Chevrolet Bolt 2027: Major upgrade, expected price of $29,000

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt marks General Motors’ second attempt to redefine the entry-level electric vehicle in the US. The expected price of $29,000 may make the Bolt the cheapest electric vehicle on the market when it goes on sale, but what’s more remarkable is GM’s approach: keeping the familiar body structure, changing almost all the electronics, switching to a lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery, and adding over-the-air (OTA) updates.

After stopping production of the Bolt at the end of 2023 due to unprofitability, GM’s goal this time is clear: the new Bolt must be profitable. Pre-production vehicles have already rolled off the assembly line, with deliveries scheduled for January 2027, indicating that industrialization has entered a crucial stage.

Illustration photo of Chevrolet Bolt 2027 — Illustration photo

Practical design: keep the body, innovate what creates value

The 2027 Bolt isn’t a completely new generation; it’s a major upgrade on the previous Bolt platform. This strategy isn’t uncommon in the industry: names like the Nissan Z and Ford Mustang have also followed the path of major improvements based on existing architectures to optimize development costs and shorten time to market.

The key is that GM is focusing its resources on the components that make the biggest difference in performance and cost of ownership: batteries, electronics, software, and OTA capabilities. This allows the company to keep prices “accessible” while still improving the experience that today’s EV users expect.

New digital architecture: interfaces and experiences will change

Chief engineer Jeremy Short claims that “everything electronic on the 2027 Bolt is new,” from switches, wiring, control modules to high-voltage components. Many details are shared directly from the Chevrolet Equinox EV to take advantage of scale and reduce component costs.

The move to a new electronics and software architecture has led to a controversial decision: the 2027 Bolt no longer supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The infotainment and connectivity system has been specifically designed to be deeply integrated with GM’s software platform, allowing for more proactive power management, OTA updates, and safety integration. For users who rely on phone mirroring, this is a clear downside; but from an industry perspective, the decision helps GM control costs and system stability.

Performance and operation: switch to LFP batteries, prioritizing durability and cost

The most important change is the LFP battery, which is cheaper, more durable, and safer. This is the first GM vehicle in North America to use LFP. Initially, the batteries will be imported from China; GM says it may face high import tariffs until the Tennessee battery plant is completed by the end of 2027.

The battery changes, along with a new powertrain and control system, promise improved efficiency and reliability, though GM hasn’t released specifics on power, torque, or range. The shared components with the Equinox EV also mean the 2027 Bolt will benefit from generations of electronics and software modules optimized for mass production.

On the production side, the big challenge comes from moving the production line from the Orion (Michigan) plant to Fairfax (Kansas). According to Mr. Short, the process of testing and refining software and components becomes more complicated when changing factories and electronic systems at the same time. However, the pre-production vehicles that have already rolled off the production line show that GM is in the final stages of completion, ready for the delivery plan from early 2027.

Safety and technology: OTA platform at the center

The Bolt 2027 is equipped with modern safety features and an architecture that allows for over-the-air updates, allowing for bug fixes and functional upgrades over time. This is a change that makes practical sense, as electric vehicles increasingly rely on software to optimize performance and user experience.

GM has yet to release details of its advanced driver assistance package or independent safety ratings, but the complete electronics refresh and clear commercial goals suggest the company is prioritizing system stability and the ability to add features over the product lifecycle via OTA.

Price and positioning: the goal of “cheapest electric car” comes with the problem of profit

The expected price of $29,000 is the focus of the 2027 Bolt. GM wants the car to not only reach more users but also generate profits – something the previous generation could not do because of the high battery costs. This time, the problem is solved by LFP batteries, sharing components with other EVs and a roadmap to localize battery production in the US.

In the short term, importing batteries could put pressure on margins due to import tariffs; in the medium term, when the Tennessee plant is completed in late 2027, the 2027 Bolt has an opportunity to improve its cost structure. In that context, a strategy of deep upgrades rather than completely new development helps GM shorten the time and keep prices competitive.

Conclusion: rationality and cost discipline

The 2027 Bolt represents a pragmatic GM: keeping what doesn’t need to be reinvented, focusing on investing in batteries, electronics, and software – the elements that define the modern electric vehicle experience. With an expected price of $29,000 and a delivery date of January 2027, the model aims to be a “gateway” to the EV world for the masses.

Advantage

Expected price is competitive, targeting the general customer group.
GM's low-cost, durable, and safe LFP battery.
New electronic architecture, OTA support; component sharing to optimize costs.
The roadmap for battery localization in the US helps to stabilize medium-term costs.

Limit

Android Auto and Apple CarPlay not supported.
Early imported batteries may be subject to tariffs, affecting profit margins.
Not a “completely new” generation; the body design has changed little.
Detailed performance specifications have not been released.

Summary table of key points

Item	Information
Estimated price	29,000 USD
Vehicle delivery time	January 2027
Product orientation	Major upgrade on the previous Bolt platform
Battery	Lithium–iron–phosphate (LFP)
Early stage battery source	Imported from China (may be subject to import duties)
Electronic architecture	Brand new; OTA update support
Phone connection	No Android Auto/Apple CarPlay support
Sharing components	With the Chevrolet Equinox EV
Manufacturing plant	Transfer from Orion (Michigan) to Fairfax (Kansas)
Business objectives	Profitable