The Chevrolet Bolt isn’t going away just yet. Despite facing recalls and various criticisms, the Bolt has stood out as one of the best options for anyone wanting a long-range electric car at an affordable price. So, it was surprising when General Motors announced it was discontinuing the Bolt.
But that announcement turned out to be a bit misleading. Since then, the company has revealed that the Bolt will continue with a new, second-generation model.
However, being a cheap EV isn’t quite enough anymore. The affordable electric car market has become more competitive since the Bolt was first launched. For instance, the new Volvo EX30, while not as inexpensive as the current Bolt, shows that it’s possible to get a stylish and functional electric car for under $40,000.
So, what does the seven-year-old Bolt need to do to stay competitive for another seven years? The landscape of electric vehicles is changing rapidly, and the Bolt has to evolve significantly.
The Chevrolet Bolt has many advantages. It’s among the most affordable electric cars that still offer practicality, with over 250 miles of range and decent interior tech. But let’s face it—the design isn’t the car’s strong point. It’s not hideous, but it’s not fetching either.
Better-looking electric cars in this price range are emerging. The Volvo EX30 isn’t as cheap as the Bolt, but it does prove that affordable electric vehicles can be visually appealing too. The EX30’s sleek Scandinavian design and roomy interior make it compelling competition and overshadow the Bolt and its larger counterpart, the Bolt EUV.
Many people care about design, including myself. I wouldn’t sacrifice range for aesthetics, but given two similar cars in price and range, I’d opt for the one with the sleeker design. Chevrolet has the opportunity to develop a great-looking electric car that is both affordable and attractive with this next-gen Bolt.
There are varying opinions about electric car range. Some say, “Range doesn’t really matter to 99% of people 99% of the time,” while others argue, “No one will buy an electric car that they can’t take on a road trip.” I think both can be true. Most people don’t need an ultra-long-range car most of the time, but if I’m spending over $30,000, I want a car that meets all my needs all the time. Therefore, the next-gen Bolt needs a better range.
To me, “better” means more than 300 miles. Currently, the Bolt’s base model offers 259 miles—good for its price range. But if Chevrolet can push that base range to 300 miles or more, the Bolt could become the top choice, even stretching its appeal five thousand dollars higher.
Chevrolet might be on the path to achieving this milestone. The next-gen Bolt will be built on General Motors’ Ultium platform, which is designed to be lighter and feature a more versatile battery system. It remains to be seen how this will affect the Bolt’s range.
Additionally, the Bolt needs faster charging capabilities. Fast-charging is essential for the future of electric cars.
Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly affordable, and eventually, they won’t carry a premium over traditional cars. The Bolt can’t rely solely on its low price forever. Chevrolet might lower the price to keep it entry-level, but more budget-friendly electric vehicles are likely to flood the market soon.
Will General Motors make the Bolt competitive enough to lead the budget electric car segment? Time will tell. But if GM can create a long-range, well-designed EV that is priced competitively, the Bolt could remain relevant for years, even against the rising tide of budget electric vehicles.