The highly anticipated next-gen Chevy Bolt is almost upon us, with General Motors (GM) confirming that production is on track to commence by the end of this year. Furthermore, GM has hinted at an upcoming affordable electric vehicle (EV) that aims to broaden its electric lineup. Here’s a comprehensive look at what we know about this exciting new model.
As part of its strategy to enhance production capabilities in the United States, GM recently announced plans to invest approximately $4 billion over the next two years. This investment is geared towards developing a new “next-gen affordable EV” that will be manufactured at the Fairfax Assembly plant in Kansas. This facility will also serve as the production hub for the next-gen Chevy Bolt EV, which is expected to hit the market by the end of the year.
Additionally, GM has plans to introduce the gas-powered Equinox in mid-2027, further diversifying its offerings. The Fairfax plant is set to become a key player in GM’s upcoming lineup of affordable EVs, starting with the revamped Chevy Bolt.
While GM has yet to disclose extensive information about the new low-cost electric vehicle, it is believed to be part of a series of new models under the Bolt umbrella. Last year, GM’s president, Mark Reuss, indicated that the 2027 Chevy Bolt EV would be part of a “family of Bolts,” which may include a more competitively priced variant.
The initial model of the next-gen Bolt is expected to be priced slightly above the outgoing model's MSRP of $28,785, but GM assures customers that it will come with significant enhancements. GM’s CEO, Mary Barra, has emphasized that the new Bolt will deliver “an even better driving, charging, and ownership experience.” Notably, it will be the first Ultium-based model in North America to utilize LFP batteries, allowing GM to offer it at a more affordable price point.
Earlier this year, a mysterious covered vehicle was spotted in a lot filled with GM electric models, which many speculate to be the new Bolt. As the launch date approaches, further details about GM’s next-gen affordable EV are likely to emerge, so stay tuned for updates.
GM’s recent $4 billion investment aims to ramp up production of both gas and electric vehicles in light of the challenges posed by Trump’s auto tariffs. These tariffs have significantly impacted the U.S. auto industry, prompting all major automakers to adjust their production strategies to remain competitive.
In addition to the upcoming affordable EV, GM already has a successful model on the market: the Equinox EV. This model has propelled Chevy past Ford, making it the second-best-selling EV brand in the U.S. earlier this year. GM reported that Chevy sold over 37,000 EVs in the U.S. through May, compared to Ford's 34,000. The electric Equinox has been dubbed “America’s most affordable 315+ mile range EV,” with starting prices under $35,000.
With a series of next-gen affordable EVs in the pipeline, GM is poised to close the gap with Tesla in the U.S. EV market. The company aims to offer a diverse array of electric vehicles, catering to various segments: entry-level models like the Chevy Bolt and Equinox EV, midsize vehicles like the Chevy Blazer EV, and pickups such as the Chevy Silverado EV and GMC Hummer EV. Luxury offerings will include models like the Cadillac Lyriq and Escalade IQ.
As of May, GM has introduced 13 all-electric vehicles to the market, selling over 62,000 EVs in the U.S. The company recently achieved a significant milestone by surpassing Tesla to become the “1 EV seller” in Canada during the first quarter. With Q2 sales reporting scheduled for July 1, the upcoming figures should provide additional insights into GM's performance in the EV sector.
As we await more information, one thing is clear: GM is on a mission to make electric vehicles accessible and affordable for everyone.
