The New Chevy Bolt Stays Affordable, Charges Way Faster

When Nissan introduced the new Leaf in August, it proudly announced that the third-generation model would be the most affordable EV in the United States. However, that’s no longer the case. Undercutting the $31,485 Leaf S+ is Chevrolet’s returning Bolt, specifically the crossover-style EUV. The launch edition arrives early next year, starting at $29,990, followed a few months later by an even cheaper $28,995 LT trim. All prices include destination and handling fees.

Until Nissan reveals pricing for the entry-level Leaf S, the 2027 Bolt holds the title of America’s cheapest electric car. It’s a welcome sight in a continuously expensive EV market and brings several meaningful upgrades over its predecessor. The old Bolt EUV topped out at 55 kW when fast-charging, but the new one nearly triples that figure, reaching 150 kW.

The new Bolt loses the “EUV” suffix and gets a 65-kWh lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery that can charge from 10 to 80 percent in just 26 minutes using a Tesla-style NACS connector. A full charge yields a GM-estimated 255 miles of range, a modest bump over the previous model’s EPA-rated 247 miles.

Clearly an evolution rather than a clean-sheet redesign, the new Bolt EUV will be built in Kansas City. It borrows the front-mounted single motor from the electric Equinox, now rated at 210 horsepower. That’s a minor 10-hp gain.

Other known details include an 11-inch digital instrument cluster, an 11.3-inch touchscreen, a sporty RS trim priced around $32,000, bidirectional charging capability, a heat pump, and optional Super Cruise. There is one notable omission: Apple CarPlay.

As for competition, the Bolt and Leaf still face no threat from the long-promised $25,000 Tesla. The newly launched Model 3 Standard and Model Y Standard remain far pricier, starting at $38,630 and $41,630, respectively. Still, more budget-friendly EVs are coming, including Ford’s $30,000 electric truck and an even cheaper bare-bones pickup from newcomer Slate.