2027 Chevy Bolt Returns with All-New LFP Battery & Upgrades
▼ Summary
– The Chevrolet Bolt was a popular, affordable electric vehicle with over 200 miles of range and enjoyable driving performance from 2017 to 2023.
– Despite a costly battery recall, the Bolt became General Motors’ best-selling EV until GM announced its discontinuation in 2023 due to factory repurposing.
– Following strong negative feedback from EV enthusiasts and owners, GM CEO Mary Barra reversed the decision and promised to revive the Bolt with a new battery.
– The 2027 model year Bolt will retain a similar exterior design but feature a new 65 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery pack and updated trim levels.
– The new Bolt offers faster charging up to 150 kW, 26-minute 10–80% charging, bidirectional charging capability, and an estimated 255-mile range, slightly less than the 2023 version.
The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt is making a highly anticipated comeback, bringing with it a host of significant upgrades designed to enhance performance, charging speed, and overall value in the competitive electric vehicle market. This revival comes after a strong public response to the model’s initial discontinuation, prompting General Motors to reintroduce the popular EV with a fresh approach under the hood.
From its debut, the Bolt earned a loyal following by offering more than 200 miles of range at an accessible price point. Drivers and reviewers alike praised its spirited handling, noting that on the right tires, it could hold its own against sporty competitors like the Volkswagen Golf GTI. Although its earlier versions were hampered by relatively slow charging, the Bolt still managed to carve out a reputation as a practical and fun-to-drive electric car, becoming GM’s top-selling EV for several years.
That success, however, was tempered by a major battery recall affecting thousands of vehicles due to manufacturing defects in certain cells. Despite this setback, the Bolt maintained a strong presence, until GM revealed plans to end production and repurpose its assembly plant. The announcement was met with considerable disappointment from electric vehicle advocates and Bolt owners, leading CEO Mary Barra to reverse course just months later. She confirmed the model would return, this time equipped with a new battery architecture.
Now, specific details have emerged about what to expect when the Bolt re-enters the market in late 2026 as a 2027 model. Externally, the car will retain a familiar appearance, though it will be offered in several vibrant new colors and an additional trim level. The real changes lie beneath the surface, starting with a 65 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) prismatic battery, replacing the previous nickel cobalt aluminum chemistry.
This new battery supports faster charging, accepting up to 150 kW through its NACS charging port. According to Chevrolet, replenishing the battery from 10 to 80 percent should take approximately 26 minutes. It also introduces bidirectional charging capabilities, enabling vehicle-to-home power transfer when paired with a compatible wallbox. While the estimated range dips slightly to 255 miles, a few miles less than the final 2023 model, the improvements in charging flexibility and battery longevity are expected to more than compensate.
(Source: Ars Technica)
