Chevrolet Announces Return of the Bolt for a Third Generation
At the beginning of this year, Chevrolet announced that it was discontinuing its first mass-market battery electric vehicle, the Bolt. However, the automaker has now surprised consumers by announcing the return of the Bolt for a third iteration.
The current Bolt will still be discontinued at the end of the year, but the new Bolt will utilize much of what it currently has to offer, opting for an updated powertrain instead of an all-new model. While there is no specific timetable for the new car’s introduction, Chevrolet claims that it will happen as quickly as possible.
In a press release, the automaker stated that the new Bolt would be executed faster compared to an all-new program, resulting in significantly lower engineering and capital investment expenses. This suggests that the new Bolt will feature a new drive unit, battery pack, and power electronics, likely incorporating Ultium and Ultifi technologies.
One of the major improvements expected in the new Bolt is an increase in charging speed. The current Bolt can only charge at 50kW, which is slower compared to most other modern electric vehicles. The upgraded Bolt is projected to charge at least twice as fast, potentially reaching speeds of up to 150kW. Additionally, there is speculation that the new Bolt may have a NACS load connector, making it compatible with Tesla Superchargers.
Another anticipated enhancement is the introduction of at least one new transmission unit in the new Bolt, possibly including all-wheel drive capabilities. General Motors offers a range of modular electric drive units that could potentially be incorporated into the new model. However, it is unclear how much re-engineering will be necessary to integrate these new technologies. It is possible that the new Bolt may require modifications such as a new battery case to accommodate these upgrades.
According to a spokesperson from General Motors, the decision to bring back the Bolt was driven by customer demand and high loyalty rates. The Bolt has been successful in attracting new customers to the Chevrolet brand, making it a valuable addition to their lineup.
Given the accelerated timeline for the new Bolt, it is expected that the interior and exterior design of the car will remain largely unchanged, with minor refreshments. The current Bolt already offers a range of modern features, including heated/cooled seats, a rearview mirror with a camera, and GM’s hands-free driving technology, Super Cruise. It is plausible that these features will carry over to the new model with minimal modifications. However, there is also the possibility of a fresh look and a new interior design to accompany the reintroduction of the Bolt.
As more information becomes available, Chevrolet will provide updates on the upcoming Bolt, ensuring that consumers are kept informed about this exciting development in the electric vehicle market.
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