General Motors has offered a sneak peek into the next generation Chevy Bolt, anticipated to officially debut as a 2026 model year vehicle next year.
During an investor event, GM President Mark Reuss provided some details about the new Bolt. While the livestream was temporarily cut for confidentiality to display images of the still-unannounced vehicle, Reuss’s presentation remained audible, revealing key information.
Last year, GM initially announced the discontinuation of Bolt production but later reversed course, confirming the EV would be revived as an Ultium platform vehicle for 2025. Now, as the unveiling of the next-gen Bolt approaches, Reuss shared some exciting updates.
Faster Charging for the Next-Gen Bolt
A key enhancement for the next-generation Bolt will be its improved charging speed compared to the current model. While Reuss didn’t specify the exact charging rate, the current Chevy Bolt lags behind many EVs, charging at 50–55kW and adding up to 100 miles in about 30 minutes at a DC fast charging station.
Alt text: Chevy Bolt EV charging at a public station, highlighting slower charging speeds compared to newer EVs.
Faster charging is a critical factor for attracting new EV buyers, for whom charging infrastructure and speed remain significant concerns. This upgrade aims to make the next-gen Bolt more competitive and appealing in the rapidly evolving EV market.
Pricing and Expansion of the Bolt Family
In terms of pricing, Reuss indicated that the next-gen Bolt would be slightly more expensive than the current Bolt EUV, which starts at $28,795. However, he also mentioned that this model will be “just one member of a family of Bolts, including an even lower cost option,” suggesting GM is planning a range of Bolt vehicles to cater to different price points and customer needs.
Reuss emphasized the value proposition of the new vehicle, stating, “The 2026 Bolt will offer the same value as the original Bolt and much more, and it will be a moneymaker for us. Think about that.” This suggests GM believes the next-gen Bolt will not only be a compelling option for consumers but also a profitable venture for the company.
Ultium Platform and Vehicle Segment
It has been previously confirmed that GM will not be transitioning the original hatchback Bolt to the Ultium platform, only the larger Bolt EUV. With the hatchback version discontinued, the specific vehicle segment the next-generation low-cost Bolt will occupy remains to be seen. The Ultium platform is GM’s advanced EV architecture, promising improved performance, range, and charging capabilities.
Alt text: Front view of Chevy Bolt EUV Redline, showcasing the larger size of the EUV model on city street.
First launched in 2016, the Chevy Bolt EV was designed as GM’s first attempt at a mass-market electric vehicle, offering over 200 miles of range at an accessible price. GM introduced a refreshed Bolt model and the slightly larger EUV variant in early 2021, expanding the Bolt’s appeal and market reach.
Now, with its upcoming revival, GM is expressing strong confidence in its EV strategy. Reuss even took a jab at Ford, referencing their recent establishment of a “skunkworks” lab in Silicon Valley focused on developing low-cost EVs. “We do not need to create a skunkworks to create an affordable electric vehicle,” Reuss asserted. “We know how to do this.” This statement underscores GM’s belief in their existing capabilities and their commitment to delivering affordable and competitive electric vehicles like the next-gen Chevy Bolt.
