Mary Barra, the CEO of General Motors, officially confirmed that the next-generation Chevrolet Bolt is set to hit the streets in 2025. This revelation follows Barra’s prior affirmation of the Bolt’s return, now revamped as an Ultium-based electric vehicle.
Addressing the Automotive Press Association in Detroit, Barra discussed the upcoming successor to the affordable EV, stating, “That’s been a truly positive development this year, and it has influenced our decision to reintroduce it in 2025.”
Previous statements from Barra had hinted at the Bolt’s comeback after the phase-out of current models. The next-generation Bolt will be built upon GM’s Ultium architecture, incorporating lithium iron phosphate battery cells. Autonews reports that the Chevrolet Bolt will lead as the first North American Ultium-based EV to integrate this battery technology, potentially enhancing affordability and streamlining development processes.
Barra recently projected a notable increase in EV production figures for 2024, following GM’s target misses in 2023 due to strikes and a revised agreement with UAW causing delays in launching various EVs, including electric trucks in Michigan. Nonetheless, GM remains committed to producing 1 million EVs in North America by 2025.
Barra clarified that the “optimization” of their electric lineup doesn’t imply “retreat.” GM will persist with its growth plans and EV roll-out, despite acknowledging the expected ups and downs in this transformative industry.
Production of the current Chevrolet Bolt EV and EUV is set to conclude in late 2023. The Orion Assembly plant in Michigan will then undergo retooling for the production of GM’s upcoming fully electric pickups. The production location for the next-gen Bolt is yet to be confirmed, with the Fairfax factory in Kansas City emerging as a possible contender following a recent $391-million investment.
Barra anticipates the EV transition to be “the first turn of the first lap of a multi-lap race,” emphasizing that customer demand will determine volume, with the company remaining focused on EV profitability.
