Does Chevy Bolt use an Ultium battery?
Yes—newer Chevy Bolt models use GM’s Ultium battery platform, while the earliest Bolts relied on LG Chem cells and were not Ultium.
Understanding Ultium and its relation to the Bolt
Ultium is GM’s modular battery system designed to scale across a wide range of electric vehicles. It groups large-format pouch cells into modules and packs, enabling flexible pack sizes and potential cost efficiencies. The Bolt’s transition to Ultium reflects GM’s broader plan to unify its EV architecture across its lineup.
Key characteristics and implications for the Bolt include:
- Modular packs: Ultium packs use modules of pouch cells that can be sized to fit different vehicles, including the Bolt.
- Production and sourcing: Cells are produced by Ultium Cells LLC, a GM–LG partnership, to supply multiple GM electric models.
- Chemistry and energy density: Ultium employs nickel-rich chemistries designed to maximize energy density and range for GM’s EVs.
- Platform consolidation: The Ultium approach aims to reduce parts count and simplify manufacturing across GM’s EV portfolio.
For Bolt buyers and owners, the shift to Ultium means newer model years increasingly share a common battery architecture with GM’s other EVs, which can affect warranty coverage, servicing, and resale expectations.
Bolt battery history by model year
GM’s Bolt lineup has evolved from an LG Chem-based pack to Ultium-based packs as part of the company’s broader electrification strategy. Here is a concise model-year breakdown.
- 2017–2021 Bolt EV: Battery pack built with LG Chem cells (not Ultium), with 60–66 kWh configurations depending on the year and trim.
- 2022–present Bolt EUV and refreshed Bolt: Switched to Ultium-based battery packs as part of GM’s Ultium platform rollout.
In practical terms, the latest Bolt models are built around Ultium battery technology, while earlier Bolts used the LG Chem-based packs. If you’re evaluating a Bolt today, the model year is a reliable indicator of whether Ultium is involved.
What Ultium means for Bolt owners and potential buyers
Understanding Ultium helps buyers gauge compatibility, maintenance, and long-term ownership considerations. The Ultium-based Bolts align with GM’s strategy to streamline service, warranties, and parts across its electric-vehicle family.
- Model-year indicator: 2017–2021 Bolts used LG Chem packs; 2022+ Bolts use Ultium-based packs.
- Warranty considerations: GM typically offers robust high-voltage battery warranties for its EVs; verify current terms with a dealer for Ultium-based Bolts.
For shoppers, the takeaway is straightforward: if Ultium is important to you, target a 2022 model year or newer Bolt (EUV or updated EV); if you’re considering an earlier Bolt, confirm the battery specification with the seller or Chevrolet dealership.
Summary
The Chevy Bolt’s battery story starts with LG Chem cells in the early years and shifts to GM’s Ultium platform in recent model years. This reflects GM’s move to a unified, modular battery approach across its electric-vehicle lineup, bringing newer Bolts in line with the rest of the company’s EV family while preserving the Bolt’s value proposition for range-conscious buyers.
