The Return of the King of Value: A Review of the 2027 Chevrolet Bolt

The automotive landscape is constantly shifting, but few resurrections have been as eagerly anticipated or as critically important as the return of the Chevrolet Bolt for the 2027 model year. After a brief hiatus following its discontinuation in 2023, the Bolt is back not just as a continuation, but as a deeply re-engineered response to the surging demand for accessible, practical, and technologically relevant electric vehicles. This comprehensive review examines how the 2027 Chevrolet Bolt which appears to draw heavily on the popular, slightly larger proportions of the old Bolt EUV has evolved to reclaim its title as the undisputed king of value in the burgeoning affordable EV segment.

A New Era of Affordability and Utility

The core mission of the Bolt has always been affordability, and the 2027 model delivers, with a starting MSRP anticipated to be under $30,000, making it one of the least expensive new EVs available in the United States. This aggressive pricing strategy, enabled in part by a move to Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery chemistry, is the foundation of the Bolt's value proposition. LFP cells are less expensive to produce and more robust, offering cost savings without a significant compromise on usability.

The new Bolt retains the pragmatic, crossover-like silhouette of the discontinued Bolt EUV, a decision that wisely prioritizes interior space and cargo utility. While official EPA figures are pending, General Motors estimates a healthy 255 miles of range on a full charge. This figure, though similar to the previous generation's 259 miles, is now paired with game-changing improvements in charging speed, fundamentally altering the car's utility.

Charging: The Game-Changer

The biggest criticism leveled against the first-generation Bolt was its slow DC fast-charging rate, which severely limited its appeal for road trips. The 2027 model addresses this head-on with a massive technological leap, raising the peak DC fast-charging rate to 150 kW. This is a dramatic increase over the previous generation's 55 kW, allowing the new Bolt to charge from 10% to 80% in approximately 26 minutes. This faster charging time effectively transforms the Bolt from an excellent city commuter into a viable "only car" capable of tackling longer journeys with confidence.

Equally significant is the adoption of the Native North American Charging Standard (NACS) port. The 2027 Bolt is Chevrolet's first vehicle to feature this port, granting owners seamless, adapter-free access to Tesla's extensive Supercharger network. This single feature dramatically expands the public charging infrastructure available to Bolt drivers, alleviating one of the most common anxieties associated with EV ownership.

Performance and Efficiency: Refinement Over Revolution

Under the hood—or rather, under the floor—the 2027 Bolt features a single electric motor producing 210 horsepower and 169 pound-feet of torque, driving the front wheels. This motor is shared with other GM Ultium-platform EVs like the Equinox EV, a strategy that maximizes economies of scale and ensures component quality. While the power figures are only slightly higher than the outgoing model, the focus is clearly on efficiency and reliability.

The integration of a more sophisticated thermal management system, including an Energy Recovery (heat pump) HVAC system, is a crucial enhancement. This technology helps warm and cool the cabin and battery pack more efficiently, mitigating the range loss traditionally experienced by EVs in extreme temperatures. Furthermore, the new Bolt is bidirectional-capable (Vehicle-to-Home or V2H), meaning that when paired with a GM Energy Home System, it can power a home during an outage, adding a compelling new layer of utility and value.

A Refined and Tech-Forward Interior

The cabin of the 2027 Bolt has received a comprehensive overhaul, making it feel far more contemporary and premium than its predecessor. The centerpiece is a large 11.3-inch diagonal infotainment touchscreen paired with an 11-inch digital driver information screen. The infotainment system now features Google built-in, providing native access to Google Maps, the Google Play store for entertainment apps, and voice command functionalities.

While the new screen integration is a major step forward, a controversial design choice is the omission of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in favor of the Google Built-in ecosystem. However, Chevrolet has wisely retained tactile, physical controls for the HVAC system and a volume knob, a nod to driver preference that reduces distraction. The interior design prioritizes spaciousness, boasting a generous 44.3 inches of front legroom and an estimated 16.2 to 56.3 cubic feet of versatile cargo space with the seats folded. The shifter has also been moved to the steering column, freeing up valuable center console real estate for an airier, more open feel.

For the first time, an up-level RS trim is available, offering a sportier aesthetic and available premium features like multi-color ambient lighting and more distinctive exterior styling. Most notably, the Bolt is now available with Super Cruise, GM’s advanced hands-free driver assistance system, an unparalleled feature in this affordable class.

Safety and Conclusion

The 2027 Bolt comes equipped with a substantial suite of standard safety and driver assistance features, including Intersection Collision Mitigation, Rear Automatic Braking, and Lane-Keeping Assist. The availability of Super Cruise on a vehicle at this price point is a genuine differentiator, positioning the Bolt as a leader in democratizing advanced driving technology.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt is much more than a revival; it is a thoughtful, targeted evolution of the affordable EV concept. By dramatically improving its charging speed, adopting the NACS port, and overhauling the interior with competitive technology while maintaining its core mission of low-cost, high-utility electric transportation, Chevrolet has delivered a vehicle poised to dominate its segment. The move to LFP batteries and shared componentry ensures its price point remains aggressive, making electric mobility a realistic option for a significantly larger audience.

The 2027 Bolt may only be offered as a "limited-run" model initially, a cautious move by GM to gauge market demand. However, given its stellar improvements in the critical areas of charging and technology—the very points of weakness in the original model—this new iteration is practically guaranteed to be a hit. For the consumer looking for the most bang for their buck in the EV space, the 2027 Bolt is not just worth waiting for; it's the new standard.

Would you like to compare the 2027 Chevrolet Bolt to another affordable EV, such as the Nissan Leaf or a potential new entry?