Nearly two years after it was discontinued by General Motors, the Chevrolet Bolt EV has made a dramatic comeback.
Set to cost from just $29,990 in launch trim, the Bolt will be one of the cheapest electric cars on sale, following the end of federal EV tax credits.
Originally launched in 2017, the first-generation Bolt was a major success story for Chevrolet, with more than 60,000 examples sold before production ended in 2023.
With keen prices, and the promise of an official range of 255 miles when fully charged, Chevrolet will hope for a repeat performance from the reborn electric Bolt.
A Bolt from the blue
Powering the 2027 Chevrolet Bolt will be a 65 kWh battery pack, which is connected to a 210 hp motor mounted on the front axle. No performance figures have been quoted, but battery range and charging are likely to be more important to Bolt buyers.
The Bolt becomes the first ever Chevrolet to be fitted with a North American Charging Standard (NACS) port as standard. This allows access to an array of different DC public fast chargers, including Tesla Superchargers, at speeds of up to 150 kW.
Being connected to a DC fast charger will allow the new Bolt to replenish its battery from 10 to 80 percent in 26 minutes.
Fully charged, the Bolt should be capable of up to 255 miles, based on Chevrolet’s initial estimates. Built-in Google Maps navigation will take battery charge into account when planning routes, too.
Google integration inside
Google applications form a major part of the Bolt’s infotainment system. Chevrolet’s Super Cruise driver assistance technology is also integrated with Google Maps.
The navigation software will show Super Cruise-enabled routes, telling drivers how many minutes of a road trip can be driven hands-free.
Voice commands can be used to set the climate control, change seat heating temperature, and even operate a remote garage door opener.
An 11.3-inch central touchscreen is standard, which is supported by an 11.0-inch digital instrument panel. To help pass the time when charging, applications such as Angry Birds, Prime Video, and HBO Max can be accessed through the Google Play store.
Back by popular demand
“The Chevrolet Bolt was the industry’s first affordable mass-market, long-range EV and it commanded one of GM’s most loyal customer bases thanks to its price, versatility and practicality,” said Scott Bell, vice president of Global Chevrolet.
“After production ended, we heard our customers’ feedback and their love for this product. So the Bolt is coming back – by popular demand and better than ever – for a limited time.”
The first examples of the Chevrolet Bolt LT will be available earlier in the new year, along with a sportier-looking RS trim for the first time.
Later in the model year, a cheaper 1LT version of the Bolt will join the lineup, with a bargain starting price of $28,995.
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