The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt is set to claim the title of America’s most affordable electric vehicle, with a starting price of $28,995 as it arrives at dealerships in volume over the coming months. This compact electric SUV represents a significant update to the popular Bolt EUV, which was discontinued in 2023 but has now returned by popular demand. According to Damon Bell, Senior Research Editor at Cars.com, Nissan’s decision to delay the launch of the cheapest Leaf variant in the U.S. means the 2027 Chevrolet Bolt is all but certain to retain the cheapest EV in America crown.
The vehicle was prominently displayed at the Detroit Auto Show in January 2026, showcasing General Motors’ commitment to affordable electric mobility. The new Bolt builds upon the legacy of GM’s bestselling EV to date, with the original model having launched in the 2017 model year.
Major Improvements Make the Cheapest EV More Competitive
General Motors has addressed one of the previous Bolt’s most significant weaknesses by dramatically improving charging speed. The 2027 model now supports peak charging speeds of 150 kW, up from a sluggish 55 kW in earlier versions. Under ideal conditions, drivers can charge from 10% to 80% battery capacity in just 30 minutes, making the affordable electric vehicle far more practical for longer trips.
Additionally, the new Bolt comes standard with Tesla’s NACS charging port, eliminating the need for adapters at Tesla Supercharger locations. This feature provides access to the most ubiquitous, fastest, and most reliable charging network in North America. The vehicle offers a range of 262 miles on a single charge, adequate for most daily driving needs.
However, GM hasn’t stopped at charging improvements. The interior has been upgraded with an 11.3-inch diagonal infotainment touchscreen paired with an 11-inch digital driver cluster, representing a significant size increase from the 2023 Bolt. Higher-end RS trims, starting at $32,000, offer a dual-panel panoramic sunroof option.
Advanced Technology Features and AI Integration
The most expensive RS trims, priced at $35,000 and above, will offer GM’s updated Super Cruise package later this year. This advanced driver assistance system can essentially drive the vehicle in many scenarios on most U.S. highways. Super Cruise, first introduced in 2017, is often rated one of the most trustworthy AI-backed driver assist systems available.
Meanwhile, GM’s extensive experience in electric vehicle development provides additional credibility. The automaker beat Tesla by more than a decade with the EV1, which became available in 1996. In 2010, GM launched the Chevy Volt plug-in hybrid, followed by the all-electric Chevy Spark EV in 2013.
How the Cheapest EV Compares to Competitors
In contrast, the 2026 Tesla Model Y starts at $39,990 for the base rear-wheel drive trim, offering substantially more range at 321 miles. Tesla includes its Traffic-Aware Cruise Control system as standard, with Full Self-Driving available for $99 monthly. Every Model Y comes with a fixed panoramic glass roof and offers superior cargo space in this price bracket.
The 2026 Nissan Leaf, starting at $29,990, comes closest to matching the Bolt’s affordability. According to manufacturer data, the Leaf provides 303 miles of range and includes ProPILOT Assist as standard equipment. The higher-end Platinum+ trim, priced at $38,990, includes a panoramic sunroof as standard.
Dealers are expected to receive the 2027 Chevrolet Bolt in significant volume throughout the coming months, though specific delivery timelines for all trim levels have not been confirmed. The availability of the advanced Super Cruise package on premium trims is scheduled for later in the year, according to the company.
