GM Claims Next-Gen Chevrolet Bolt to Be the Most Affordable EV on the Market

As Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers edge closer to the American market, U.S. automakers are feeling the pressure to compete in the burgeoning segment of affordable electric cars.

General Motors (GM), like its competitors, is recognizing the necessity of producing more affordable EVs to remain competitive in the expanding EV market, moving beyond high-margin luxury SUVs and pickups. In response, GM is reviving the Chevrolet Bolt, acknowledging the significant success of the uber-affordable EV before its discontinuation.

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Marissa West, GM’s North American chief, highlighted the company’s commitment to providing an affordable EV option for American consumers, stating, “We’re excited to bring the product back better than ever, underpinned by the Ultium technology, really presenting to the customer a great value solution.”

The next-gen Chevrolet Bolt, expected to debut next year, will feature an LFP battery pack and an NACS charging port, enabling access to Tesla’s Supercharger network. GM aims to make the Bolt the most affordable vehicle on the market by 2025, leveraging its Ultium architecture for cost-effective production.

GM’s strategy has focused initially on high-margin platforms, such as luxury vehicles and pickups, to recoup costs associated with Ultium technology. West explained, “The luxury market is following a steeper trajectory for EV adoption…But certainly, this is a scale business, and the value of the Ultium architecture really comes with the flexibility that it affords.”

See also: GM to Launch Next-Gen Chevy Bolt EV in 2025, Saving Billions with LFP Batteries

The new Bolt’s pricing is yet to be confirmed, but GM’s claim of offering the most affordable vehicle on the market suggests a price point below $30,000, potentially undercutting competitors like the Nissan Leaf and the 2025 Mini Cooper Electric.

With GM’s strategic focus on affordability and the growing competition from Chinese EVs, the upcoming Chevrolet Bolt is poised to be a crucial player in the affordable EV segment, offering consumers a compelling alternative in the electric vehicle market.