Everyone wants to know what the next hot, affordable EV is. Electrified auto segments are all hurting for affordable models, and as development costs normalize and materials costs fall (despite tariffs), automakers are rushing to provide. After its discontinuation a few years ago, the new 2027 Chevrolet Bolt could be one such EV.
The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt Will Be An Affordable Electric Hatchback
The Bolt will be back after its 2023 cancellation for the 2027 model year, which means we should be getting a look at production versions sometime next year. Chevrolet has even shared teaser images already. The small hatch, despite a nasty battery fire recall, was largely an affordable entry point to electric car ownership. Chevrolet offered a hatchback and a Bolt EUV, intended to be closer to a crossover in size and shape.
The Bolt did well before its cancellation, even with the battery fire recall the car is best known for. It's pretty easy to see why. The Bolt was cheap, with the 2023 model ranging from $27,495 for the base Bolt hatch to $28,795 MSRP for the larger EUV. Right now, there's an appetite for that sort of car at that sort of price point. A few manufacturers have come to realize this, with Slate offering a truck under $30,000, and Ford hot on its heels.
How Much Range Will The 2027 Bolt Have?
The Bolt should use the most recent GM electric architecture, which should promise quicker charging, greater efficiency, and a NACS-style charge port. We expect the new Bolt will have at least 300 miles or so of range. While the Bolt may not use the latest and greatest in battery tech to help keep costs down, it's like the EV will net a solid range figure due simply to its size and weight. Expect a range penalty for EUV models, should Chevy continue to offer both a hatch and the EUV.
The old Bolt didn't charge very fast, at 55kW, but we expect that to change, too. The Bolt should also make use of a larger battery to help with range, as well. As for power, don't expect much. Affordability is the goal here, and while Chevy may bring more than the 200 horses offered by the outgoing model, but not by much. Chevrolet will likely maintain the outgoing car's front-drive, single-motor layout, but we wouldn't rule out optional all-wheel drive in the EUV.
Who's Competing With The Bolt EV?
The Nissan Leaf is arguably the most direct alternative to the Bolt on sale right now. The Leaf's low price and fresh redesign could prove a real threat to the Chevrolet. Nissan's EV promises more than 300 miles of range, a few trims, and front-drive only. It's almost exactly what the Bolt should be, but we think adding AWD and some more utility from the Bolt EUV could help to differentiate it from the Leaf. Kia will also launch an alternative, the EV3, in 2026.
It's critical that the Bolt nail affordability and range, while also offering some decent tech. Buyers want all three, and Chevy has a lot of work to do if it wants to undo the reputation that the Bolt left with.
This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Aug 23, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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