the 2027 model year, this time built on GM's advanced Ultium platform. Production is set to begin by late 2025 at GM's Fairfax Assembly plant in Kansas City, as part of a $4 billion investment to expand U.S. EV manufacturing. The new Bolt will serve a vital role in GM's strategy to deliver affordable electric vehicles to a broad audience.
A Strategic Shift Toward Affordability
The decision to revive the Bolt marks a reversal of GM's earlier plan to phase out the model. Slowing EV sales, rising prices, and consumer demand for budget-friendly options prompted this change. GM CEO Mary Barra explained that while the original Bolt didn't fully align with GM's long-term EV strategy, it was by far the company's best-selling and most affordable EV.
By leveraging the Ultium battery platform and incorporating lessons from the first Bolt, GM aims to significantly reduce production costs. Barra noted that the new Ultium battery pack is about 40% cheaper than the outgoing version. The new Bolt is designed to be cost-efficient, using an evolutionary approach rather than a full redesign to keep development expenses low.
Ultra-Competitive Pricing
Affordability is at the core of the 2027 Bolt's positioning. Analysts expect the base model to start around $30,000–32,000 before incentives. Crucially, after applying a $7,500 federal EV tax credit, the effective purchase price could drop to near $20,000—a price point unmatched by most new EVs on the market.
This pricing strategy allows the Bolt to undercut GM's own Equinox EV (which starts around $35,000) and address a growing gap in the market for truly affordable electric cars. GM President Mark Reuss has even suggested that the 2027 Bolt will anchor a new 'family of Bolts,' expanding the lineup with even lower-priced variants in the future.
Built for Mass Appeal
From the outset, the Bolt has been GM's flagship for affordable EVs. The original 2017 Bolt EV won MotorTrend's Car of the Year for proving that a long-range EV could sell below $40,000. The 2027 model continues this legacy, targeting budget-conscious buyers and fleet operators seeking practical, economical EV options.
The new Bolt is also aimed at first-time EV buyers and urban commuters who want electric mobility without the premium price tag. Its return fills a critical niche, as many current EVs in the U.S. market now start well above $50,000.
Modern Platform with Cost-Effective Technology
Underneath, the 2027 Bolt rides on GM's BEV3 Ultium architecture, which supports modern hardware and software while keeping costs in check. One key to the Bolt's affordability is its use of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery cells—cheaper and more durable than traditional nickel-based cells. This choice allows GM to offer strong range at a lower cost.
Entry-level Bolt variants are expected to deliver around 200 miles of range, while long-range versions could exceed 275–300 miles. Fast-charging capability (up to 150 kW) and modern tech features, such as large infotainment screens and advanced driver-assistance systems, will ensure the Bolt remains competitive without becoming too costly.
Simple, Practical Design
The 2027 Bolt will maintain a practical hatchback form, slightly larger than its predecessor but not as tall as the discontinued Bolt EUV. While the design updates are evolutionary, the focus remains on simplicity and function, in line with GM's strategy of 'winning with simplicity.'
Some cost-saving trade-offs are expected—such as possible removal of smartphone projection (CarPlay/Android Auto) in favor of built-in apps—but GM is committed to delivering an improved overall ownership experience.
Assembled in America, Designed for Affordability
The new Bolt will be built at GM's Fairfax plant, bringing EV production back to the U.S. and supporting domestic jobs. Fairfax is being retooled to accommodate the next generation of affordable EVs, including the Bolt and future models.
Ultimately, GM is positioning the 2027 Bolt as a mass-market EV that can help democratize electric vehicle ownership. By combining modern technology, competitive range, and aggressive pricing, the new Bolt is poised to once again become a cornerstone of Chevy's EV lineup—this time with the backing of GM's Ultium platform and American manufacturing.
In Mary Barra's words, the revived Bolt will deliver 'an even better driving, charging, and ownership experience,' all while keeping affordability front and center.
Editor's note: All images used here depict the 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV. Final visuals of the 2027 model are pending official release.
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