Why did Chevy discontinue the Bolt?

Chevrolet, a division of General Motors (GM), has decided to discontinue its Bolt electric vehicle (EV) after several years on the market. This decision was made due to a combination of factors, including declining sales, production challenges, and the company's shift towards newer EV models.

Declining Sales and Production Challenges

The Chevy Bolt, first introduced in 2016, was one of the earliest mass-market, long-range electric vehicles available in the United States. However, its sales have been declining in recent years, with only around 24,000 units sold in 2022, down from a peak of over 23,000 in 2019. This decline in sales can be attributed to several factors, including increased competition from other EV models, as well as production challenges and recalls related to the Bolt's battery pack.

Shift Towards Newer EV Models

In addition to the declining sales and production issues, GM has also been shifting its focus towards newer and more advanced EV models, such as the Chevrolet Silverado EV and the Cadillac Lyriq. These newer models are designed to take advantage of the latest battery and electric motor technologies, offering longer ranges, faster charging, and more advanced features.

As a result, GM has decided to discontinue the Bolt in order to focus its resources on these newer EV models, which are expected to be more competitive in the rapidly evolving electric vehicle market.

Conclusion

The discontinuation of the Chevy Bolt is a strategic decision by GM to adapt to the changing landscape of the electric vehicle market. While the Bolt was an important pioneer in the mass-market EV space, its declining sales and production challenges, combined with GM's shift towards newer and more advanced EV models, have led to the decision to discontinue the vehicle.

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. 

What is Chevy replacing the Bolt with?

2024 Chevy Equinox EV
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).

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.

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