Chevrolet killed it then brought it back, now we drive it: The 2027 Bolt
Key Takeaways
- Launched in 2017 as an inexpensive EV with over 200 miles range
- A $1.8 billion recall replaced battery packs in more than 142,000 Bolts
- Chevrolet discontinued the Bolt then revived it for a 2027 model
Chevrolet Bolt summary
When the Chevrolet Bolt debuted in 2017, the electric hatchback stood out as an EV with more than 200 miles of range for less than half the price of a Tesla Model S.
“WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif”
The Bolt's run included a costly safety episode—a $1.8 billion recall that saw the automaker replace the battery packs in more than 142,000 cars—and pandemic-related delays to its midlife refresh.
Over time, Chevy applied price cuts, added new seats and updated infotainment, introduced the Super Cruise driver assist, and offered a slightly more capacious version called the Bolt EUV.
Chevy Bolt relaunch
The Bolt became GM’s bestselling EV by quite some margin even as GM developed a newer (not-) Ultium model range.
GM cancelled the Bolt in 2022 as it chose to retool the Orion Township factory for the Silverado EV, and CEO Mary Barra announced the Bolt’s impending demise.
Fan backlash prompted a reversal: at CES in 2023 Barra revealed the Bolt would return with an all-new lithium iron phosphate battery replacing the previous lithium-ion pack.
The revamped 2027 Bolt borrows a drive motor from the Equinox EV, runs a new Android Automotive OS infotainment system, and Chevy announced specs and pricing last October, including RS and LT trims.
In January the company disclosed a 262-mile (422 km) range and DC fast-charge capability at up to 150 kW using a NACS socket.
2027 Bolt excerpt summary
Ars Technica reports it had a chance to spend time behind the wheel of the 2027 Bolt and says it will describe its findings.
“WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif”
The provided excerpt ends before those driving impressions or any detailed evaluation are included.
Based only on the excerpt, the article establishes the Bolt's troubled history and the reasons for its cancellation and revival.
The excerpt outlines the major technical changes for the 2027 model.
It also summarizes the public announcements of specs and trims.
The on-road review and driving impressions are not present in the selection provided.
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