In an incredibly important move for the electric vehicle space, General Motors has made the 2027 Chevrolet Bolt officially the most affordable EV in the United States – $28,995 and 255 miles of range. The updated Bolt comes very quietly but holds tremendous implications for what it means for electric vehicles produced by GM in the future, as it shows GM is trying to downplay its technological power in an electric vehicle market that is still trying to find a way to charge for technology in the face of less and less ever-changing technology at the heart of it.
Arriving at dealers next year, this Bolt, which returns to efficiency beyond production, is matched with improvements in the efficiency of electric vehicle technology itself, new battery technology enhanced by ultrium technology, and, most importantly, a cost basis of less than $30,000. The idea of electric vehicles being around $30,000 is a game-changer, to say the least, with practical range and achievable charging costs.
The Comeback of an Underdog
Originally launched in 2016, the Chevrolet Bolt has become one of the most popular affordable electric vehicles in North America. It has faced its share of problems, like the 2021 battery recall, which caused production stoppages at times. With the updated 2027 car, GM is looking to create a true comeback for the Bolt.
It is lighter and more efficient today than its predecessor, and with new, more efficient ultrium-based vehicle technology behind it. GM has not released full specifications yet, but has said it will see better charging, improved quality of materials used in the interior, and, of course, returning to reliability as well.
Although the Bolt was not unleashed with the same fanfare as Tesla’s new models, its impact could be equally important. For many drivers who are priced out of the market for EVs, the Bolt is an affordable model and a first step toward mass electrification.
GM’s EV Strategy
The Bolt effort by General Motors is a piece of a larger strategy to dominate the lower end of the EV market. The company plans to have two electric models at prices below $30,000, giving it an edge over Tesla, whose cheapest car, the Model 3, now has an initial price just over $36,990, not counting incentives.
The timing is typical of the changing consumer attitudes on electric cars. With government incentives changing and inflation hitting price levels on cars, GM’s ability to provide a dependable electric vehicle below the 30K mark would give it a big market share among first-time purchasers of electric vehicles.
Industry Round-Up: A Busy Week in Automotive News
While the Bolt’s announcement made headlines, the world of automotive was equally active. Ineos, the British carmaker of the rugged Grenadier SUV, is apparently looking for a site for manufacturing in the U.S. in order to avoid tariffs and make more money on the vehicles. The company’s CEO confirmed that relocating production is a priority, showing the brand’s serious commitment to expansion into North America.
In another corner of the industry, Tesla made waves with the announcement that Model 3 owners can now request a steering wheel stalk for $595. This is a reversal because the stalks had previously been eliminated in favor of touch-based controls. This looks like it is in response to customer feedback that people would prefer traditional driving ergonomics.
Rivian is meanwhile at least looking at state-of-the-art technology. CEO RJ Scaringe announced that lidar, a sensor generally associated with advanced autonomy systems, might find its way into Rivians sometime in the future. This would increase vehicle safety and autonomy, and would bring Rivian in line with industry leaders in sensor-based navigation.
