General Motors is expected to produce significantly fewer units of the new Chevrolet Bolt than originally planned, with production now projected at around 35,000 vehicles before the model is phased out in the first quarter of 2027. The estimate, reported by Reuters, is based on current production rates at GM’s Kansas City plant and comes from Dontay Wilson, president of the local United Auto Workers (UAW) union branch.
GM had originally planned to produce approximately 50,000 Bolts. The automaker declined to provide a specific production target, saying it continuously evaluates market conditions and customer demand.
Bolt Production Target Cut
The new Chevrolet Bolt returned to the U.S. market in early 2026 as a relatively affordable electric vehicle, with a starting price of $27,600.
According to Reuters, GM had sold 4,224 units of the Bolt by the end of August. The model was positioned from the outset as a limited production run, with GM already planning to end production again in 2027.
The latest estimate would put total production at roughly 35,000 vehicles before the model is discontinued, significantly below the approximately 50,000 units initially planned.
Updated Bolt Uses LFP Battery
The latest Bolt has been substantially updated compared with the previous generation. It offers approximately 410 km of range and supports DC fast charging at up to 150 kW.
The vehicle uses a 65 kWh battery with lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells. For the 2027 model year, the Bolt will also receive a native North American Charging Standard (NACS) port, allowing it to connect directly to compatible fast chargers without an adapter.
The model’s relatively short production cycle comes as GM continues to adjust its electric vehicle strategy and manufacturing footprint.
GM Reshapes EV Production Strategy
GM has recorded a total of $10.9 billion in charges related to its electric vehicle business since the second quarter of 2025. The company continues to produce around a dozen electric vehicle models but has revised several of its earlier EV expansion plans.
The automaker has also made changes at several manufacturing facilities, with some plants being redirected toward internal combustion engine vehicles.
The Kansas City plant is expected to receive replacement products after Bolt production ends. GM plans to manufacture the Chevrolet Equinox, which is currently produced in Mexico, and the Buick Envision, currently built in China. Both models use internal combustion engines.
Bolt Cut Affects Kansas City Workforce
The lower Bolt production forecast is also affecting employment plans at the Kansas City facility. A planned second shift has been postponed, while nearly 1,000 employees are currently on indefinite furlough, according to the union representative cited by Reuters.
The changes mean the Bolt’s latest return to the market is expected to be considerably shorter and smaller than originally planned.
For comparison, Reuters reported that Tesla sells roughly the same number of Model Y vehicles in a single quarter, while Ford sold 51,620 Mustang Mach-E vehicles in 2025.
