Chevrolet Bolt's Short-Lived Second Generation Arrives

The new Bolt EV offers faster charging and Tesla Supercharger access, but its production run will be limited to just 18 months.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Chevrolet has brought back the Bolt EV for a second generation, featuring a 150 kW fast-charging capability, bidirectional charging, and the ability to use Tesla Supercharger stations. However, the Bolt's return is short-lived, as the Fairfax assembly plant that produces it will soon switch to building a gas-powered Buick model, giving the new Bolt just an 18-month production run.

Why it matters

The Bolt is positioned as the least expensive new EV on the market, undercutting rivals like the Nissan Leaf. Its return, even if brief, provides a more affordable all-electric option for buyers. However, the limited production run raises questions about GM's long-term commitment to the compact EV segment.

The details

The new Bolt features a 65 kWh lithium-iron-phosphate battery pack and a single 210 hp electric motor powering the front wheels. It can charge at up to 150 kW, a major improvement over the previous model's 55 kW capability. Two trims are offered: a base Bolt LT and a more well-equipped Bolt RS. The Bolt RS adds features like heated and ventilated front seats, power driver's seat, and a heated steering wheel.

  • Chevrolet announced plans for a second-generation Bolt a few months after discontinuing the original model.
  • The new 2027 Bolt is arriving in showrooms now.
  • Production of the Bolt at the Fairfax assembly plant is scheduled to end in just 18 months, when the plant will switch to building a gas-powered Buick model.

The players

Chevrolet

An American automobile brand and division of General Motors.

Fairfax Assembly Plant

The GM manufacturing facility in Kansas that produces the Chevrolet Bolt.

Buick

An American automobile brand and division of General Motors.

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What they’re saying

“The new-generation Bolt offers major improvements for buyers who can get their hands on one before production ends once again.”

— Fred Smith, Automotive journalist (Road & Track)

What’s next

GM plans to release an over-the-air software update this summer that will improve the Bolt's integration with Tesla Supercharger stations, allowing for a more seamless "plug-and-play" charging experience.

The takeaway

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt represents a brief return of the brand's most affordable EV, offering faster charging and Tesla Supercharger access. However, its limited 18-month production run highlights the challenges GM faces in maintaining a consistent presence in the compact EV segment as it shifts focus to larger, more profitable models.