General Motors (GM) has officially confirmed the development of the second generation of the Chevrolet Bolt EV, scheduled to debut in the 2025 model year. The current-generation Chevrolet Bolt is set to retire by the end of 2023, paving the way for an updated and improved version of the popular electric vehicle. GM’s CEO, Mary Barra, announced that the upcoming Bolt will incorporate newer battery technology, signaling a commitment to advancing electric vehicle capabilities.
In 2022, Chevrolet sold 11,029 units of the Bolt in the United States, experiencing a 50% decline compared to the previous year. This drop in sales is attributed, in part, to the introduction of the larger Bolt EUV. Despite not being a high-volume model, Barra emphasized that the Bolt has a dedicated fan base, suggesting that the next-generation model will continue to target consumers seeking a relatively affordable entry-level electric vehicle.
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While specific technical details for the second-generation Bolt are yet to be released, it is confirmed that the new model will retain its electric powertrain and receive updated battery technology. Unlike the current-generation Bolt, which relies on older technology, the successor will integrate GM’s Ultium technology, already in use in newer battery-powered models within the GM portfolio. Barra revealed that the battery pack for the new Bolt will feature lithium-iron-phosphate cells, aiming for a production process that is both cost-effective and expedited.
Despite the 2023 Bolt starting at $27,495, making it one of the more affordable electric vehicles on the market, GM’s intention to build the successor “at a lower cost” may not necessarily translate to a lower retail price. The emphasis could be on improving profit margins within the electric vehicle segment.
The production location for the next-generation Bolt is still undetermined. The current model is manufactured at the Orion Assembly Plant in the Detroit area, but this facility is undergoing retooling to focus on electric trucks like the Silverado EV and the GMC Sierra EV. This raises questions about where the new Bolt will be produced, and GM has yet to provide details on this aspect.
As the automotive industry eagerly awaits more information, it’s noteworthy that the Bolt EUV will also retire by the end of 2023, having been available for only two model years. Speculation arises about whether it will have a successor or if Chevrolet will streamline its lineup into a single model. While uncertainties persist, the confirmation of the second-generation Chevrolet Bolt EV and the integration of advanced battery technology signal GM’s continued commitment to the electric vehicle market. Further details about the new Bolt are expected to emerge in the coming months, shedding light on its specifications, features, and production plans.
