During General Motors’ earnings name in late April 2023, CEO Mary Barra confirmed that the Chevrolet Bolt and Bolt EUV would be discontinued by the end of 2023. However, each fashions have lately reached the manufacturing and gross sales information GM was aiming for since Bolt’s launch in 2016. The Chevrolet Bolt, a hatchback, and the Bolt EUV (Electric Utility Vehicle), a extra utilitarian variant, sought from their inception to change into standard electrical autos due to their inexpensive base worth of $27,000 and a compelling vary of 259 miles.

Unfortunately, completely different issues stored the Bolt within the shadows of different fashions, particularly the Tesla Model 3. Thanks to a fair decrease base worth and elevated vary, and having fastened a longstanding and expensive battery fireplace problem, the Chevrolet Bolt has lastly managed to change into the success GM has been ready for from the beginning, which made the choice to discontinue it extra stunning. However, Chevy confirmed that the Bolt EV will be making a comeback, so keep tuned as we dive into these particulars.

Updated on February 11, 2024: This article has been refreshed to replicate present Chevy Bolt launch data, in addition to recall reviews from the automaker. Although this nameplate noticed a rocky finish to 2022 and 2023, there was affirmation of a 2025 launch of the Bolt EUV.

To give you essentially the most correct and up-to-date data doable, TopSpeed has sourced data from Chevrolet, in addition to different credible retailers, together with AutoNews in addition to official press dockets from General Motors.

The Chevy Bolt, Although Affordable, Fell Too Far Behind

Halting Chevy Bolt EV and EUV manufacturing brings super obstacles in accessing cost-effective electric vehicle ownership choices. The discontinuation is especially disadvantageous as a result of it compromises affordability, which units it aside from different presently accessible autos. In addition, the Bolt’s preliminary worth vary is exceptionally affordable; customers could profit from further financial savings by availing themselves of an up to $7,500 EV tax rebate in direction of their buy.

GM Has Utilized Its Ultium Technology For New Models

Thankfully although, GM has made an impressed shift towards using its cutting-edge Ultium battery know-how for upcoming tasks such because the Cadillac Lyriq mannequin lineup and others just like the Hummer EVT1 pickup truck or GMC Sierra Electric Pickup truck, which is already regarded as better than the Ford F-150 Lightning. This can solely imply that Chevrolet is shifting forward with grander plans thanks primarily to those superior energy sources from inside planning out a trio (that is three!) of fully-electric SUVs made using what they’ve discovered from this latest know-how now we have gotten our palms on but: The Silverado EV, Blazer EV, and Equinox EV.

• Bolt and Bolt EUV fashions weren’t reducing it: The Chevy Bolt and Bolt EUV have been cost-friendly, though they weren’t spectacular sufficient in design, vary, horsepower, and so on.

Bumpy Track Record Could’ve Played A Part In The Bolt’s Death

The Chevrolet Bolt EV has acquired a combined fame since its debut. While it was the primary to boast an “affordable” price ticket and long-range capabilities, it in the end fell wanting assembly its full potential. This was compounded by recalls in 2020 and 2021 due to fire concerns related to defective batteries from suppliers and producers alike.

Reports point out that no less than a dozen Bolts experienced spontaneous fires resulting from this problem. Regardless, GM executives have continued to tout the Bolt as a primary instance of their dedication to electrical automobiles. In reality, they declare that this mannequin has helped draw new prospects to the model; over three-quarters of all Bolt homeowners have been beforehand driving non-GM autos. From 2017-2022 models, Chevy did voluntarily inform prospects that their Bolt fashions *could* have recalled parts, which was not an incredible search for them.

Chevy Chooses To Move Forward

First, nevertheless, General Motors should deal with creating a new entry-level electric car that will fit into the upcoming Equinox EV line. Priced at round $30,000 out the door and made in Mexico, consultants are desirous to see whether or not this mannequin holds extra promise than earlier makes an attempt by the automaker have. GM is already planning for vital ramp-ups in manufacturing for this Equinox EV. Again, the Bolt legacy will ceaselessly be part of Chevrolet’s electrical endeavor: Just a bit extra distant for now.

• Recall alert: Chevrolet issued a recall for faulty battery parts for Bolt fashions 2017 to 2022, in the end inflicting main controversy amongst homeowners.

Size Matters: The Chevy Bolt And Bolt EUV Were Too Tiny

Although the Bolt EUV can accommodate 5 folks comfortably, its measurement could have been one of many causes for its downfall, as it’s small relative to different automobiles on the highway at the moment. The length difference between this model and its counterpart – the Bolt EV is usually evident in how spacious it’s on the rear, permitting ample room for passengers.

As a consequence, this electrical car fits many drivers’ wants simply effective for on a regular basis driving, together with when touring with kids utilizing a toddler automotive seat. There’s sufficient legroom on the again for youths, too, to not point out how easy it is to comfortably get them into their baby seats.

Although It Had A Hatchback Option, The Bolt Wasn’t Enough

In addition, the hatchback-like form supplies loads of cargo area. However, regardless of these benefits, the U.S. prospects have a tendency to indicate little curiosity in compact hatchbacks in comparison with their friends worldwide, who gravitate in direction of extra inexpensive EV choices. On the opposite, within the United States, the development tends towards extraordinarily highly effective automobiles and large batteries, which interprets to excessive manufacturing prices and longer charging occasions.

Chevrolet Bolt EV and EUV Dimensions

(Specs sourced from Chevrolet)

Missed Bolt? The EUV Is Coming Back In 2025

For these of you who missed the Bolt, its EUV model will likely be returning to North American roadways in 2025. Chevrolet announced back in 2023 that it will give the Bolt nameplate one other likelihood, solely this time with it using Ultium structure. For a 2025 Bolt EUV, you’ll be able to count on this, based on present CEO Mary Barra:

“Our prior portfolio plans included several newly designed vehicles in the entry-level segments and a capital commitment of $5 billion over the next several years. However, by leveraging the best attributes of today’s Bolt EUV, as well as our Ultium platform, our software, and NACS, we will deliver an even better driving, charging, and ownership experience with a vehicle we know customers love.”

Of course, particular particulars for the EUV sequence are nonetheless stored underneath wraps by Chevrolet, as they’re nonetheless within the testing part of this mannequin utilizing Ultium know-how. That stated, you’ll be able to rely on this car providing a greater commonplace vary due to Ultium, with ~300 miles per charge being the standard for the brand as of this yr. This vary might exceed 600 miles with GM’s second-generation lithium-metal batteries, so there may be hope for a fair higher vary from the all-new Bolt EUV. With these upgrades, count on the next MSRP. However, we can not give these figures *but*, however once we discover them: We’ll let .

Other Eco-Friendly Plans Revealed

General Motors goals to get half its automotive manufacturing and gross sales by 2030 to be green-energy-based autos. For GM, increasing this market will mean a more extensive offering of EVs for the patron. They’re assured that the state of affairs will assist scale back manufacturing prices and form the choices of shoppers nonetheless on the lookout for causes to start out transitioning to emissions-free automobiles.

With the target that half of its manufacturing and gross sales in 2030 will likely be of automobiles primarily based on inexperienced energies, GM has outlined a vital path encompassing manufacturing, provide, and governance, permitting it to succeed in this aim in seven years.