The Chevrolet Bolt has returned for the 2027 model year, claiming the title of the cheapest electric vehicle on the American market with a starting price of $28,995, including destination fees. Reviewer Tim Stevens evaluated the vehicle, giving it an 8 out of 10 rating while highlighting its affordability, big utility, and good performance against drawbacks like a lack of smartphone projection and a short remaining lifespan. Coming in at roughly $10,000 less than the original model, this modern iteration represents no-frills, zero-emissions motoring at its finest, though production is scheduled to end early next year.
Key takeaways
- The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt starts at $28,995 including destination fees, making it the most affordable EV in America.
- It features a new 65-kilowatt-hour LFP battery pack delivering an EPA-estimated range of 262 miles for the LT trim.
- The vehicle now includes a NACS port for native Tesla Supercharger support.
- Production of the Chevrolet Bolt is set to conclude in early 2027.
Battery Upgrades and Performance Specifications
Rising from the ashes of a multi-billion-dollar recall and a subsequent production hiatus, the current-generation Bolt brings crucial mechanical updates. The most significant upgrade is a completely new lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack rated for 65 kilowatt-hours of capacity. This power storage provides an EPA-estimated range of 262 miles for the LT trim, marking a solid improvement over the 238 miles promised by the original version.
A single electric motor delivers 210 horsepower and 169 pound-feet of torque directly to the front wheels. While it is far from the quickest electric vehicle on the road and acceleration flattens near highway speeds, it remains punchy and fun for zipping around town. Mixed testing yielded an efficiency of 4.0 miles per kilowatt-hour, hitting the theoretical maximum range target squarely on the money. Charging is now handled via a native NACS port, granting built-in access to Superchargers.
Interior Design and Practical Cabin Layout
Staying true to its budget roots, the interior of the 2027 Bolt features hard plastics and pebbled leatherette textures, though patterned lines on the doors, storage cubbies, and upholstery add some visual flair. The tested LT trim included the optional $995 Comfort Package, adding heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Passenger accommodation is generous, with a flat floor in the second row that allows three adults to sit across for short distances. Dropping the 60/40 split rear seat opens up 56.3 cubic feet of cargo space, comparable to Volvo's EX40 SUV, while leaving the seats up still provides 16.2 cubic feet.
Unlike many modern vehicles that rely entirely on touchscreens or capacitive controls, the Bolt retains physical buttons for climate controls, seat heaters, and the lane-departure system. The steering wheel also features real buttons and physical rollers. However, the 11.3-inch touchscreen running Chevrolet's Android Automotive-based infotainment system lacks support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. While Google Maps and the Google Play Store are built in, along with the Gemini AI assistant, the removal of phone projection requires drivers to stream media over Bluetooth the old-fashioned way.
Driving Dynamics and the Market Outlook
On the road, the Bolt delivers reasonable ride quality and a comfortable cruising experience over highway separation joints. Adaptive cruise control and auto-dimming headlights function smoothly, but the lane-keep assist system struggled to identify well-painted road markings during testing, allowing the vehicle to drift over lines before applying correction. More advanced support like hands-free Super Cruise is available, but it is bundled into an expensive $6,600 option package that also includes ventilated seats and automatic wipers.
Despite minor software sluggishness and frustrating omissions like smartphone projection, the 2027 Chevrolet Bolt offers incredible value at a time when new car transaction prices near $50,000. Unfortunately, production is slated to end early next year, meaning interested buyers will soon have to look to the second-hand market. Even so, the broader landscape of affordable electric motoring continues to grow, with upcoming vehicles like the Slate Truck and Ford's Fathom preparing to enter the market soon.
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