Production of the Chevy Bolt EV and Chevy Bolt EUV has restarted at the GM Lake Orion Assembly plant in Michigan, as planned by the automaker and reported by GM Authority back in February.
Production of the the Chevy Bolt EV and Chevy Bolt EUV has been offline since the latter part of 2021 and through the first quarter of 2022 as GM managed repairs and a massive recall for both nameplates.
GM previously expanded a recall for both nameplates in August, recalling more than 140,000 examples of the Chevy Bolt EV and Chevy Bolt EUV in response to multiple reports of battery pack fires. The fires were linked to a pair of manufacturing defects in the battery packs themselves. The defective batteries, produced by GM’s battery partner, LG Energy Solution, included a torn anode and folded separator, both of which could be present in the same cell of affected battery packs. The defects could lead to the battery packs combusting.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened an investigation into the battery module fires in October of 2020. The investigation was completed and closed in February.
To support the recall and prioritize repairs for affected models, GM halted production of the Chevy Bolt EV and Chevy Bolt EUV last November, while also issuing a stop-sale order for both nameplates. Battery production restarted in mid-September. Now, production of both vehicles at the GM Lake Orion Assembly plant in Michigan has restarted as well. The Lake Orion facility is the exclusive producer of both Chevy Bolt vehicles.
Going forward, GM has announced a$4 billion investment to upgrade the Lake Orion facility for production of the Chevy Silverado EV and GMC Sierra EV. Production of the Chevy Bolt EV and Bolt EUV will continue throughout the upgrade process.
As a reminder, the Chevy Bolt EV and Chevy Bolt EUV ride on the GM BEV2 platform and feature a single front-mounted Voltec drive motor.
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Comments
GM will sell every Bolt EV/EUV they can build. Every other EV on the market right now is either limited availability or getting their prices jacked up. There are few affordable EV options and the Bolt may have the low-end market in North America to itself for the next two years.
Wrong. The bolt is so damaged no way that turd sells.
You are the wrong one here. The Bolt is the only small domestic EV that can compete against the imports. The Ford Mustang Mach-E and the Tesla Model 3 are much more expensive. So GM is doing their job to offer this EV at prices that any U.S. driver can buy.
BTW, I have a Chevy Equinox and I plan to buy the EV Equinox in 2023.
Hate to say it — but JWL is correct. I say this as a long time EV proponent and owner of a 2017 Volt. GM can sing their song and dance all they want, at the end of the day the people in control of the company don’t actually care about EVs, This is reflected in their dealer network, their support network, and the basic designs of the cars.
So the sold a handful of hummers and bolts then recalled them all? How is that a success? Elon’s cranking about a million of them a year and somehow GM thinks they are the leader?
GM is just like every other politician we’ve seen in the past 50 years, say one thing and do another. They took mediocre design and a lackluster will to succeed and said “me too! we are super green look at all our EV’s that we have sold tens of!”
If GM wanted to do something to get real attention they would create a dedicated EV sales point and bypass their greedy slimy dealer network that’s been holding them back for decades. Or you know… create cars that don’t look like they belong in a circus and catch on fire when sitting doing nothing.
There are three major Chevrolet dealers roughly equidistant from me.
We bought our Bolt EUV from one and found it a pleasant experience. Their service department handled its first check up well. We shall schedule the battery replacements there
The second is closer, in a rapidly growing suburb. They were glad to schedule the recall software upgrade and supply the windshield sticker. They are very busy and it is quicker to schedule service elsewhere, though.
The third, nationaly known due to NASCAR, doesn’t seem to really care about EVs and also loads up cars sold with dealer installed options unless you strongly resist. Having been brushed off when previously considering a Volt, we did not go there after considering the Bolt.
Have you seen resale value on Bolts lately? Even with the recall, even on units that haven’t had batteries replaced yet, prices are up big time.
If demand is that high for used ones, I’m sure the new ones will continue to sell well. The only other “affordable” EVs are the Hyundai Kona and Kia Niro. Both of these are supply-constrained (and the Niro is going out of production indefinitely because Kia can’t bring the new generation to market yet due to supply constraints).
For the next year and a half (at least), the Bolt EV/EUV is going to be the only widely-available “affordable” EV in North America.
