The Chevy Bolt Returns with a Sub-$30K Price and 255-Mile Range

The 2027 Chevy Bolt will arrive with minor stylistic changes, maintaining the recognizable contour of the Bolt EUV but with updated front and rear designs. The vehicle's aesthetic alterations include slim headlights connected by a sleek black trim and a reduced trapezoidal grille below a sculpted panel. While these changes are subtle, they bring a modern touch to the Bolt's appearance, aligning it with current design trends. The interior has been revamped with an 11.3-inch touchscreen and an 11.0-inch digital gauge cluster, maintaining physical controls for climate settings. However, a significant shift in the infotainment system means that traditional phone mirroring options like Apple CarPlay will be absent, instead offering a Google Built-In system equipped with apps such as HBO Max and Angry Birds. Chevrolet's strategic design choices reflect a balance between familiarity and innovation, ensuring the Bolt remains appealing to its loyal user base while attracting new buyers.

Underneath its exterior, the 2027 Bolt boasts significant upgrades, particularly in its powertrain and charging capabilities. The vehicle is powered by a 65-kWh lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery, which, although less energy-dense, offers a slight range increase to 255 miles per charge. This range enhancement is accompanied by a dramatic improvement in charging speed. The new model features a NACS charge port, enabling it to utilize Tesla Superchargers without an adapter, and supports a peak charging rate of 150 kilowatts. This upgrade allows the Bolt to charge from 10% to 80% in just 26 minutes, a significant leap from the previous model's 55-kilowatt rate. These advancements make the 2027 Bolt a more practical option for consumers seeking efficiency and convenience in their electric vehicles.

Performance-wise, the Bolt is equipped with a single electric motor derived from the Equinox EV, producing 210 horsepower—a modest increase from its predecessor. This power is directed exclusively to the front wheels, ensuring a competent drive suitable for everyday use. Additionally, Chevrolet has enhanced the vehicle's regenerative braking system and continues to offer Super Cruise, GM's hands-free driving assistance feature, which now includes an automatic lane-change capability. While the Bolt may not be a performance vehicle, these features ensure it remains a reliable and technologically advanced option for consumers prioritizing utility and safety.

Chevrolet plans to release the new Bolt in various trims, starting with the LT trim priced at $29,990, which includes the Comfort package as standard. For those seeking sportier aesthetics, the RS trim is available starting at $32,995, and the lineup is topped by an RS trim with the Tech package and a sunroof, priced at $35,685. Super Cruise will be an optional feature on both the LT and RS trims, though availability will be delayed until later in the year. Production is set to commence at GM's Fairfax, Kansas plant, with initial deliveries expected in January 2026. Chevrolet's strategic pricing and trim options aim to make the Bolt a competitive choice against other affordable EVs on the market.

In the competitive landscape of electric vehicles, the 2027 Bolt is positioned to undercut its rivals in terms of pricing. At $28,995, it is slated to be the most affordable EV in the United States, priced below the 2026 Nissan Leaf's starting price of $31,485. While the Leaf offers a slightly longer range and more power, the Bolt's competitive pricing and improved charging capabilities make it an attractive alternative. However, Chevrolet has described the 2027 Bolt as a "limited-run vehicle," suggesting that its presence in the market may be temporary. Despite this, the company expects the Bolt and Equinox EV to constitute a significant portion of its 2026 EV sales, indicating strong confidence in the model's market potential.

As Chevrolet reintroduces the Bolt, it navigates a dynamic and rapidly evolving electric vehicle market. The 2027 model's blend of affordability, range, and charging improvements positions it as a robust contender in the budget EV segment. However, the designation as a limited-run model raises questions about its future and Chevrolet's long-term strategy. As the automotive industry continues to lean towards electrification, the Bolt's return underscores the balancing act manufacturers face: meeting consumer demands for innovation and value while planning for an uncertain future. For now, the Bolt's comeback offers consumers an attractive, cost-effective option, reaffirming Chevrolet's commitment to accessible electric mobility.