First impressions are great, but nothing beats getting to know a person, place or vehicle. That’s why I share my experience with vehicles after driving them for a week or so as a make or model evolves.
I am looking again at the 2027 Chevrolet Bolt, a subcompact EV that General Motors discontinued in 2023 before updating it and resuming production this year. I drove the original Bolt several times in 2016, including a memorable December day when I was rear-ended by a large SUV. Metaphor, anyone?
I recently spent a week with a 2027 Chevrolet Bolt RS, which got a raft of significant technical updates while retaining the previous model’s profile.
What is it? Five-passenger subcompact electric SUV.
Why do I want it? Electric power and convenience starting
under $30K. Faster charging, longer range and compatibility with Tesla-style NACS fast chargers address the original Bolt’s shortcomingsHow long will it be around?
Why you might want to grab one now: GM worked overtime to get the Bolt back into production when fans asked for more of the affordable EV. The greatly improved 2027 model hit the market this spring, but it won’t have a long run. Production will likely end in the first quarter of 2027 so the Kansas factory that builds Bolts can retool to build new vehicles including Chevrolet Equinox and Buick Envision.
What I thought when I drove the 2017 Bolt in 2016
The 2017 Bolt was the Free Press and North American Car of the Year. I wrote:
"The Bolt's price and range could allow electric vehicles to appeal to a new audience."
"It’s the first affordable electric vehicle that appears suitable as everyday transportation for nearly all drivers, thanks to an EPA-rated range of 238 miles on a charge, a roomy interior and prices starting under $30,000, after tax incentives."
“It’s fun to drive, has easy to use controls, advanced safety and convenience features, and plenty of room for people and cargo."
What I love about the 2027 Chevy Bolt
GM Chair and CEO Mary Barra. She listened when customers said the automaker ended Bolt production too soon. Barra dedicated engineering resources to making it better despite being destined for a short production run.
It’s the least expensive new EV in America, at least until the Slate compact pickup goes on sale.
New batteries and other advances reduce cost, improve range and speeded up charging: 10%-80% in 25 minutes at a 150kW DC fast charger.
It goes 262 miles on a charge and has a NACS charging port.
It is small and easy to-park; comfortable interior; usable cargo space.
What more do I want from the Bolt?
I’m a fan of GM’s Google-based, real-time route planning for long drives in EVs, but I still wish the company would allow its customers to use Apple CarPlay, too, in its EVs.
At nearly $38,000 as tested, I expect memory for the driver’s settings.
Rear pedestrian detection and wireless charging are part of an $1,195 tech package. Really?
Plastic surfaces on the doors and dash could do with from a little padding.
How much does the Bolt cost?
Bolt prices start at $27,600. The Bolt RS I drove starts at $31,600. My well-equipped test vehicle cost $37,545. All prices exclude $1,395 destination charge.
How's the Bolt selling?
The 2027 Bolt went on sale in the spring. Chevy sold 8,090 Bolts through September, the latest period for which figures were available at the time of writing. Chevy sold 18,154 compact Equnox EVs in the same period.
What does the Chevy Bolt compete with?
Fiat 500e, Hyundai Kona electric, Nissan Leaf, Toyota bZ. Coming soon: Kia EV3, Slate compact pickup.
2026 Chevrolet Bolt key figures and features
65 kWh LFP battery
262 miles on a charge
150 kW DC charging
210 horsepower, 169 pound-feet of torque
Google navigation and interactive route-planning
11.3-inch touch screen
Heated and ventilated front seats
Heated steering wheel
Single-zone climate control
Power driver seat
LED head and taillights
Available Super Cruise
Contact Mark Phelan: 313-222-6731 or mmphelan@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @mark_phelan. Read more on autos and sign up for our autos newsletter. Become a subscriber.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: This Chevy EV is here for a good time, but not a long time. Here's why
