- After several years off the market, the Chevy Bolt is back for 2027, now America’s least expensive electric vehicle (EV).
- A new report, however, says it will disappear again by 2028.
The Chevrolet Bolt is back. But not for long.
Chevrolet brought its affordable little electric hatchback back for the 2027 model year, now America’s least expensive EV. A new report says, however, that production of the Bolt will end by 2028.
The news is not shocking. General Motors told us in the fall that the car would return for a “limited run” without explaining what that meant. Bloomberg now reports that the car will get a single model year due to a combination of factors, including tariff costs and the possible loss of a plant in China.
About the Bolt
- The Bolt was briefly America’s best-selling non-Tesla EV, but was plagued with recalls.
- It returns with a new battery and motor, which should fix those issues.
Chevrolet sold the Bolt hatchback from model years 2017 through 2023, releasing a slightly larger “Bolt EUV” variant near the end of its run. It gave thousands of Americans access to an affordable EV best suited as an urban runabout, but without the service and warranty headaches of buying from a startup. Chevy dealerships in every town made ownership an easier experience.
Except for the fires, that is. The Bolt was a sales success, but a public relations problem. It was subject to an escalating series of recalls over battery fires, with some owners filing class action lawsuits and Chevrolet ultimately buying back some cars.
The new Bolt looks quite similar to the one that left the market after the 2023 model year, at least on the outside. But under the skin, it uses a new battery and motor system found in other GM EVs like the Chevrolet Equinox EV. Those components have been relatively problem-free.
So the new Bolt should deliver more reliably on the promise of the old Bolt. Starting at $29,990 after delivery (with a $28,995 model on the way soon), it’s now America’s least expensive new EV.
A range of just 255 miles might push some buyers toward the Nissan Leaf instead. But the Bolt has the option of GM’s well-reviewed Super Cruise hands-free driving system, which the Leaf can’t match.
Why It Will Not Last Long
- Bloomberg reports that tariff costs and negotiations over a Chinese factory will keep its second life short.
Costs associated with President Trump’s aggressive tariffs did the new Bolt in, Bloomberg reports.
GM also plans to build its Buick Envision compact SUV on the factory line that currently builds the Bolt. Today, GM builds that car in China in partnership with Chinese automaker SAIC. That partnership is set to expire soon.
The two companies are reportedly considering an extension. But GM moving Envision production suggests that the extension is not certain.
For car shoppers, the news is of minor import. Chevrolet dealers will continue to support the Bolt for many years after production ends, so there’s no special risk involved in buying one. Prices may remain reasonable, given the news that the Bolt will be available for only a limited run.
