2027 CHEVROLET BOLT

CHEVROLET BRINGS BACK BOLT HATCHBACK, BUT LOOK QUICK BEFORE IT’S GONE AGAIN

If you’re considering buying an electric vehicle but pricing is a hangup, Chevrolet may have the answer for you.

The “bow tie” people have brought back the Bolt EV for 2027 and the base LT model starts at under $30,000, edging the Nissan Leaf as the lowest price EV available today.

My test 2027 Chevrolet Bolt was the RS trim, however, and that raises the starting MSRP to over $30,000, which is still among the lowest among today’s electric vehicles.

The Bolt has an interesting history. A small crossover SUV, the Bolt debuted to positive reviews as a 2017 model, earning honors as the North American Car of the Year at the Detroit International Auto Show as well as top honors from several auto mags. Time magazine listed it as one of the top 25 inventions of 2016.

Despite the vehicle’s success, the company halted production of the 2023 Bolt to focus on the electric versions of the GMC Sierra and Chevy Silverado pickup trucks. Safety and cost concerns (that low price created profitability issues for the Bolt) also no doubt played a part in the decision.

The outcry was such, however, that Chevy quickly announced the Bolt’s return but with the stipulation that production would again cease in 2027 after an 18-month run. So don’t dally if you are interested in one.

Despite the impending death sentence, Bolt’s U.S. sales for the second quarter of 2026 jumped to 3,433 vehicles from the meager 791 for the first quarter of the year. That left it in 13th place among sales of electric vehicles behind the No. 7 Equinox but ahead of No. 14 Blazer among Chevy EVs.

The comparatively low price is not the only thing the 2027 Chevy Bolt has going for it. Estimated range is 262 miles, up from 247 in 2023 Bolts, and, unlike in the previous generation, you can use fast-charging outlets up to 150 kW, a big leap from the old Bolts’  limit of 55 kW. 

Chevy says it takes only 25 minutes to get from 10 to 80 percent on a fast charger. Equipped with a North American Charging Standard outlet you also can hook up at Tesla outlets and charge using the MyChevrolet mobil app.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt also is pretty well equipped. Standard features include front and rear intermittent wipers, automatic off-on headlights, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, HD rear vision camera, automatic climate control, an 11-inch driver information center, 11.3-inch LCD display with built-in Google, a wi-fi hotspot, and adaptive cruise control.

RS trims also get as standard roof rails, ventilated driver and front passenger seats, a heated steering wheel, upgraded synthetic seats, rear center armrest, and 8-way power driver’s seat.

Both trims get standard safety features like lane-keep assist with lane-departure warning, blind spot steering assist, enhanced emergency braking, and front pedestrian and cyclist braking.

Chevy’s SuperCruise hands-free driving system is available as an option on both trims, but sorry, techies. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not offered. 

Starting MSRP for the 2027 Chevy Bolt LT is $28,995 including destination and delivery and $32,995 for the 2027 Chevy Bolt RS.

What I liked about the 2027 Chevrolet Bolt RS: The price is affordable and the range, while not class leading, is still respectable. The RS model comes well stocked (with a couple of notable exceptions) in standard features including heated and ventilated front seats Infotainment features operate off a user-friendly touchscreen and some functions operate via hard buttons.. Charging times are relatively fast and being able to use Tesla outlets gives you many more options for public charging.

What I didn’t like about the 2027 Chevrolet Bolt RS: It is not as quick as some similar EVs. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not offered though streaming data is available though other apps. Neither is all-wheel drive offered as an option. There is no “frunk” for storage up front. The production run will halt in mid-2027.

Would I buy the 2027 Chevrolet Bolt RS: If price is the major factor in your decision to buy an EV, the LT trim is pretty lengthy in standard features and offers the lowest price in the segment. But the RS trim offers some extra niceties that may make it worthwhile to extend your budget.