You forget the Nissan Leaf is less cost than a Bolt. So I had a 2017 Bolt that was bought back by GM. So I got a 2022 Nissan Leaf SL Plus. I’m getting 270 miles town driving, it uses 62 kWh battery but uses 57 kWh of the battery. Was getting 290 with Bolt same driving. The problem is the LG battery. I will not buy an EV that has an LG battery. So the Leaf is 100% better riding . 100 % better interior. Then the Bolt. And I loved the Bolt. But I’m not going to have a car where the battery is a time bomb. and a company LG in 4 years could not check how the battery is produced. and fix the problem. So GM, VW, Ford, Hyundai, Kia, Some of BMW, and others are batteries made by LG.
You’ve got a point when it comes to the Leaf, but there are two serious technical issues with that car: the lack of active thermal management on the traction battery, and the CHADEMO charging. And the Leaf Plus isn’t exactly cheap.
CHADEMO appears to no longer being supported much at all. Between this and the
If you live in a deserted it’s a problem. Both my daughters. have 2015 6-year-old Leafs still getting 80 miles on a charge. Never had a repair! change tires. So I USE MY 2022 LEAF around town and short trips to charge at home. I use my 2021 Tesla model 3 long range for long trips. The thermal management is way overblown on the Leaf. If you need a Leaf for long trips it’s problem, compared to Tesla. but for around town and short trips. It’s a 100% better than a Bolt. The model S plus 62 kWH is about. $31,000 is less costly than the bottom Lt Bolt. The point is It should be one you look at. It is a very trouble-free EV.
I love the media center screen on the top of the line Leaf. What is it? About 5″ diagonally? The car is a go-cart.
yes….yes I have seen the resale of the Bolts…DROP like a ton of bricks. GM just reduced the price of 2023 Bolts by $6k to $7k just a few days ago…..there goes your prediction. BTW…get ready to see the 2022 prices plunge. If you do a little research you will see where GM is having issues (lot) with their replacement batteries……some have had to go through two replacements. This does not look good for GM.
Please provide proof or a link regarding replacement batteries. Would be interested to see the extent of their problems. Thanks
Raymond a local dealership by me has 6 bolts for sale right now they can’t move lol. You have no clue what you are talking about.
They’ve been on a “stop sale” order since last year. That’s why they’re sitting there. It’s also possible that the packs on those vehicles have not been replaced yet.
Dealer stock is starting to get battery replacements. I’ve seen at least one account (in Canada) of a dealer who claimed they could sell a Bolt with the “old” battery but with the software update that limits charge level.
My local dealer had four Bolts sitting on the lot over the winter but they’re starting to move out now.
When I bought my 2020 Bolt, my (largest in Houston) Chevy dealer had a few blacks and dark grays, but it took them 2 hours to find the only Cajun Red in their storage level of the parking garage next door. That said, I’m sure they’ve got several 2022 models, but none are advertised on their website right now, all waiting for batteries. They’ll sell…and fast.
Why risk burning your house down?
Have you ever seen what happens when a gasoline fueled vehicle leaks in an attached garage which also contains a natural gas water heater? I’ll take my chances with my Bolt, on which the recall has been cleared.
The Bolt is still the biggest fire hazard since the Ford Pinto.
Categorically untrue. Gas cars are considerably more likely to catch fire spontaneously.
It’s because EVs are still relatively new that they get the news coverage.
24, but only 18 confirmed out of over 140,000 sold. Do you still wear a mask when you drive alone?
I absolutely love the look of the 2023 EV Equinox. If it actually looks like the pictures that have been released, and the starting price is going to be what they say, $30,000 and its range is a minimum of 300 miles at that starting price, I think it will become THE best-selling EV. The problem is going to be will they be able to produce enough of them to meet the demand. I ordered the Mustang Mach-E with extended range (304 miles) back in November, at which time they gave me a May-June delivery time frame. So far there is no production date, and the status remains “Order accepted”. Supply chain constraints seem to be lingering on and on and now with Putin’s war they are continuing. The dealer assured us there would be no mark-up, but if there is, we will cancel the order and wait until the Cadillac Lyriq or the Equinox EV comes out and prices go back to MSRP.
