Chevrolet Bolt returns and it's cheaper than ever

09 October 2025

General Motors is reviving a familiar nameplate with a simple goal: to offer an electric car that the average American can actually afford. The Chevrolet Bolt will return for the 2027 model year, and it's coming in with a sticker price that makes it the cheapest new EV in the United States, directly addressing the biggest obstacle standing in the way of widespread EV adoption - a stubbornly high price tag.

The new Bolt will roll out of the Fairfax, Kansas, assembly plant early in 2026. A special launch edition will kick things off, priced at £21,830, which includes destination fees. A few months later, the base LT model will arrive in showrooms with an even more attractive price of £21,105.

This pricing strategy puts the Bolt in direct competition with small gasoline-powered crossovers, a segment of the market that has long been out of reach for new electric cars. The affordability factor becomes even more critical as federal tax credits for many EVs have disappeared, placing the responsibility of lowering costs on manufacturers.

Under the familiar-looking exterior, the 2027 Chevy Bolt hides big upgrades where they count most. The vehicle will offer a range of 255 miles on a full charge, a small increase over its predecessor, the Bolt EUV. This should be more than enough for typical daily commutes and weekly errands.

The powertrain in the LT trim delivers 210 horsepower, providing plenty of pep for city driving and highway merging. A new, sporty-themed RS trim (starting from £23,300) will also be available for the first time, offering a more aggressive look for those who want their practical EV to have a bit of extra flair.

The old Bolt was known for its slow charging speeds, but the new model fixes that problem. It can now handle a peak charging rate of 150 kW - a massive leap from the previous 55 kW limit - and it can replenish the battery from 10% to 80% in just 26 minutes. Chevrolet has fitted the new Bolt with a Tesla-style NACS charging port, giving owners direct access to the largest and most reliable charging network in North America without needing an adapter.

The secret to the Bolt's low price lies in its battery chemistry. General Motors has opted for lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells. The batteries will initially be imported, but the plan is to source them from domestic suppliers in the future.

LFP batteries are less expensive to produce and are known for their durability and long lifespan, which helps GM deliver a sub-$30,000 vehicle without sacrificing essential features. This strategic choice will help Chevrolet fill a void in the market since other automakers seem to have moved away from their promises of truly affordable electric cars.

Inside, the new Bolt is both modern and functional. The cabin features an 11.3-inch central touchscreen for infotainment duties, paired with an 11-inch digital instrument cluster for the driver. Future owners will be pleased to find physical buttons for temperature controls, and the volume knob has been carried over from the old model as well.

There is plenty of storage in the new Bolt - the trunk offers up to {{57 cu ft}} with the rear seats down, and there are cubbyholes everywhere. Chevy managed to stretch the interior space to offer as much room as in the 20-inch longer Equinox EV, and the standard heat pump should help make the car more energy efficient.

The overall shape and size are very similar to the discontinued Bolt EUV, but refreshed front and rear designs give it an updated appearance. For buyers who want the latest in driver-assistance technology, GM's Super Cruise system will be available as an option.

By combining a practical range with dramatically faster charging, the reborn Chevrolet Bolt appears to be the right EV at the right time. It could have been one of the cheapest cars on the market in general, but with the EV tax credit gone, it will be "just" the cheapest EV. Somehow, Chevrolet managed not to cut corners and delivered a truly compelling vehicle.

Via