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Why did Chevy discontinue Bolt?

Chevrolet, a division of General Motors, has decided to discontinue its Bolt electric vehicle (EV) after the 2023 model year. This decision comes as the automaker shifts its focus towards developing a new generation of electric vehicles that better align with consumer preferences and industry trends.

Reasons for Discontinuing the Bolt

There are several key factors that contributed to Chevrolet's decision to discontinue the Bolt:

Changing Consumer Preferences: The Bolt was designed and launched in 2016, a time when the EV market was still relatively nascent. Since then, consumer preferences have evolved, with a growing demand for larger, longer-range electric SUVs and crossovers. The Bolt, being a compact hatchback, no longer aligns as closely with the current market trends.,li>
Technological Advancements: The EV industry has seen rapid technological advancements in battery technology, powertrain efficiency, and overall vehicle design. The Bolt, while a capable EV, has fallen behind the competition in terms of range, performance, and overall feature set. Newer EV models offer significantly improved capabilities that the Bolt cannot match.

Shift in GM's EV Strategy: General Motors has announced a major shift in its electric vehicle strategy, with a focus on developing a new generation of EVs built on its Ultium battery platform. These upcoming models, such as the Chevrolet Silverado EV and Cadillac Lyriq, are designed to better meet the evolving needs of the EV market. The Bolt no longer aligns with this strategic direction.

By discontinuing the Bolt, Chevrolet aims to streamline its EV lineup and concentrate its resources on developing the next generation of electric vehicles that are better positioned to compete in the rapidly evolving EV market.

Impact on Bolt Owners and the EV Market

The discontinuation of the Bolt will have some impact on current Bolt owners and the broader EV market:

Existing Bolt Owners: Chevrolet has stated that it will continue to provide support and service for the Bolt, including software updates and warranty coverage. However, the availability of replacement parts and future model updates may become more limited as the Bolt is phased out.

EV Market Dynamics: The Bolt's discontinuation may create some short-term disruption in the EV market, as it was one of the more affordable and accessible electric vehicle options. However, the growing number of new EV models from various automakers is expected to offset this impact and provide consumers with a wider range of choices.

Overall, Chevrolet's decision to discontinue the Bolt reflects the rapidly changing landscape of the electric vehicle industry. As consumer preferences and technological advancements continue to evolve, automakers must adapt their strategies to remain competitive and meet the evolving needs of the market.

Is Chevy going to bring back the Bolt?

The Chevrolet Bolt EV is returning for the 2027 model year with sales expected to begin in early 2026. The resurrected model will be based on the Bolt EUV chassis and feature an updated design, an LFP battery, the Tesla NACS charging port, and a starting MSRP around $29,990$ 29 comma 990$29,990 for the launch edition. This move comes in response to customer demand for an affordable electric vehicle, and Chevrolet has stated the return will be a "limited run".

You can watch this video to learn more about the new features of the 2027 Chevy Bolt, including its interior and exterior design: 1mGeneral MotorsYouTube · Oct 10, 2025
Key details about the 2027 Chevrolet Bolt

Availability: Will be available as a 2027 model, with sales starting in early 2026.
Model: Based on the previous Bolt EUV platform, but it will be simply called "Bolt".
Pricing: The launch edition will have a starting MSRP of $29,990$ 29 comma 990$29,990 (including destination fees), and a more affordable LT model will be available later in the model year for approximately $28,995$ 28 comma 995$28,995.
Range: Expected to have a range of 255 miles.
Charging: Will include the Tesla North American Charging Standard (NACS) port.
Battery: Will use a new lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery.
Design: Will have some updated styling, including a new headlight design, but will retain the familiar hatchback design.

This video provides a first look at the 2027 Chevy Bolt and discusses its return as America's cheapest EV: 49sAuto Buyers Guide | Alex on AutosYouTube · Oct 9, 2025

Why did the Chevy Bolt fail?

At the time, GM suggested that owners of the 2017-2019 cars could keep driving them however, they couldn't top off their batteries when charging. After five Chevy Bolts had caught fire and two injuries were reported, GM decided to recall all Bolt cars and proposed to replace all of the batteries.

What car is replacing the Chevy Bolt?

Transitioning our focus to the upcoming 2024 Chevy Equinox EV, this innovative compact crossover SUV, destined to replace the discontinued Bolt, elevates its prowess by offering alternatives between Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) and All-Wheel Drive (AWD).

How much does it cost to replace a Bolt battery?

A Chevy Bolt battery replacement can cost between $12,000 and $17,120, with the bulk of the cost being the battery pack itself ($16,250 estimate) and the rest for labor. While some sources quote around $16,000 for the battery pack, prices fluctuate, and individual battery cells are a cheaper alternative at about $990.81 per cell, though this is not ideal for a worn-out battery.
Cost breakdown

Battery Pack: The replacement battery pack is the main expense, with estimates for the pack alone in the range of $16,000 to $17,100.
Labor: Labor costs vary but are estimated at around $870 for a typical replacement, though more complex issues can increase this amount significantly.
Individual Cells: Chevy Bolt battery packs are made of individual cells, and while a single cell replacement is cheaper ($990.81), it's generally not a viable long-term solution for a battery that is nearing the end of its life.

Factors that affect the cost

Battery Size: The size of the battery pack is the primary factor in its cost. Newer Bolt models have a 66-kWh pack, while older models have a 60-kWh pack.
Labor Rates: Labor rates can range from $150 to $200 per hour at a GM dealership.
Damage: Damage to the old battery or surrounding system can increase the cost of labor.
Used vs. New: The price of used batteries can range from $5,000 to $9,000 but the capacity and power are unknown, so caution is advised.

You can watch this video to learn more about the cost of EV battery replacement: 1mThe Electric VikingYouTube · Apr 3, 2023
Alternatives

Used Batteries: You can find used batteries in the $5,000 to $9,000 range, but their condition and warranty are unknown, making this a risky option.
Individual Cells: It is possible to replace individual battery cells for a lower cost, but this is generally not recommended for a worn-out battery pack.

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.