Why is Chevy discontinuing the Bolt?
The Bolt is being discontinued as GM pivots to Ultium-based EVs and addresses costly battery recalls that affected the model.
What led to the decision
To set the stage, GM faced multiple pressures that influenced the Bolt’s fate.
- Battery safety recalls and the cost of fixes across the Bolt family, which added risk and expense to maintaining the model.
- Age of the underlying hardware and the growing burden of sustaining an older BEV architecture.
- GM’s shift to the Ultium platform, enabling newer, higher-volume models (and shared components) across the Chevrolet lineup.
- A strategic emphasis on longer-range, higher-margin EVs to maximize manufacturing efficiency and profitability.
- Supply-chain and production capacity considerations as GM expands its EV portfolio around Ultium.
Taken together, these factors explain why GM chose to sunset the Bolt while redirecting investment into the Ultium-based family of vehicles.
What this means for customers and owners
GM has indicated ongoing support for existing Bolt owners, while no new Bolt models are planned. This includes warranty coverage, recall remedies, and service through Chevrolet dealers for affected vehicles.
For current Bolt owners, the focus remains on addressing any battery safety recalls, ensuring access to parts and service, and providing options for repair or replacement where applicable. Potential buyers will need to consider the Bolt’s status within GM’s broader EV strategy and the availability of service and parts for any remaining inventory.
What will replace the Bolt in Chevrolet’s lineup?
GM plans to continue expanding its electric-vehicle offerings on the Ultium platform, with newer, higher-volume models such as compact and mid-size BEVs that share components and batteries. The Bolt’s role is being filled by a combination of these Ultium-based vehicles and, in time, additional entry-level BEVs designed to offer compelling pricing and range through scale and newer technology.
Timeline and context
A brief chronology helps frame the decision within GM’s broader EV strategy.
- 2017–2019: The Bolt EV debuts as GM’s mass-market, affordable EV with a respectable EPA range for the segment.
- 2020–2021: A series of battery recalls prompts production pauses and extensive safety remedies, highlighting the cost of maintaining the model’s aging pack technology.
- 2023: GM announces that Bolt production will end after the 2023 model year as the company pivots toward Ultium-based products and a more scalable EV lineup.
GM’s decision aligns with a longer-term plan to concentrate manufacturing on the Ultium architecture and to roll out a broader, higher-volume slate of electric vehicles across Chevrolet and GM brands.
The broader context: GM’s EV strategy
The Bolt’s discontinuation sits within a wider shift in GM’s approach to electrification, centered on a common Ultium platform designed to support a wide range of vehicles—from compact crossovers to full-size trucks.
- Ultium-enabled vehicles share core components, reducing parts variety and manufacturing complexity.
- New models such as Equinox EV and Blazer EV demonstrate GM’s move toward higher-volume BEVs with longer ranges and modern features.
- The strategy aims to improve cost efficiency, scale, and profitability across GM’s EV lineup.
In this context, the Bolt is being retired to free up capacity and resources for the next generation of affordable, mass-market EVs built on Ultium.
Summary
Chevrolet’s discontinuation of the Bolt reflects a strategic pivot by GM: move toward Ultium-based, higher-volume EVs, address the costs and safety concerns of battery recalls, and optimize production for a broader, more scalable electric-vehicle portfolio. Existing Bolt owners will continue to receive service and warranty support, while new Bolt production ends as GM reallocates resources to newer BEV models.
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).
Can I charge a Chevy Bolt at a Tesla charging station?
Yes, a Chevy Bolt can use a Tesla Supercharger with an adapter, but it depends on the type of charger. For DC fast charging, you need a special adapter (NACS to CCS) and must use the Tesla app to start the session. For AC Level 2 "destination" chargers, you may need a different adapter (NACS to J1772).
You can watch this video to see how to charge a Chevy Bolt at a Tesla Supercharger: 59sDrive The Lightning - The EV Tech ChannelYouTube · May 14, 2025
For Tesla DC Superchargers
- You will need an adapter: A NACS to CCS adapter is required for the Bolt, which has a CCS port.
- Use the Tesla app: You must use the Tesla app to find a compatible station, initiate and monitor the charging session, and pay for the charge.
- Find compatible stations: The Tesla app will show you compatible stations. Check the station's information page to verify your vehicle's compatibility.
- Not all stations are compatible: Only certain stations have been enabled for non-Tesla vehicles. Tesla also has a limited number of stations with a built-in "Magic Dock" that can charge a non-Tesla car directly.
For Tesla AC Level 2 (Destination) Chargers
- You will need an adapter: A NACS to J1772 adapter is needed for these chargers.
- Plug and charge: Once the adapter is connected, you can typically plug and charge without using an app.
- Not all destination chargers work: Some destination chargers may not be compatible with the adapter.
Other things to know
- Check your car's compatibility: Not all Chevy Bolt models are compatible with all Tesla charging networks.
- Charging speed: The Chevy Bolt can charge at a maximum speed of around 50 kW at a Supercharger, which is the car's max rate.
- Use the official adapter: Some third-party adapters may not be compatible with all Tesla stations. If possible, use an adapter from a trusted brand or the official adapter from GM.
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.
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.
