Coming Soon to U.S. Highways: The Electric Chevrolet Bolt Returns Refreshed

Back in 2016, the compact Chevrolet Bolt hatchback made headlines as America’s most affordable electric car. Five years later, it inspired a crossover version — the Bolt EUV. Both models were discontinued at the end of 2023 due to sluggish sales, but General Motors repeatedly promised a next-generation Bolt. Now it’s here — though it turns out this “new” Bolt is actually a heavily refreshed version, not a ground-up redesign.

The new model is based on the previous Chevrolet Bolt EUV, but the “EUV” badge has been dropped, since the original hatchback isn’t returning. The body remains largely the same, with redesigned bumpers, updated lighting, and a new tailgate. GM hasn’t released official dimensions yet, but they’re expected to be close to the outgoing model’s — roughly 169.5 inches long (4306 mm).

So far, GM has shared just one official interior photo showing the infotainment screen. However, U.S. automotive journalists have already seen the car in person and revealed more details about the cabin. There’s now a larger digital instrument cluster, and the center console has been redesigned — the button-style gear selector is gone, replaced by a column-mounted shifter. The interior also features dual wireless charging pads, a new climate control unit with large rotary knobs, and open storage compartments in place of the traditional glove box.

Under the skin, the 65-kWh battery remains, but it now uses lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry instead of the previous lithium-ion NMC setup. Driving range has slightly increased from 247 miles to 255 miles, and DC fast-charging power has tripled — from 50 kW to 150 kW. Recharging from 10% to 80% now takes just 26 minutes. The Bolt also adopts the NACS charging port, giving owners full access to the Tesla Supercharger network. Power output has been boosted too — from 204 hp to 213 hp thanks to a new electric motor.

Production of the refreshed Chevrolet Bolt is set to begin in early 2026 at GM’s Kansas City plant. The first to launch will be a well-equipped introductory version priced around $30,000, followed by a base LT trim starting at $29,000. That means the Bolt won’t reclaim the title of America’s cheapest EV — the 2026 Nissan Leaf, arriving that same spring, will start at $25,360.