The Bolt is Back

The Bolt’s Return

Gather ’round for some good news about an old favorite in the EV world. Remember the Chevy Bolt? General Motors waved goodbye to its production earlier this year, but it seems they had a change of heart. GM’s big boss, Mary Barra, hinted at a comeback for the Chevrolet Bolt, and now it’s official. Expected to roll out as a 2027 model, its production kicks off by the end of this year. This should delight anyone who fondly recalls the Bolt for its affordability and practicality, especially with fluctuating electric vehicle demand.

Budget-Friendly Electric

Ferrari SF90 Spider

GM is pouring a substantial $4 billion into ramping up their manufacturing capabilities, and one focal point is the Fairfax Assembly Plant in Kansas. Back in its heyday, the Bolt was one of the most cost-effective EVs around, with a starting price under $28,000. There’s no solid price point announced yet for the new model, but with inflation and improvements, a price in the ballpark of $30,000 sounds realistic. This wouldn’t just cater to the budget-conscious but also complements GM’s plans to include another wallet-friendly EV by mid-2027. The details of this new EV are still under wraps, but it’s part of GM’s grand strategy to stay ahead in the affordable electric vehicle game.

Factory Overhauls

Beyond Kansas, GM is also focusing on other US plants. The facility in Spring Hill, Tennessee, is getting a makeover to ramp up production. This site currently handles the Cadillac XT5, and it’s gearing up for models like the Cadillac Lyriq. Then there’s the Orion Assembly Plant in Michigan which is shaking things up. Originally designed to produce the Silverado EV and GMC Sierra EV, plans now shift towards regular gas-powered trucks and full-size SUVs by early 2027.

The Michigan plant isn’t dropping the ball entirely on electric. The electric trucks will eventually be assembled at the GM Factory Zero located in Detroit-Hamtramck, alongside models like the Escalade IQ and Hummer EV. This seems like GM’s way of hedging its bets. They’re preparing to churn out popular models domestically, staying nimble in case EV demand takes off.

On the Road

Driving the Chevy Bolt has always been a unique experience. Its compact size offers a nimble feel, perfect for city dwellers who need to squeeze into tight parking spots. The older models delivered decent power thanks to an electric motor with over 200 horsepower. Though it doesn’t compete with luxury brands on acceleration, it’s perfect for those daily commutes. There’s an anticipation that the 2027 version will build on this with better handling, a bit more pep, and of course, those gratifying moments of silence zipping down the road with zero emissions.