Chevy heard the complaints and brought back the Bolt EV for 2027. The good news? It starts under $30,000 and fixes the biggest problems with the old model. The better news? It charges way faster now and works with Tesla Superchargers right out of the box. If you’ve been waiting for an affordable electric car that actually makes sense, this might be your moment.
- The 2027 Bolt EV starts at $28,995, making it the cheapest new electric car you can buy in America.
- Charging speed jumps from 55 kW to 150 kW, cutting charge time from 10% to 80% down to just 26 minutes.
- The new model comes with a built-in NACS port so you can plug into Tesla Superchargers without needing an adapter.
What Makes This Bolt Different
The original Bolt disappeared in 2023 after battery fire recalls and an aging design that couldn’t keep up with newer electric cars. This comeback version keeps the practical hatchback shape but switches to GM’s modern Ultium platform. That means better technology under the skin, even if the exterior looks pretty similar to the old Bolt EUV.
The base LT trim starts at $29,990, and a few months into production, an even cheaper version drops to $28,995. Both prices include the $1,395 destination fee. Compare that to the 2026 Nissan Leaf at over $31,000, and you can see why this pricing matters. Visit any car dealer selling electric cars today and you’ll struggle to find anything new under $35,000. The Bolt changes that math.
Range sits at 255 miles from a 65-kWh lithium-iron-phosphate battery. That’s a small bump from the old Bolt EUV’s 247 miles, but nothing dramatic. Chevy picked this battery chemistry because it’s cheaper and lasts longer, even if it doesn’t pack quite as much energy as other battery types.
The Charging Speed Fix People Actually Wanted
Here’s where the new Bolt shines. The old model charged at a painful 55 kW max, which meant you’d wait over an hour to go from 10% to 80%. Road trips turned into patience tests. The 2027 model cranks that up to 150 kW DC fast charging. Now you’re looking at 26 minutes for the same charge. Still not as fast as some pricier electric cars, but way more reasonable for real-world use.
Even better, Chevy built in a NACS port. That’s Tesla’s charging standard, which is becoming the norm across the industry. You can roll up to a Tesla Supercharger and plug in without fumbling with adapters. GM calls this a limited run model, which sounds like marketing speak for “we’re testing the waters,” but they expect the Bolt and Equinox EV to make up most of their electric car sales in 2026.
Inside the Updated Cabin
The interior gets a proper refresh. An 11.3-inch touchscreen handles most functions, paired with an 11-inch digital gauge cluster. Chevy ditched Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in favor of Google’s built-in system. You get Google Maps, voice assistant, and even apps like HBO Max and Angry Birds while you’re parked or charging.
Some people will miss CarPlay, but the Google integration works smoothly in other new GM cars. Super Cruise hands-free driving comes along for the ride, syncing with Google Maps to find routes and charging stops. Physical buttons handle climate and seat controls, which is a win for anyone tired of digging through touchscreen menus.
The Bolt keeps its practical hatchback layout with good cargo space when you fold the rear seats. At about 21 inches shorter than the Equinox EV, it fits tight parking spots better. Power stays modest at 210 horsepower from a single front motor. You’re not winning any drag races, but it’s peppy enough for merging and city driving.
Your Window to Buy One Is Limited
Production starts in Kansas City, Kansas in early 2026. Chevy labels this a limited run, though they haven’t said exactly how many they’ll build or for how long. The message is clear: if you want one, don’t wait around. This feels like a bridge model while GM figures out what comes next in its electric lineup.
The Bolt competes with the Nissan Leaf, Kia Niro EV, and Hyundai Kona Electric. It beats the Leaf on price and comes standard with faster charging. Compared to its own sibling, the Equinox EV, the Bolt gives up some range and space but costs thousands less.
If you’re shopping for an affordable commuter car that happens to be electric, the 2027 Bolt earns serious consideration. It won’t blow your mind with performance or luxury, but it gets the basics right at a price that doesn’t require a second mortgage.
What This Means for Electric Car Shopping
The Bolt’s return shows that people still want affordable electric cars. Not everyone needs 400 miles of range or supercar acceleration. Sometimes you just need a practical car that saves money on gas and handles daily driving without drama.
At $28,995, the Bolt undercuts almost everything else in the electric market. It charges fast enough for occasional road trips, works with the biggest charging network, and offers enough tech to feel modern without overwhelming you. For someone ready to go electric but not ready to spend $50,000, this is the car Chevy should have been selling all along.
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