Well I see the Bolt is being offered at a $6k discount. I’ve also read today on the Bolt forum where there are a lot of people having issues with their replacement batteries. One person stated she had to have her replacement battery replaced and 6 weeks later had to have another one replaced. This does not look good for GM. I hope there are no issues with the new Ultima battery.
Which Bolt forum, please. Haven’t seen that post.
Well maybe not. The sky blue bolt EUV is still on my Chevy dealers lot from LAST SUMMER. If they are selling like hot cakes then I am missing something. They need to get to the permanent platform with ULTIUM. Not buying a bev2 platform battery setup again. Holding on to my volt until Equinoz and or Blazer get here….thats what they should be focusing on getting out NOW.
The “affordable” version of the Equinox is still a couple of years out. The first EV Equinoxes coming next year will be high-trim, high cost versions (similar to what GMC did with the EV Hummer and what Chev is doing with the EV Silverado). The “$30,000” EV Equinox isn’t coming until 2024.
Should Chev just pull the Bolt from the market until then?
Dear Brett Chandler, You may have a point, however, the base Bolt and the Bolt Premier came out at the same time in Dec 2016. Also, Mary Barra said that the 2023 Equinox EV will start at $30,000, so maybe the $30,000 version it will be available early along side the premium version.
Why would Chevy pull the Bolt from the market when that is the only compact lower price EV they have right now? I test drove the Bolt EUV and it was very similar to my old 2017 Bolt EV in acceleration except with more comfortable seats and a quieter and smoother ride. It’s a real competitor to all the EVs with around a 250 mile range.
Dear imanjunk. That sky blue bolt EUV is still there because it’s waiting for a battery replacement. They have to replace current customer’s batteries first before they replace cars that have not been sold or have been returned (sold back) to the dealer.
All that means is GM is losing even more money on the Bolt.
GM isn’t above the law of input costs.
As my 2017 Volt approaches 115k miles (yeah I drive a lot) In the market for a new car and can say with 100% confidence that GM/Bolt is NOT on my list. Besides risking my house burning down, I’ve seen first hand how difficult/stupid it is to buy a GM EV through their dealer network.
For wanting to be green they sure make it hard to buy the damn thing, I’m supposed to sit for a few hours listening to a car salesman talk me out of the EV and into a Silverado or Tahoe?
The dealer I purchased my Volt F’d me in the first 2 minutes of signing the paperwork by coming back and saying my $1000 private offer code was good, it was confirmed from GM directly it was valid, did they make it right or fix their mistake? Months wasted fighting them, GM is the sad old grandpa trying to be cool wearing a new pair of nike’s and a gold chain, no matter what they do it’s just hilarious and sad because deep down their core business model and thought processes haven’t changed one bit.
Not all Chevy dealerships are the same.
“Sir Walter Chevrolet” in Raleigh, NC, made inquiring about, arranging to test drive, buying, and having the initial service check on a Bolt EUV pleasant and pressure free. They were also very prompt in getting things moving on the 240 volt charging outlet, for which GM fully paid.
Do you live in a place where there is only that one, loser dealer?
Dear Jake Jones, My experience buying the Chevy Bolt EV was totally different than yours. The dealer advertised it for $5,000 off list on their website in September 2017 and sure enough that is what we bought it for. We traded in our old Buick Encore for a fair price. The paperwork took a while but we drove off with a fully charged battery and a very peppy car. It was a real joy to own and drive, until the recalls, of course. Then we had Chevy buy it back for only 30% less than what we paid for it in 2017. We owned it for 4 years, what a deal. It took a lot of effort and follow-up to do it, But GM came through for us. We then bought a Chevy Trailblazer as an interim car because no electric cars were available. We then ordered a Mustang Mach-E extended range and after that we will be going back to GM and upgrade to a Cadillac Lyriq or we might settle for the Equinox EV.
If you want an electric car just buy a Tesla.
The cheapest Model 3 is close to double the price of a base Bolt EV. That’s not trivial.
