Summary
- The Chevrolet Bolt EV is making a comeback in the next year or two after its discontinuation, which is exciting news for fans and EV enthusiasts.
- The upcoming Bolt EV will retain its outstanding range, cutting-edge technology, and exceptional affordability, leveraging GM’s advanced Ultium technology.
- The previous Bolt had a short-lived run due to battery safety concerns, but Chevy is focused on improving battery safety for the new Bolt model to succeed in the market.
When the Chevrolet Bolt burst onto the scene in 2017, it rewrote the rules for electric vehicles. Combining a compact exterior with an impressive 259-mile range at an affordable price, it became a fan favorite among EV enthusiasts. Its affordability and stellar package made it one of the top-selling electric cars in the U.S. However, earlier this year, concerns arose as General Motors announced the discontinuation of the Bolt, leaving us wondering about the future of accessible electric mobility.
Thankfully, Chevrolet is poised to return triumphantly with an all-new Bolt EV. During a quarterly earnings call in July, GM’s CEO, Mary Barra, shared exciting news – the next-generation Bolt is on the horizon, promising to retain everything we cherished about the original: outstanding range, cutting-edge technology, and exceptional affordability. The upcoming Bolt EV will leverage GM’s advanced Ultium technology, as seen in models like the Cadillac Lyriq and Chevy Blazer EV.
This technology includes fast-charging U.S.-made batteries, efficient vehicle platforms, and smart packaging, ensuring a swift return to the market without starting from scratch. While specific details and release dates remain undisclosed, expect the new Bolt to share styling cues and technology with Chevrolet’s growing EV lineup, featuring models like the Silverado EV, Blazer EV, and Equinox EV. We’re excited to see the return of a fan favorite.
After A Not-So-Long Retirement, The Chevy Bolt Is Coming Back
- The Chevy Bolt is coming back to markets next year, per reports.
- Chevrolet saw record sales of the Bolt leading up to its discontinuation.
There are reports the vehicle will make a triumphant comeback in the next year or two. After all, this was a long-time favorite among Chevy drivers and worked as a more eco-friendly option upon its 2016 debut. The idea behind Bolt was to give drivers a smaller, more efficient option that didn’t break the bank. This car initially retailed for $26,500, which back in 2016/2017 made it the cheapest EV on the market.
That placed Chevy Bolt in a new genre of electric vehicles, pioneering the way for current “cheaper” models. The Chevy Bolt EV was fun sleek, and didn’t set drivers back $50,000+ like most other electric models had been at the time. However, this run was pretty short-lived when Chevy announced the abrupt retirement of Bolt in 2023.
Oddly enough, the Bolt has become a new priority for the brand, even after the Bolt – which went through a massive recall in 2021 due to battery fire risks, became one of Chevy’s best sellers toward its discontinuation. News outlets reported Chevy Bolt’s incredible sales, pushing against the discontinuation statement made shortly before, during, and after.
The All-New Chevy Bolt Will Have Plenty Of Upgrades
- The 2024/2025 Chevy Bolt will have an improved battery.
- GM is investing billions into green technology for its fleet.
On top of the news of Bolt returning to production lines in 2024/2025, there are confirmed details surrounding interior specs, mainly the battery. Per reports, the automaker said it will “execute [the new Bolt] more quickly compared to an all-new program with significantly lower engineering expense and capital investment by updating the vehicle with Ultium and Ultifi technologies.”
That translates to better battery range and speedy charge times for new Bolt customers. Of course, Chevy has been spending plenty of money on battery development for its EV fleet, which now welcomes the all-new Bolt. Moreover, GM announced this summer that it will increase its EV and AV investments from 2020 through 2025 to $35 billion. That’s a significant step in the right direction, and we can only hope Bolt gets a bit of money flowing into better design, safer batteries, and extended performance.
The Chevy Bolt EV and Bolt EUV had a rocky ending, with many customers feeling concerned about their safety and dependability. When a once-loved vehicle falls in troubled times, this can lead to major shifts in production and management. We’re aware of the Chevy Bolt being redesigned in certain areas, with the battery being the main focus.
Where The Old Chevy Bolt Went Wrong
- Bolts made before the discontinuation lacked battery safety, which turned off customers.
- Chevrolet must focus on battery safety for the 2024/2025 Bolt to succeed.
One of the final nails in Chevy Bolt’s coffin was the faulty battery issue that plagued the model during its last year on the road. Chevrolet confirmed that there was an issue with many of the batteries inside the Bolt, which would cause it to catch fire while charging. The brand even advised customers to park their Bolts outdoors after charging as a ‘cool off’ period. Imagine your car needing a cool-off after charging: it’s scary.
2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV Specs
|
Motor |
Permanent magnet synchronous AC |
|
Horsepower |
200 @ 5,500 rpm |
|
Torque |
266 pound-feet @ 0 rpm |
|
Battery |
63 kWh |
|
Onboard Charger |
11.5 kW |
|
Range |
259 miles |
With this next generation of Bolt, we can only imagine how meetings between Chevrolet execs are going regarding the safety and stability of the batteries inside this newest line of EVs. After all, they saw record Bolt sales heading into the final few quarters of this electric car being sold, meaning there is a demand for them. Chevrolet has the chance to come back swinging, which they must do in this market. There are now many competing models in the EV realm, with brands like Tesla promising to release $25,000-ish cars that could easily blow the Bolt out of the water.
Due to battery failures and fires in the old Chevy Bolt lineup, this is likely a major concern for Chevy heading into production of the all-new version.
That said, Chevrolet and parent company GM have plenty of talent and money to spend on the Bolt and future EV releases, so this should be a promising future for everyone.
GM’s Ultium Battery Will Likely Power The 2024/2025 Chevy Bolt
- The newest Chevy Bolt will likely include Ultium battery technology.
- These GM-made EV platforms are known to be flexible, quiet, and high-quality.
As we hear more and more about the all-new Chevy Bolt lineup, GM has hinted towards all new EVs from its brands utilizing Ultium battery technology. This is GM’s EV platform based on flexibility, quality, increased range, and long-term battery performance. Per the official press release:
Ultium enables a near 50/50 weight distribution of the vehicle and a lower center of gravity, which together result in a vehicle that’s sporty, responsive and allows for spirited driving.
These EV platforms are meant to work across the GM family of brands, including Chevrolet. Ultium has been met with great feedback and is currently featured in models like the Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Blazer EV, Chevrolet Silverado EV, GMC Sierra EV, Cadillac Escalade IQ, and Buick Electra E5 SUV. Again, this isn’t a new technology that hasn’t been tried and tested, with Chevrolet betting big on it for the latest series of Bolt vehicles.
Another major bonus of using Ultium EV platforms is their quietness, with many people complimenting how serene the interior cabin of their car sounds on the road. Chevy is seeing record numbers of electric car sales and production, with the all-new Equinox being a leader of the pack. If Bolt can return with a slightly updated body, safer battery, and lower price tag, this could be the year of electricity for GM and Chevy. After all, if you’re investing billions into electric platform tech, you should be able to see major sales to justify the cost.
