The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt is set to become far less common than originally planned, with General Motors reportedly reducing production by about 75% after federal EV tax incentives were eliminated last year.
GM Cuts Planned Bolt Production
General Motors revived the Chevrolet Bolt for the 2027 model year nearly a year ago, positioning it as America’s cheapest EV. At the time, Chevrolet said production would be limited, with the Bolt expected to return for only around 18 months.
Reuters now reports that GM will produce roughly 75% fewer Bolt EVs than originally planned. Despite the sharp production cut, inventory is not expected to run out for some time, giving potential buyers more time to find the electric vehicle.
UAW Reveals Bolt Production Timeline
The production changes were disclosed by Dontay Wilson, president of the local United Auto Workers union, who said the Kansas facility assembling the Bolt is on course to complete approximately 35,000 vehicles before production ends in the first quarter of 2027.
Wilson learned about the change through a memo sent to union workers. The memo also revealed that almost 1,000 employees are being placed on indefinite layoff.
The facility had previously been projected to build around 150,000 units before switching to production of the next year’s gas-powered Equinox, which is currently built in Mexico.
GM remains active in the EV market, but the automaker is also reallocating some resources toward building more profitable gas engines.
Why GM Is Reducing Bolt Output
GM offered little explanation for the production change, saying that it “continuously evaluate[s] market dynamics and customer demand.”
The Bolt had been used as a way to put more EVs into the market while federal tax credits were available. With those incentives now eliminated, GM is reducing the planned production volume.
The change leaves buyers with one fewer affordable EV option. GM had sold only 4,224 Bolts through August, a figure that helps explain the company’s decision to focus on stronger-selling vehicles.
What Happens to the Cheapest EV Title?
If the production report is accurate and GM builds only 35,000 examples of the improved-for-2027 Chevrolet Bolt, the model could become relatively rare.
The 2027 Bolt is priced at $27,600, excluding a $1,395 destination charge. Once the Bolt leaves the market, the Nissan Leaf will take the position of the cheapest EV in the U.S., with a current price of $29,990 plus a $1,495 destination charge.
GM’s next-cheapest EV will be the Equinox EV, priced at $34,995 before a $1,800 destination charge.
If EV momentum gains steam again and affordable EVs such as those from Slate and REO prove popular, GM may decide to reenter the space.
