The Chevrolet Bolt’s history is difficult to follow because it was once one of America’s best-selling electric vehicles. GM nevertheless discontinued the Bolt and Bolt EUV to make room for full-size electric trucks at Orion Assembly.
That strategy quickly lost momentum, as the Chevrolet Silverado EV and GMC Sierra EV received a response comparable to a wet hug. Following several delays, GM instead chose to retool Orion Assembly for ICE-powered trucks and SUVs.
During that upheaval, the Bolt took a brief break before returning with several notable updates and a new production home in Kansas. Chevrolet also made clear that it would be a “limited run model.”
According to Reuters, the run now appears to be far more limited than anticipated, with production reportedly reduced by approximately 75%. By the time the Bolt leaves the line in the first quarter of 2027, roughly 35,000 units may have been built.
The company had reportedly planned to produce 150,000 units, suggesting that reviving the Bolt may have consumed considerable resources for little return.
GM declined to comment on the production figures, but told the publication, “We continuously evaluate market dynamics and customer demand.” Sales have been particularly weak: Chevrolet delivered only 4,224 Bolts during the first half of the year, putting the model on pace for fewer than 9,500 sales for the full year.
The Bolt starts at $27,600, excluding a $1,395 destination fee. Its 65 kWh LFP battery powers an electric motor producing 210 hp (157 kW / 213 PS) and 169 lb-ft (229 Nm) of torque. The EV can travel up to 262 miles (422 km) on a full charge.
The reasons the ‘reborn’ Bolt failed to match the original’s success are not entirely clear, although the removal of the federal tax credit undoubtedly played a role. Its close visual resemblance to the previous model and limited promotion also likely did little to generate interest.
By contrast, consumers have responded well to the Equinox EV. The crossover starts at $34,995, before an $1,800 destination fee, and provides up to 319 miles (513 km) of range.
The revived Chevrolet Bolt is reportedly scheduled to leave production in the first quarter of 2027 after sales fell far short of GM’s expectations. Although the $27,600 EV offers 262 miles of range, Chevrolet sold just 4,224 examples in the first half of the year. The Bolt’s limited marketing, familiar styling and the loss of the federal tax credit may have hurt demand, while buyers have shown stronger interest in the Equinox EV.
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