General Motors (GM) has announced an extension of the production period for the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV and Bolt EUV, adding approximately one month to their manufacturing timeline. Initially slated to conclude on November 7, production of these subcompact electric vehicles will now continue until December 2023, as reported by GM Authority.
The production extension takes place at GM’s Orion Assembly facility in Michigan, which has been the hub for crafting these EVs. While specific details regarding the revised ending date of production are yet to be officially disclosed, GM’s decision marks a noteworthy development in the context of the electric vehicle market.
Confirmation from General Motors is still pending, and further information regarding the rationale behind this extension is anticipated.
The 2023 Bolt EV and Bolt EUV commenced production in July 2022, following a period of battery recall issues. Consequently, the 2023 model year for these electric vehicles will encompass a production span of 17 months.
Earlier this year, in April 2023, GM announced its intention to conclude the production of the Bolt EV and Bolt EUV by late 2023. The company had set an ambitious target of manufacturing 70,000 units of these models within the 2023 calendar year, driven by a surge in customer demand.
As of the second quarter of 2023, GM has reported the sale of 33,659 units of the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV and EUV combined. This figure positions the automaker on track to potentially achieve its annual production goal.
The popularity of the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV and Bolt EUV has grown substantially over the past year. However, it is important to note that several recalls and stop-sales initiated by General Motors in the preceding year have influenced this trajectory.
Despite these challenges, the Bolt EV and Bolt EUV continue to gain traction in the market due to their affordability. They stand as the most economical electric vehicle options available in the United States. The starting price for the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV is $27,495, while the 2023 Bolt EUV begins at $28,795, both prices inclusive of a $995 shipping fee.
These models share a common platform, known as the BEV2 architecture, which predates the more recent Ultium-powered BEV3 platform that underpins GM’s latest electric offerings, including the Chevrolet Equinox EV, Blazer EV, Cadillac Lyriq, and Cadillac Celestiq.
Powering the Bolt EV and Bolt EUV is a 65-kilowatt-hour battery pack linked to a front-mounted electric motor. This motor generates 200 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. According to EPA estimates, the Bolt EV can travel up to 259 miles on a single charge, while the Bolt EUV achieves an estimated range of 247 miles.
GM has also revealed plans to introduce a next-generation Bolt EV, featuring its advanced Ultium batteries and drive units. This announcement underscores the company’s commitment to ongoing innovation within the electric vehicle domain.
