The People’s EV Returns: A Deep Dive into the 2027 Chevrolet Bolt
It was a damn shame. The electric vehicle landscape of 2023 was starting to feel a little crowded when GM abruptly pulled the plug on the Chevrolet Bolt and Bolt EUV. While flashy new electric SUVs and trucks hogged the spotlight, the little Chevy that could—affordable, practical, and surprisingly fun to drive—was quietly retired. But let’s be real, you can’t keep a good EV down. The Bolt is back, and this time, it’s packing a serious punch.
While the 2027 Bolt retains a familiar silhouette (basically a rebadged EUV), don’t mistake it for a simple facelift. Underneath the skin, it’s a whole new beast. GM engineers have ditched the old Bolt’s limited charging capabilities, replacing it with a cutting-edge lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery. This new pack, while slightly heavier and lower in energy density, promises a significant improvement in charging speed.
Supercharging Speed Demon? Not Quite, But Close.
Say goodbye to agonizing wait times at the DC fast charger. The 2027 Bolt’s LFP battery can slurp down a maximum of 150 kilowatts, blasting it from 10 to 80 percent charge in just 25 minutes. That’s nearly three times faster than its predecessor and puts it in the same league as many mainstream EVs. And the cherry on top? The Bolt now rocks a NACS (formerly Tesla) charging port, meaning you can tap into Tesla’s expansive Supercharger network.
The new battery isn’t just about speed; it holds the same 65 kWh capacity as before, translating to a respectable EPA-estimated range of 262 miles. That’s plenty for daily commutes and weekend getaways, even for those who tend to push the pedal a little harder.
More Power, More Efficiency
Chevrolet didn’t stop at the battery. They raided the parts bin of their new Equinox EV, snagging a smaller, more efficient electric motor. This powerplant churns out 210 horsepower, a 10-hp bump over the previous Bolt. While torque takes a slight dip (169 lb-ft), Chevy cleverly tweaked the final drive ratio (11.6:1) to compensate, ensuring the 2027 Bolt feels livelier off the line. GM claims 0-60 mph times will be in the mid-six-second range, which, let’s be honest, is more than enough zip for most drivers.
Handling & Performance: Still Nimble, Still Fun
Don’t think for a second that the Bolt has gone soft. It still dances through corners with the same enthusiasm as its predecessor. The steering effort builds progressively, providing a good sense of connection to the road. The new 17-inch Michelin e.Primacy All Season tires provide ample grip, though you’ll feel them starting to squeal if you push too hard. The brakes prioritize regen before engaging the friction brakes, and the transition between the two is smooth and predictable.
Fans of the old Bolt’s steering wheel-mounted regen paddle will be disappointed to find it gone. In its place is a one-pedal-drive function with three modes: Off (for a more conventional braking experience), Normal (significantly more aggressive regen), and High (prepare for some serious whoa power). We prefer the Off setting for most driving conditions, finding it provides a more natural feel.
Inside the Bolt: Familiar, Yet Upgraded
The Bolt’s interior hasn’t been completely revolutionized, but it’s received some welcome updates. The dashboard now sports a customizable digital instrument cluster and a larger 11.3-inch infotainment screen running on Google’s embedded software. While you can’t connect your phone via Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, Chevy has you covered with eight years of free map and music streaming data through native apps. Sure, some cheap plastics remain, and the seats could be more supportive, but considering the Bolt’s starting price of $28,995 (just $500 more than the 2023 model), you get a lot of bang for your buck.
Stepping up to the $32,995 RS trim adds heated and ventilated faux-leather seats, blacked-out wheels and trim, and a heated steering wheel. And here’s the kicker: GM’s excellent hands-free Super Cruise driver-assistance system is available on both trims, making it the most affordable way to experience this advanced tech.
A Limited-Time Return?
Chevrolet describes the 2027 Bolt as a “limited-run model,” suggesting it might only be around for a single model year. While its future beyond that remains uncertain, it’s a welcome return for the little EV that could. It proves that affordability and performance aren’t mutually exclusive, and it sets the stage for what could be a more electrified future for Chevrolet. If you’re looking for a practical, fun-to-drive, and surprisingly capable EV that won’t break the bank, the 2027 Bolt deserves a serious look.
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