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$28,995 Chevy Bolt Returns As Cheapest Hands-Free EV

Starting at $28,995 including destination charges, the 2027 Chevrolet Bolt returns for an abbreviated production run. It pairs a 262-mile EPA-estimated range with native NACS charging and optional hands-free Super Cruise, positioning itself as an affordable electric vehicle before General Motors phases it out.

Pricing and the Shortened Production Timeline

The compact electric hatchback Chevy Bolt—which helped shape the affordable segment of the electric vehicle market—is being brought back by General Motors, though this return comes with an expiration date. For the LT trim of the 2027 Bolt, the starting price at launch is $29,990, a figure that includes a $1,395 destination freight charge. Later in the model year, according to company statements, an even less expensive LT will start at $28,995 including destination. The LT tested by reviewers added a $995 Comfort Package, bringing its window sticker to $29,990. For buyers seeking a sportier appearance, the RS trim begins at a base MSRP of $31,600, or $32,995 with destination. When fully equipped with three option packs including Super Cruise hands-free driving assistance, driver attention assist, and front and rear park assistance, the reviewed RS trim reached $38,940.

Despite the aggressive pricing, the vehicle faces an unexpectedly brief window. General Motors is positioning the car as a limited-run vehicle that has an 18-month window before it disappears again in probably mid-to-late 2027. The previous model was discontinued after 2023, but General Motors brought it back because the world needed more affordable EVs, though sales have fallen below expectations and might remain there due to its limited 18-month existence. Dealers set final transaction prices.

Battery Improvements and NACS Charging Integration

Beneath the familiar hatchback exterior, the latest Bolt features new electrical systems and a redesigned 65-kWh lithium-iron-phosphate battery pack. The EPA estimates the driving range at 262 miles on a full charge, though testing yields varying results, such as 217 miles achieved in a Road-Trip Range test. Statistics from the U.S. Department of Energy show that roughly 80 percent of American EV drivers plug in at home, while the typical American motorist travels approximately 42 miles each day. Charging architecture receives the most substantial functional upgrade. The car swaps its predecessor’s CCS port for a native NACS charging port, allowing drivers to plug directly into Tesla Superchargers without an adapter.

On the Road: Chevy Bolt returns for limited 18 month run
Photo: Folsom Times
I’m Replacing A Chevy Bolt Battery At Half A Million Miles!

Peak DC fast-charging speeds reach up to 150 kW, whereas previous Bolts had 55-kW peak rate maximums. The battery can move from 10 percent to 80 percent capacity in 26 minutes on a DC fast charger, much faster than its predecessor which took about 45 minutes for the same charge. Additionally, the vehicle supports V2H charging, meaning you can power your house when the electricity goes out. The car also features automatic battery preconditioning that warms the battery to improve charging performance when a DC fast charger is set as the destination.

Performance Specs and Interior Packaging

A single front-mounted electric motor generates 210 horsepower and 169 pound-feet of torque, offering 10 horsepower more than previous models while torque drops from 266 lb-ft. The car accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds, while testing recorded 6.65 seconds. Testers observed that the reduced torque output gives the new Bolt a more relaxed acceleration off the line and prevents the wheel spin seen in the previous model, yet drivers can still chirp the tires on a wet surface and maneuver through traffic with ease. The Bolt dealt with a rough-road section remarkably well due to its short wheelbase and was one of the more comfortable small cars over that surface. Fuel economy values are rated at 134 MPGe in city driving and 106 MPGe on the highway, with overall mileage estimates ranging from 106 to 134 MPGe. It comes with a warranty of 3 years or 36,000 miles, a 5-year/60,000-mile drivetrain warranty, 5 years or 60,000 miles of roadside assistance, 6 years/100,000 miles for corrosion, and 8 years/100,000 miles for the battery.

$28,995 Chevy Bolt Returns As Cheapest Hands-Free EV
Photo: MotorTrend
$28,995 Chevy Bolt Returns As Cheapest Hands-Free EV
Photo: Audacy

Inside, the layout features a 16.2-cubic-foot cargo area behind the rear seats that increases to 56.3 cubes with the second row folded down. The RS trim includes black Evotex seating with red stitching, multicolor ambient lighting, an updated front grille, RS badging, gloss black roof rails, and 17-inch black wheels. Chevy also put a large cubby in front of the passenger, which lights up at night with optional ambient lighting. However, the interior draws mixed reviews for material quality. Kristen Lee stated that the evaluation vehicle was equipped with a black cabin featuring perforated leatherette seats along with an abundance of hard plastic surfaces, observing, It makes me feel like it’s like a Happy Meal toy. One drawback to the layout found during testing is that when the seat is far forward, an occupant’s elbow hits the edge of the center armrest instead of resting on it. There is no conventional spare tire included, as the Bolt comes with an inflator kit.

Technology Options and Market Context

The dashboard is built around the driver, housing an 11.3-inch central touchscreen for infotainment alongside an 11-inch customizable instrument cluster. The infotainment runs Google-built software exclusively, meaning there is no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto available for easy smartphone integration. Standard features include automatic climate control, adaptive cruise control, and rear park assist. Buyers can also opt for hands-free Super Cruise with automated lane change and freeway-to-freeway navigation as a $3,255 option, though the lane keep system tends to ping-pong inside the lane.

2027 Chevy Bolt | The Everyman EV Returns….For Now

When production ends, the limited-run nature of the program means the window will not stay open indefinitely.