2027 Chevy Bolt: The Most Affordable EV You Can Buy
▼ Summary
– The 2027 Chevy Bolt will start at $29,990, making it the cheapest new electric vehicle in America when it launches early next year.
– It will feature a 65kWh LFP battery providing an estimated 255 miles of range and can charge from 10-80% in 26 minutes at Tesla Superchargers.
– The Bolt includes bidirectional charging for vehicle-to-home power and will offer the hands-free Super Cruise driver assist system as an option.
– GM has removed Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, opting against phone mirroring in its EVs, and it will have a larger 11.3-inch infotainment display.
– This new Bolt is significant as the first American-built EV under $30,000, addressing the need for affordable options in the market.
The automotive world is buzzing with the announcement of the 2027 Chevy Bolt, poised to become the most affordable new electric vehicle available in the United States. Just as Tesla’s recent price adjustments left some consumers wanting more significant reductions, Chevrolet has stepped forward with genuinely accessible pricing that could reshape the entry-level EV segment. According to reports from an industry event, General Motors revealed comprehensive details about this eagerly awaited model, which will begin production early next year at their Fairfax, Kansas facility.
Shoppers can expect a starting price of $29,990, a figure that includes destination charges. Shortly after the initial launch, a base LT trim will join the lineup at the same price point, with a sportier RS trim following for approximately $32,000. This aggressive pricing strategy firmly positions the Bolt as a budget-friendly option in a market where cost remains a significant barrier for many potential buyers.
Under the hood, or more accurately under the floor, the new Bolt will be equipped with a 65kWh LFP battery pack. This technology is expected to deliver an estimated driving range of 255 miles on a full charge. A major convenience for owners will be the inclusion of a native NACS charging port, providing direct access to Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network. At these stations, the vehicle can achieve charging speeds of up to 150kW, allowing the battery to replenish from 10% to 80% in roughly 26 minutes. For those using older CCS charging infrastructure, an adapter will be included. Additionally, the Bolt will feature bidirectional charging capabilities, enabling it to supply up to 9.6kW of power to a home during an outage.
Inside the cabin, drivers will find a larger 11.3-inch infotainment display, a noticeable upgrade from previous Bolt models. However, in a move that has generated discussion, the vehicle will not support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, as GM has decided to phase out phone mirroring across its electric lineup. An available option will be the hands-free Super Cruise driver assistance system, which manages route following, automatic lane changes, and navigating highway interchanges. Practicality isn’t overlooked, with the Bolt offering 16 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats upright and 57 cubic feet when they are folded down.
The arrival of a brand-new, American-manufactured EV with a starting price below $30,000 is a landmark event. Even industry leader Tesla, with its highly refined production and supply chain, has been unable to bring its vehicles below this psychological price barrier. The new standard versions of the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y start at $38,640 and $41,600, respectively. This positions the Chevy Bolt as the undeniable price leader, coming in just under the Nissan Leaf, which starts at $31,485. Its introduction is a welcome development for a market that desperately needs more affordable electric options, particularly after the expiration of the federal $7,500 EV tax credit for many vehicles.
The Chevy Bolt nameplate first appeared in 2016 as General Motors’ initial foray into the mass-market, long-range electric vehicle segment. A refreshed model and a slightly larger EUV variant debuted in early 2021. The announcement in 2023 that GM would discontinue Bolt production surprised industry observers, but the company later confirmed plans to revive the model on its modern Ultium platform for the 2025 model year, a promise that is now coming to fruition with this 2027 model.
(Source: The Verge)
