Return of the 2025 Bolt Plus
The Chevrolet Bolt is experiencing its most impressive year in terms of sales yet and – unfortunately for its fans – it will be soon discontinued. But, glad to say, General Motors is providing a major upgrade with the latest cutting-edge technology, scheduled on release come 2025. It is worth noting that only the larger version of Bolt, named the EUV, will be available once this new launch happens.
GM officials have affirmed to InsideEVs this week that the upcoming next-generation Bolt will be EUV-only, citing the immense popularity of the crossover model in comparison to the smaller Bolt EV. “We are glad to see the enthusiasm surrounding the upcoming Chevrolet Bolt. We will share details as we get closer to its launch date,” a GM spokesperson said. “We’re thrilled, as the new Bolt will utilize the formula that has made it so successful today.”
The evidence of prosperity is definitely indicative of the crossover model. Even though the precise sales ratios between the two Bolt models (EV and EUV) have not been revealed by GM, it is widely assumed that the latter is being sold more than twice than the former.
Between January and September of this year, Chevrolet reported having sold a whopping 49,494 combined units of the Bolt twins; an astonishing 125% rise over the same period last year. By far, the Bolt twins have been the most popular EVs from General Motors, especially as it has experienced difficulty ramping up production for GM’s next-gen Ultium vehicles such as the Cadillac Lyriq, Hummer EV and Silverado EV.
Buyers everywhere are flocking to the Bolt EV and Bolt EUV this year, largely due to reduced prices through the recently enacted Inflation Reduction Act electric vehicle tax credits. And along with federal and state incentives, as well as dealer discounts, many are being able to purchase select Bolt models in the region of $20,000, making it an highly attractive selection for drivers – offering a range of 259 or 247 miles, depending on its size.
Simultaneously, the Bolt has become antiquated. It initially became available in 2016 and was accompanied by the passable EUV crossover in 2022. It possesses only 55 kW DC fast charging capability, congestion its ability to quickly add range in comparison to more contemporaneous competitors. In addition, its battery design was allegedly no longer lucrative, prompting its retirement earlier this year.
Still, General Motors had to quickly alter their opinion given the immense popularity of the automobile; eventually announcing that its future incarnation of the Bolt would employ the same Ultium batteries and infrastructure used in other electric vehicles, thus permitting it to be maximised for profits.
GM executives, Mary Barra being the preeminent among them, have stated the forthcoming Bolt will consist of modifications to the present car rather than a complete restart – specifically, cheaper LFP batteries, expedited charging, next-level active safety functionality and various other formidible enhancements. Yet, they plan on maintaining the new Bolt’s pricing comparable to what it is now, which is terrific news taking into account that exorbitant electric vehicle expenses remain a main hindrance to widespread approval.
Evidently, thanks to the popularity of crossover vehicles amongst Americans, the Bolt EUV has been a remarkable success. It is understandable, then, that General Motors (GM) will be leaning towards that bodywork as the single Ultium-based replacement automobile. Should the company manage to keep its promise of maintaining a decreased pricing, it is highly likely that this will turn out to be another blockbuster vehicle.