Dear Brett Chandler,
Not close to double, but $17,000 more. The minimum price of a Model 3 is currently at $48,490, The minimum price of a Bolt EV is $31,500. Whatever happened to Musk’s more affordable $25,000 EV promise? The latest on that is that Elon Musk says Tesla isn’t working on the $25,000 electric car it promised by 2023. (“Elon Musk says Tesla isn’t working on the $25,000 electric car it promised by 2023” by Tim Levin – Jan 27 MSN). Looks like the Equinox EV starting at $30,000 will come closer to that mark than any other EV and that is supposed to come with a 300-mile range.
Sure. Then you can proudly say you are a part of the Cult.
They need to get to the permanent platform with ULTIUM. Not buying a bev2 platform battery setup again. Holding on to my volt until Equinoz and or Blazer get here….thats what they should be focusing on getting out NOW.
I am replacing my Tesla with a Lyriq, can’t wait to get my Debut edition. The Tesla has awesome acceleration but is noisy and poorly built. If Cadillac delivers on their promises it will be a real winner.
Dear Guy, Have they given you a delivery date yet for your Debut Lyriq?
The Tesla costs more because it’s a better car. Tesla is light years ahead of gm. The Bolt is a flame out.
Tesla makes a fantastic car. And you pay for it.
Not everyone can afford it.
Tesla is only alive due to government subsidies.
Fortunately that party is coming to an end.
Come on recession.
Has GM forgotten about the plenty of 2017 – 2022 bolts that they PROMISED to replace the battery?
The usual explanation is ‘they’re replacing the oldest first’.
Uh huh… My friend with an early 2017 BOLT still cannot get a straight answer from Dealers. What does that do for me with a 2022? Five years until my battery is changed out, or will it be conveniently be forgotten about?
I’m sure they are much, much more concerned about selling NEW product.
They’re not replacing “oldest first”
The 2019s had priority, since almost all the fires were among cars from that year. The NHTSA/Transport Canada recall only covered ’17-’19 models and those have been given priority for batteries because governments are demanding it. The ’20-’22 models are covered under a voluntary recall that GM decided to issue so that these batteries don’t remain a cloud hanging over the brand.
Yes, it sucks that owners have to wait for batteries. Unfortunate, but it’s a massive undertaking that depends on a lot of moving parts. Worth noting: that software update that limits charging to 80% ALSO includes diagnostics that automatically notifies GM if any car has battery modules at risk for fires. At least some owners have been able to “jump the queue” for new batteries when those diagnostics showed that risk.
Brett-
Curious to know where you got your information. Not disputing it, just would like to hear it directly from GM or their dealers. Their transparency on how priorities are being set for replacements is awful. I own a 2020, have had the software upgrade done, was waiting patiently for replacements in the belief that all battery production was being directed to recalled vehicles. When I found out that new vehicle sales had resumed a few months ago I was pissed because I felt they had reneged on their implicit promise to take care of recalled vehicles before selling new ones. Dealers I have discussed this with pretty much disavow knowledge on the subject and deflect my inquiries to the Home Office.
So GM is forgetting about the 2017-2022 BOLTS already sold – where EVERYONE was promised a new battery?
Supposedly the explanation is they are doing the oldest cars first.
Uh huh…. My friend who owns an early 2017 bought new cannot get a straight answer from Chevy Dealers as to when he is scheduled…
I suppose that means I have to wait 5 years to get my 2022 bolt’s battery changed out, if ever…
By then – GM will have forgotten all about their IRON CLAD PROMISE to change every single one out.
Take a look at the Chevy Bolt EV at $31,000 with 250 mile range. IF the $12,500 tax credit is passed it brings the price down to under $19,000. A lease can cost around $150/month. Depending on the car previously driven the gas savings can approach the cost of the lease. Let that sink in. The Bolt will be sold out for years
To all the Bolt haters out there, on April 1, I used 29.1 kWh to drive 135.4 miles, almost all at 65-70 mph with one slowdown and one rush hour traffic jam, using my A/C. That’s 4.65292 miles per kWh and an MPGe equivalent of 156.8267. At the time, unleaded was $3.669 per gallon. I pay an average of 10 cents per kWh for electricity. Had I driven an ICE vehicle getting 30 MPG, the trip would have cost $16.56. In my Bolt, the trip cost $2.91. That’s 17.57% of the cost in an ICE vehicle.