New Battery Chemistry and Up to 70 kWh: Popular American EV Gets a Major Update

The next-generation Chevrolet Bolt EV, set to arrive as a 2027 model, will feature significant updates in design, features, and powertrain. According to SPEEDME.RU, the most notable change will be in the battery system. The electric crossover will come with a battery pack ranging from 60 to 70 kWh. For comparison, current Bolt EV and Bolt EUV models are equipped with a 65 kWh pack.

The main difference will be the shift to a new battery chemistry: instead of the nickel-cobalt-manganese-aluminum (NCMA) cells used in GM’s Ultium platform, the 2027 Bolt will use LFP (lithium iron phosphate) batteries. These cells are known for stability, longevity, and lower production costs, helping GM reduce capital expenditures. However, LFP batteries have lower energy density, which could affect driving range.

Initially, GM may source cells from Chinese manufacturer CATL, before localizing production in the U.S. — with a planned LFP battery plant in Tennessee set for 2027.

Interestingly, consumer surveys reveal mixed reactions: exactly 50% of respondents said they would buy a Bolt EV with Chinese-made batteries, while the other 50% said they would not. This highlights that the model’s future success will depend not only on price and specs but also on trust in the supply chain.