Chevy Bolt EV Sales Increase 49 Percent To 1,424 Units In February 2018

Chevrolet Bolt EV sales increased in the United States and in Canada in February 2018.

Chevrolet Bolt EV Sales - February 2018 - United States

In the United States, Chevrolet Bolt EV deliveries totaled 1,424 units in February 2018, an increase of about 50 percent compared to 952 units sold in February 2017. The results represent the model's best-ever February monthly sales performance, but it is important to note that February 2017 was the Bolt's third month on sale in the U.S., during which time it was available across a limited amount of markets (states). We should also note that January and February 2018 sales are significantly lower than the 3,277 units delivered in December 2017 or the 2,987 units delivered in November 2017.

In the first two months of the year, Bolt EV sales increased about 23 percent to 2,601 units.

Chevrolet Bolt EV Sales - February 2018 - Canada

In Canada, Chevrolet Bolt EV deliveries totaled 180 units in February 2018, an increase of about 109 percent compared to 86 units sold in February 2017. The results represent the model's best-ever February monthly sales performance, but it is important to note that February 2017 was the Bolt's first second on sale in Canada. We should also note that February 2018 sales are higher than the 109 units delivered in December 2017, but much lower than the 350 units delivered in November 2017 or 371 units delivered in October 2017.

In the first two months of the year, Bolt EV sales increased about 299 percent to 367 units.

The GM Authority Take

February was somewhat of a peculiar month for the Bolt. Sure, the electric car posted a year-over-year sales gain, but that gain comes with a major asterisk.

Pitting February 2018 sales against those of February 2017 doesn’t make for a fair comparison, since February 2017 was the Bolt EV’s third month on sale in the U.S., at which time it was only available in two states (California and Oregon). February 2018 sales results, by comparison, represent nationwide sales of the vehicle. So when presented in that light, the Bolt’s 50 percent sales gain in February 2018 was to be expected. In fact, we would be surprised to have not seen a gain of 50 percent or more on an annual basis.

Even so, the Bolt outsold Chevy’s other new energy vehicle – the Chevrolet Volt, which saw U.S. sales slip 46 percent to 983 units in February while increasing 15 percent to 305 units in Canada (see Chevy Volt sales). In addition, the Bolt outsold all other alternative energy vehicles except for the Toyota Prius, including the Hyundai Ioniq, Volkswagen e-Golf, BMW i3, and Nissan Leaf. Notably, the Ioniq saw sales spike significantly during the month, closing the gap with the Bolt.

However, it’s vital to note that Toyota Prius and Hyundai Ioniq sales figures are not exclusive to electric Prius and Ioniq models, but also include Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid variants of each vehicle. The case is similar for the Honda Clarity, which is available as Plug-In Hybrid, Electric and Fuel Cell. Meanwhile, the Leaf’s depressed sales volume is the result of processes associated with the market introduction of the second generation model.

Sales Numbers - Mainstream Small Battery Electric Cars - February 2018 - USA

About Chevrolet Bolt EV

The Bolt EV is the first mass-produced, all-electric vehicle from GM’s Chevrolet brand. The small EV went on sale in December 2016 as a 2017 model in two launch states (California and Oregon) as production of the vehicle was being ramped up. In August 2017, the Bolt became available nationwide across the U.S., which is a full month ahead of schedule.

For its second, 2018 model year, the Bolt EV receives a handful of small changes that consist of replacing the heated steering wheel with the automatic heated steering wheel as a standalone option and on the Comfort & Convenience Package, and deleting the front passenger seatback map pocket as standard equipment on 2LT trim level.

Currently, the Bolt EV is built exclusively at the GM Orion Assembly factory in Michigan. Production of the vehicle is being increased at the factory at some point later in 2018 and the small EV is getting a new package that removes the rear seats for cargo purposes.

About The Numbers

• All percent change figures compared to Chevrolet Bolt February 2017 sales, except as noted
• In the United States, there were 24 selling days in February 2018 and 24 selling days in February 2017
• In Canada, there were 24 selling days in February 2018 and 24 selling days in February 2017
• Toyota Prius sales include Prius, Prius Prime, Prius C and Prius V
• Toyota Mirai sales include Mirai fuel cell vehicle
• Hyundai Ioniq sales include Ioniq Electric, Ioniq Hybrid and Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid
• Honda Clarity sales include Clarity Plug-In Hybrid, Clarity Electric and Clarity Fuel Cell