GM Fired Up Bolt Production Again and the Price Tag Just Got Real

GM killed the Chevrolet Bolt in 2023, and two years later they’ve already changed their mind. The 2027 Bolt rolled off the Kansas assembly line in November and dealers are getting the first units in January 2026. At $29,990 for the launch model, it costs less than most three-year-old electric SUVs and sits right in the sweet spot where people who can’t drop $50,000 on a new EV are actually shopping.

• The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt starts at $28,995, making it one of the cheapest new EVs in America and directly competing with used electric vehicles in the same price range.
• GM equipped the new Bolt with 150-kilowatt DC fast charging, a massive improvement over the original’s painfully slow 55-kilowatt max, cutting charging time from 10% to 80% down to just 26 minutes.
• Production happens at the Fairfax Assembly plant in Kansas City, and GM warned this will be a limited production run rather than a long-term model.

Why GM Changed Course So Fast With the Bolt

When GM shut down Bolt production in late 2023, people were confused. Sales were stronger than ever, with over 62,000 units moving that year and earning the title of bestselling non-Tesla EV. Turns out GM wanted to push buyers toward pricier models like the Equinox EV and Blazer EV. But the market had other plans.

Federal tax credits got pulled for many EVs, and suddenly buyers who were willing to spend $35,000 to $40,000 started backing away. GM realized they needed something cheaper, and fast. Instead of designing a completely new car, they took the old Bolt EUV body, stuffed it with updated tech from the Equinox EV, and called it the 2027 Bolt. Smart move when you’re trying to get cars into showrooms quickly.

What Changed Under the Hood

Battery chemistry is where GM made the biggest change. They switched to lithium iron phosphate cells, the same chemistry Tesla uses in their cheaper models. LFP batteries don’t pack quite as much punch as the nickel-based packs in luxury EVs, but they’re cheaper to make and they last longer. Pack capacity sits at 65 kilowatt-hours, giving you 255 miles of range, which is pretty much identical to what the old Bolt EUV delivered.

Charging speed is where you’ll notice the biggest difference. Original Bolts maxed out at 55 kilowatts, which meant you’d sit at a fast charger for over an hour to go from empty to full. This new version hits 150 kilowatts. You can add 175 miles of range in 26 minutes. That’s the difference between grabbing lunch while you charge and sitting there scrolling your phone for an eternity.

GM’s X76 drive unit powers the Bolt, the same motor found in the Equinox EV. It puts out 210 horsepower. Nothing crazy, but enough to feel quick when merging onto the highway. Nine other GM EVs use the same motor, which is how they got the costs down.

How the Bolt Stacks Up Against Used Cars

Here’s where the math gets interesting for buyers. First-generation Bolts with around 40,000 miles are selling for $16,000 to $19,000 right now. That’s for a car that’s two to three years old with slower charging and the same range. Spend an extra $10,000 and you get a brand new car with a full warranty, faster charging, and the latest tech.

For people shopping in that $30,000 range, the Bolt competes directly with used cars from every brand. You could buy a three-year-old gas-powered crossover, or you could get a new electric hatchback for the same money. Gas savings and maintenance costs change the calculation pretty quickly. EVs don’t need oil changes, and there are no transmission repairs or exhaust systems to worry about.

GM’s first NACS charging port comes standard on the new Bolt. That’s the Tesla-style plug that gives you access to the Supercharger network. Old Bolts used CCS charging, which worked fine but had fewer stations available.

Limited Run Means Act Fast

GM made it clear this isn’t a long-term play. Bolt production will be limited, which probably means they’ll build them for a year or two and then move on. Fairfax Assembly in Kansas builds both the Bolt and the Cadillac XT4 on the same line, and GM can adjust production based on which one sells better.

Launch models at $29,990 include a comfort package with heated seats and a heated steering wheel. A few months after launch, they’ll start building the base LT at $28,995. Sportier RS trims run $32,995 if you want the flashier looks.

Getting a Bolt Before They’re Gone

First deliveries hit dealerships in January 2026. If you’re thinking about ordering one, know that GM dealers aren’t exactly famous for selling cars at sticker price when demand is high. Some will mark them up, some won’t. Shop around.

This Bolt fills a gap that’s been empty since GM stopped building the original. There aren’t many new EVs under $30,000, and the ones that exist don’t offer this much range or charging speed. Whether you’re cross-shopping against used cars or just looking for the cheapest way into an EV, the Bolt is back and it’s priced to sell.