In April 2023, General Motors CEO Mary Barra announced that the Chevrolet Bolt and Bolt EUV would no longer be produced by the end of the year.
Now, only a few months later, she’s dropping hints that it may not be gone for long.
What prompted the change – both the drop and the plans for a comeback? And when could we see the next generation model of the Chevy Bolt at Chevrolet dealers?
What’s Been Happening With the Chevrolet Bolt EV?
Originally made in 2016 to provide a small, more affordable EV with over 200 miles of range, the Chevy Bolt filled a hole in the electric vehicle market that was very obvious a few years ago.
But now? With improved technology and more models converting to hybrid or electric than ever before, the Bolt may just be too small. It uses old technology with less range, and the recent battery fire issues spelled the end of an icon.
It just couldn’t keep up with the times.
The Discontinuation Announcement Directly From the Top
That’s why it didn’t really come as a surprise when Chevy spokespeople spread the word that the Bolt and Bolt EUV would no longer be produced after 2023. Emails even made the rounds assuring owners that support and services would still be available after production ends.
The first generation of the Bolt has definitely met its end…but Mary Barra has set the expectation for a newer, better model on the way.
A Second Generation of Chevy Bolt on the Horizon?
In an interview with NPR’s Marketplace discussing why the Bolt was being phased out, GM’s CEO said, “I can’t say more because I don’t discuss future product programs.”
This came just after she talked about the second-generation battery technology the Bolt used and how the third-gen Ultium reduced battery costs.
She also made a point to call the Bolt an important vehicle in GM’s portfolio.
While the hints are subtle in word, they’re obvious in meaning: GM isn’t done with the Bolt just yet. We may hear news about the second generation of Bolt before all of the first-generation models have even left Chevrolet dealer lots.
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves – what do we know about GM’s future plans that could tell us more about the new Chevy Bolt?
When Could We See a New Bolt in the Market?
The most important information is that GM plans to release 30 new electric vehicles on the global market by 2025. We’re already seeing new models from Chevrolet in the form of the Blazer, Equinox, and Silverado EVs; however, those are a far cry from the Bolt in design.
But while GM has been focused on EVs, Chevrolet has been talking about new low-roof models – exactly like the Chevy Bolt.
So while we don’t know exactly when it’ll arrive, we’ll eagerly watch our local Chevrolet dealer for a bigger, better version of the Chevy Bolt in the New Year.
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