General Motors says it is bringing back the electric Chevrolet Bolt by popular demand. The “limited run” model, starting with the 2027 model, will offer the most range in an EV under $30,000 and begin shipping to customers early next year.

“The Chevrolet Bolt was the industry’s first affordable mass-market, long-range EV, and it commanded one of GM’s most loyal customer bases thanks to its price, versatility, and practicality,” said Scott Bell, Vice President, Global Chevrolet. “After production ended, we heard our customers’ feedback and their love for this product. So, the Bolt is coming back—by popular demand and better than ever—for a limited time.”

Bolt will join Chevrolet’s Equinox EV, currently one of the U.S. market’s best-selling EVs, strengthening the brand’s position in the affordable EV segment. The Bolt and Equinox EV are expected to account for most of Chevrolet’s 2026 EV volume.

“The Chevy Bolt adds to our already successful EV portfolio,” Bell added. “With Equinox EV as America’s most affordable EV with more than 315 mi of EPA-estimated range, and Bolt offering the most range in an EV under $30,000, Chevy is leading the way on EV affordability without compromise.”

The motivation for bringing back the Bolt for a limited run is clear. From its introduction in 2017, it was a game-changer for GM as its first long-range, mass-produced EV available at an affordable MSRP. It went on to deliver some of the highest customer satisfaction and loyalty scores in the auto industry, at any MSRP, and was a leader in drawing new customers to Chevrolet, according to the company.

“Fans love the space and practicality of the Bolt’s roomy hatchback layout,” said Phil Zak, Executive Design Director, Global Chevrolet. “We took feedback directly from customers to make sure the 2027 Bolt delivers improved technology and expanded features without compromising space, usability, or style.”

The Bolt’s carryover EUV body gets exterior styling updates mainly focused on the front and rear ends, with seven available paint colors and 17-in wheels available in three finishes. For the first time, the Bolt is available in sporty RS trim, with unique grille badging, high-gloss black wheels and roof rails, and an exclusive Atomic Yellow exterior color.

The new Bolt is 169.6 in (4307 mm) long, 69.7 in (1770 mm) wide without mirrors, and 63.9 in (1622 mm) tall on a 105.3-in (2675-mm) wheelbase. Base curb weight is 3776 lb (1713 kg).

EPA passenger volume is 96.6 ft³ (2735 L). Cargo Volume of 16.2 ft³ (458 L) behind the rear seat is expandable to 56.3 ft³ (1594 L) with the rear seat folded down.

Suspension is by independent front MacPherson struts and rear compound crank (torsion beam) with coil springs. The 17-in aluminum wheels get Michelin 215/50R17 all-season tires.

 

Propulsion and charging

The Bolt may have a familiar shape, but it features updated GM EV technology. Drive is by a single permanent magnetic drive motor providing 156 kW and 169 lb·ft (229 N·m) to the front wheels by a single-speed gearset with 11.59:1 final drive ratio.

It is the tenth GM EV model to use the X76 drive unit, with sharing across GM’s vast EV portfolio, allowing for cost savings for the customer. The updated EV features the most advanced X76 variant to date, benefiting from extensive real and virtual world testing, designed to maximize driving range and deliver improved efficiency in cost and energy usage. The permanent-magnet motor uses minimal rare-earth materials for reduced costs, segmented magnets reduce heat build-up and energy loss, and silicon carbide inverter materials minimize energy loss between the battery and drive unit.

The car’s blended regenerative braking system has been optimized for a more consistent pedal feel for both regen and friction braking, a key improvement over the previous Bolt. Software prioritizes the return of braking energy back to the battery for improved range, even if the driver hasn’t engaged one-pedal driving mode. Also improving range is a GM Energy Recovery heat pump for cabin and battery heating and cooling.

The battery system features LFP (lithium iron phosphate) chemistry in prismatic can cells for a rated energy of 65 kW·h. GM is reportedly purchasing the batteries initially from CATL, but the plan is to migrate to sourcing batteries from partner LG Energy Solution for U.S. production of lower-cost batteries.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, about 80% of U.S. EV drivers charge at home. With the average American driving roughly 42 mi (68 km) per day, GM says that, with an estimated battery range of 255 mi (410 km), the new Bolt is capable of handling the everyday needs of most EV drivers with ease. The GM-estimated range is based on development testing and/or analytical projection consistent with SAE J1634, revision 2017-MCT.

The new Bolt will be Chevrolet’s first vehicle to offer a native NACS charging port. Peak charging rates are 11.5 kW AC and 150 kW DC, the latter enabling public fast charging at more than 2.5 times faster rates than for the previous Bolt. With DC public fast charging, drivers can now go from 10% to 80% battery charge in 26 min. The car is also vehicle-to-home bidirectionally capable, so that when paired with a GM Energy Home System, it can provide power to a properly equipped home during an outage.

 

Interior and tech

The refined interior gets a new open console and passenger dash storage, with a new column shifter allowing for more space between the front seats. An available panoramic sunroof provides natural light, accentuating the airy, spacious feeling.

The “driver-centric” setup is anchored by a larger 11.3-in center-dash infotainment screen and a larger 11-inch driver information center with a configurable display. The dashboard has a mix of physical and virtual controls aimed at ensuring that the most frequently used features—such as climate control or audio volume—are immediately accessible.

In addition to multiple USB-C ports, an available heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, and wireless phone charging support the Bolt’s mission to provide “a premium EV experience at an affordable MSRP.”

The new car comes with more than 20 standard safety and driver assistance features, headlined by the late-availability Super Cruise advanced driver assistance system. Standard safety content includes adaptive cruise control, front pedestrian braking, lane-keep assistance with lane departure warning, side bicyclist alert, intersection automatic emergency braking, blind zone steering assist, and auto high beams. An available Tech Package includes an HD rear vision camera mirror, HD surround vision, and traffic-sign recognition.

Its new infotainment system features Google built-in and the latest suite of entertainment apps powered by OnStar connectivity.

With Google Maps embedded with vehicle systems, it gives smarter routing and charging recommendations, factoring in range estimates based on driving style and real-time charging station status. If DC fast charging is available along a route, automatic battery preconditioning prepares for optimal charging performance.

Google Maps also syncs with the late-availability Super Cruise to show capable routes and indicate how many minutes of a trip can be driven hands-free. Enhancements to the Super Cruise-Google Maps integration ensure navigation to the correct lane at exit ramps or interchanges.

With “Hey Google” voice assistance, users can control cabin temperature, seat warmers, voice-to-text, hands-free phone calls, and smart home devices, such as garage door openers. When parked or charging, users can stream, game, or browse the internet using in-vehicle entertainment apps such as Angry Birds, Chrome, GameSnacks, HBO Max, Tubi, and Prime Video.

 

The Bolt will be assembled at GM’s Fairfax Assembly plant in Kansas City, with availability at Chevrolet dealers in the first quarter of 2026. The 2027 Bolt LT gets a starting launch-model MSRP (manufacturers’ suggested retail price), including destination freight charge, of $29,990. An even more affordable LT will be available with a starting $28,995 MSRP later in the model year.