Chevrolet to Discontinue Bolt EV and Bolt EUV

Affordable electric vehicles are few and far between these days. Most automakers went straight to pricey six-figure EVs with a promise to focus on more affordable options in the future. Despite their promises, Chevrolet actually delivered on the affordability front with the Bolt EV and EUV. After the latest price cut for the 2023 model year, the Bolt EV and EUV became some of the cheapest EVs on sale, even undercutting older options like the Nissan Leaf. Shoppers looking to purchase the Bolt EV or EUV better act fast, as production of the affordable EVs is set to end this year.

CNBC first reported the news, citing General Motors CEO Mary Barra’s comments during an earnings call. Autoblog followed up with Chevrolet and received confirmation from one of the automaker’s representatives. The representative sent the outlet the following statement:

“As the company continues to grow its EV portfolio with the Ultium platform, and as construction continues at the Orion Township, MI, assembly plant in preparation for battery electric truck production beginning in 2024, Chevrolet confirmed Bolt EV and EUV production will end late this year.”

This is sad news for shoppers looking to make the switch to an electric vehicle, as the Bolt EV and Bolt EUV are some of the most affordable cars on the market. But Chevrolet is making the switch to building and manufacturing EVs that utilize its Ultium platform. The Bolt EV and EUV ride on the automaker’s older architecture and are taking up valuable manufacturing space at the brand’s Orion Township, MI assembly plant. So, in order to make room for new EVs to be built, Chevy has to end production of the Bolt twins.

“Chevrolet will launch several new EVs later this year based on the Ultium platform in key segments, including the Silverado EV, Blazer EV, and Equinox EV,” reads the rep’s statement. With Chevrolet specifically calling out “electric truck production” in its statement, we think the Bolt EV and Bolt EUV are being discontinued to free up production for the Silverado EV.

While we understand Chevrolet’s reasons for discontinuing the Bolt EV and EUV, we’re saddened by the news and don’t agree with it. What consumers need right now are affordable EVs with a usable amount of range and few gimmicks, which is exactly what the Bolt EV and EUV deliver.

The small Bolt EV starts at $27,495 with destination. For that figure, the electric hatchback has up to 259 miles of range, a 65-kWh battery pack, and a single electric motor with 200 horsepower. Instead of enormous touchscreens that require a manual to use, the Bolt EV comes with an intuitive 10.2-inch touchscreen and an eight-inch digital instrument cluster. Simple controls, a straightforward layout, and plenty of interior space made the Bolt EV a strong value option. The Bolt EUV was introduced in 2022 as a slightly larger version of the Bolt EV with more interior space, 247 miles of range, and GM’s hands-free Super Cruise system.

With the Bolt EV and Bolt EUV set to be discontinued, the upcoming Chevrolet Equinox EV could be the brand’s most affordable option in the near future, though Mary Barra has confirmed that something will arrive and slot under the new Equinox EV.

Pictured: 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV (Top), 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV (Middle)

Source: Autoblog

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