As GM Authority covered previously, General Motors recently announced a string of new investments into its Michigan-based production facilities, with a total of $7 billion allocated. That includes $4 billion to convert the GM Orion facility for production of the Chevy Silverado EV and GMC Sierra EV. Production of the Chevy Bolt EV and Bolt EUV will continue through the conversion process.
Conversion of the GM Orion facility begins immediately, with significant expansion of the site to include things like new body and paint shops, as well as new general assembly and battery pack assembly areas. When the conversion is complete, General Motors estimates that the facility will employ an additional 2,350 workers, all while retaining 1,000 jobs already established there. Production of the Chevy Silverado EV and GMC Sierra EV will begin at the Lake Orion facility in 2024.
As the conversion takes place, the GM Lake Orion facility will continue to build the Chevy Bolt EV and Bolt EUV. To note, production of the two Bolt models is currently offline, and is expected to be so until at least the end of February.
Last year, General Motors issued a massive recall affecting all units of the Chevy Bolt EV and Bolt EUV. The recall was in regard to a manufacturing defect in the models’ battery pack, which is believed to be the cause of multiple fires. GM has since issued several fixes for the issue and will replace the battery packs in all existing models. Production, however, remains offline until next month.
As a reminder, the Chevy Bolt EV and Bolt EUV ride on top of the BEV2 platform. Both feature a 65-kWh battery pack, with output rated at 200 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. Range-per-charge is rated at 259 miles for the Bolt EV, and 247 miles for the Bolt EUV.
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Comments
Chevy should drop the Bolt and put an Ultium battery in the EUV.
Not everyone needs the size of the EUV.
The “size?” Lol. It’s nearly identical in dimensions to the regular Bolt, just has a slightly different body. 6″ longer overall, 0.2 inches taller, same width. If anything the regular Bolt should be discontinued and just the EUV should be made as it’s going to sell much better, and will reduce GM’s cost of production with less variation in parts needed for two models too similar already.
The EUV seems to me to have better aerodynamics that the original Bolt.
It is really fun on the highway!
That would require completely redesigning the vehicle around the Ultium platform.
Thye’ve already done that – it’s called the Equinox.
They haven’t done this yet. The equinox is still 2 years away…
Given that it takes about 5 years to design a car, and it’s coming out in two years..
It’s already done the “designing it around the Ulitium platform” part, now they’re doing the “secure parts and design process to mass produce them” part.
Great to hear that production will resume soon!
I wouldn’t put a lot of faith in that when the word “expected” is used in a sentence. My money is on the plant being shut down longer than February….
Its amazing how the media has villainized the Bolt . Even with the battery recall , you are less like to have a fire with the Bolt than many gasoline cars . As well look at other electric cars and fires, Look at other makers like KIA and Hyundia , Tesla etc . all had experiences with battery fires. They had the issues as well but are getting a pass.
Its a shame , the BOLT for 2022 , and Bolt EUV were fine small cars that would fill the needs for many who want a small car and for use as a commuter ., They have decent range , size , power and are practical !
I doubt if GM will ever start production of these cars again, the brand is so damaged !
Not to say the issue is not real with the batteries, but from what i have read , based on all BOLT production there were only 12 reported fires !
Lol wait a minute you mean gasoline which is a flammable liquid will catch fire? Here’s the thing how many gas powered cars were just sitting there and burst into flames? Please give me a number I don’t care about fires after a wreck I wanna know how many gas vehicles were sitting outside someone’s home and just decided to burn to the ground thanks.
My neighbors Ford SUV had a recall for that very reason a few years ago. She wouldn’t park it in her garage because she was afraid it might burn down the whole house.
I know of several gasoline cars that have burst into flames, one out the front of my place. They had just been driven so they were still hot. When EVs are charging they get hot too.
Out of the 150,000 Bolt units built there were only 13 fires, even Tesla have had recalls. There is nothing wrong with the Bolt EV or EUV, the problem was with the LG batteries. LG have accepted responsibility and are paying for it.
( the BOLT for 2022 , and Bolt EUV were fine small cars that would fill the needs for many who want a small car and for use as a commuter ., They have decent range , size , power and are practical !)
I couldn’t agree more.
According to a study by AutoinsuranceEZ, fires per 100k sold break down like this:
Gas – 1529 fires per 100k
Hybrid – 3474 fires per 100k
Electric – 25 fires per 100k
The extra danger for EVs though is that the fires are chemical/battery fires and extremely difficult to put out. A small town near me just had a small firetruck burn up while a battery tender was hooked up, even gas cars have batteries.
I was shocked to see the hybrid fires, but I guess it makes sense since you’re adding in the risks of the gas cars plus the electric all in the same vehicle. Seems the worst of both worlds as far as fire risk.
I want a bolt. Been trying to order one through the dealer they keep saying they can only call me if and when they get one. If they keep pushing it off I’m going to be forced to get a leaf which I don’t want to do. Chevy does the free charger install which is a huge part of why I want a Chevy. Lol I know that’s silly but it helps.
Don’t go with a Leaf. They’re pretty much the only EV today that doesn’t have battery thermal management. Still. They experience far more battery degradation than other EV’s.
I sure hope that I can lease my 3rd Bolt in 2023 as it is the perfect car for my needs.
I have a 2020 Bolt EV and love it. I didn’t know Chevy would install charging capability for you as someone said. I have solar on my house so I just charge my Bolt in the garage on 110. I don’t drive long distances every day so that works for me.