May 1, 2026

The original Chevrolet Bolt, like many GM cars, never quite got the recognition it deserved. Despite its insanely low starting price and excellent range, people always seemed to overlook it in the affordable EV conversation (even though it sold pretty well up until its demise in 2023). I really hope that doesn’t happen this time around, because the new Bolt is more compelling than ever.

Before, you could get the Bolt either as a hatchback or a slightly bigger hatchback made to look like a crossover (Chevy called it the Bolt EUV). For 2027, the hatchback body has been dropped, with only the crossover body remaining. Chevy simply calls it the Bolt this time around, without the EV or EUV moniker.

Going by the proportions and the shape of the body, the new Bolt seems to be a very heavy refresh rather than an entirely new car. The biggest differences, visually, come at the front and rear fascias, which get different bumpers and updated lighting. The inside’s been given some updates, too. There’s an 11-inch instrument cluster for the driver and an 11.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, according to InsideEVs (up 3.0 inches and 1.3 inches over the prior generation car). Other changes include the gear selector, which is now located on the right side steering column stalk, and a reconfigured center console.

For The “pics Or It Didn’t Happen” Crowd. Scenes From The #chevy #bolt Reveal. (3)
Chevrolet

There are more changes underneath the skin. The biggest is the switch to a NACS charging port, allowing it to be charged without an adapter at Tesla Supercharging stations (GM has had a deal with Tesla to support this function for the past year). GM hasn’t said anything about the battery tech or motor, but a Wall Street Journal report from earlier this year says the batteries will, initially, come from China. LG, which has a deal with GM, will start supplying U.S.-built packs from its Tennessee plant starting in 2027.

The new Bolt will also charge much more quickly than the old car. Chevy says the 2027 Bolt can go from 10 to 80% charged in just 26 minutes, with a peak charging rate of 150 kW, nearly three times the old car’s 55 kW charging rate, according to InsideEVs. There’s no word on whether the Bolt will retain its single-motor, front-drive layout, but all signs point to that being the case. The car is reportedly now rated at 210 horsepower (10 more than before).

GM held a launch event for influencers yesterday, giving attendees an opportunity to see the car in person and sharing the two biggest details EV buyers care about: price and range. GM told guests that the new Bolt will be able to travel an estimated 255 miles on a charge, slightly better than the outgoing Bolt EUV’s 247 miles. That’s not exactly a mind-blowing number, but once you see the price, you’ll understand.

For The “pics Or It Didn’t Happen” Crowd. Scenes From The #chevy #bolt Reveal. (2)
Chevrolet

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt Launch edition will start at $29,990, including destination, when it goes on sale early next year. Two months later, the base LT trim will begin production at GM’s Fairfax assembly plant in Kansas, starting at $28,995. That’ll make it the second-cheapest electric car you can get in America, being just a couple of thousand dollars more expensive than the new Nissan Leaf.

That means the new Bolt will only be $200 more expensive than the old one that left production two years ago, despite all the new tech and two years’ worth of inflation and tariff drama, which is pretty incredible. Of course, this is before you factor in the federal tax credits. Now that they’re gone, you could say the new Bolt is actually $7,300 more expensive.

Like the Bolts before it, this new one won’t be great at any one metric, but rather just a solid choice for those looking for an economical, usable EV on a budget. The new Bolt undercuts Tesla’s new cheapest car, the Model 3 Standard, by nearly $10,000 (though you do get a good deal more range with the Model 3). Which one you go for will depend on whether you care about things like power mirrors, which aren’t a thing on the Tesla.

Top graphic image: Chevrolet

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The post The New Chevy Bolt Looks A Lot Like The Old One But I Don’t Care Because It’s Still A Good Value appeared first on The Autopian.

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