Next-Generation Chevy Bolt EV To Get Higher-Mounted Taillamps
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While the Chevy Bolt EV and Chevy Bolt EUV served distinct roles in General Motors’ all-electric lineup as affordable entry-level offerings, one of the more controversial aspects about the Bolt twins were their turn signals and brake lights, which were mounted quite low on the rear fascia. With this in mind, it appears as though the next-generation Chevy Bolt EV will boast higher-mounted taillamps.
GM Authority has learned that the next-gen Bolt EV will feature turn signals and brake lights that are mounted higher up on the electric vehicle’s rear fascia. Of course, the now-defunct first-gen Bolt EV and Bolt EUV’s turn signals and brake lights were mounted just above the rear bumper, while the running lights were positioned just under the rear glass.
In regard to the second-gen Chevy Bolt EV, GM Authority recently rendered our take on what the upcoming all-electric vehicle may look like. We used the Chevy Equinox EV as inspiration and lifted many elements from one EV crossover to another, including a thin front light bar that runs beneath the hood, a blacked-out “grille,” an aggressive spoiler, and a coast-to-coast taillight setup just below the rear window.
Of course, the next-gen Bolt EV won’t be a clean-sheet design, so the render does feature notable similarities with the first-gen Bolt EUV.
As far as the interior is concerned, we expect that the cabin will be outfitted with fresh materials, a new steering wheel and a revised overall design. In fact, it’s likely that the two-panel driver instrument cluster and infotainment system touchscreen setup will also be utilized.
GM Authority rendering of the next-generation Chevy Bolt EV
As a reminder, the next-gen Chevy Bolt EV will feature GM Ultium Drive motor technologies, but take a step away from other GM electric vehicles by utilizing lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries instead of pouch-style cells, aiming to reduce production costs. Interestingly, the GM Ultium batteries found in other GM EVs feature a nickel-cobalt-manganese-aluminum (NCMA) composition.
It’s worth noting that upcoming Bolt EV will be built at the GM Fairfax plant in Kansas, which will come after production of the Chevy Malibu is halted at the facility later this year.
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LFP cells has other benefits over the previous chemistries. They won’t overheat or catch fire when overcharged and won’t explode if punctured or crushed. This makes LFP batteries much safer in a collision. Many other EVs will use these cells, including the Ford Mustang Mach-E and the Tesla Model Y. Thus it will be the standard for many new EVs until a new chemistry arrives.
GM should be forced to recall all current EUVs for being unsafe. Those rear brake lights will get someone killed if they haven’t already.
many cars feature those same low mounted turn signal including virtually all Hyundai and KIA SUVs . The issue is they are trying to have a wide rear hatch opening and turn signals need to be placed in part of the fixed body so they are placed in the bumper.
So its not a GM thing as much as it is necessary to meet safety standards.
So if GM should recall these so should all of the other manufacturers that have low mounted turn signals
Not sure why this is an issue today, the Bolt has been on sales since 2016
Brake lights and turn signals can be on the moveable rear hatch with the caveat that they must move to a fixed part of the car if the hatch is opened – pretty much like most SUVs and even the 1st gen 2017-2012 BoltEVs are.
As a 1st gen 2019 BoltEV owner and now 2023 BoltEUV owner, GM should have kept the design of the 1st gen Bolts (ie. the hatch running lights should double as the brake lights, and only move to lower bumper when the hatch is opened). It’s annoying when large trucks are tail gating and can’t see the lower brake lights, but they shouldn’t be tail gating in the first place. And on the plus side, the brake lights on 2022 Bolts are crazy bright LEDs compare to 1st gen Bolts.
That’s the fault of the idiot behind the Bolt, not the Bolt itself. It’s called paying attention to the road. Hyundai, KIA, MB, Lincoln…..they all have lights like this. Join one of their forums and yell at them too.
The article was talking about the taillights. The problem is with the brake lights. I hope it was just the article being wrong. If not, GM is continuing to not listen to us.
This was a much needed redesign. I never understood how car companies felt it was safe to mount the taillights in such a low position anyways. If you or someone else gets rear ended those lights are done for.
Russ – the issue is with the tail lights in general, particularly with the fact that they are split into two sections. There’s an image in the article that makes it pretty clear which lights are in question.
Your constant Popups are so annoying that I no longer read your site but just glance at articles because as soon as you get into the article, it gets covered by your Popup!
James, this was an issue with an overly eager advertiser that we’ve since addressed. Cheers! Alex
The 2017-2021 Bolt EV had great tail lights, brake lights and turn signals. When the 22 refresh came out as the EV and EUV models the taillights were changed. The newer version taillights look better from a styling perspective, but functionality isn’t the best from a visibility standpoint. It seems like GM made the harness more complicated from a manufacturing and cost perspective. The original design was less complicated and easier to install from a manufacturing standpoint. I wish the bow ties were illuminated. The instrument panel and front seats were a huge improvement on the 22 & 23 model years. I’m thrilled GM decided to continue the Bolt, since it’s the first full EV manufactured.
Seriously considering the next generation Bolt when they come to market. NACS port, better high speed charging, and, hopefully, a little more range will be hard to beat if GM can keep it under $30k, especially with various credits and incentives.
They’ve already boosted the base price to just under $35K for the lowest priced model.. With their track record, the base model probably won’t be available for the first year, so that price will likely get bumped to more than $35K.
Interesting. I hated the high-mounted tail lights on some small Buick minivan. The Rendezvous and Enclave, maybe? Following them on dark rainy days, I always felt like the high mounted tail lights made them seem farther away than they were.
People are blind to the center brake light at top? It’s not all that high or out of view. Looking forward to the new EUV. Hopefully they upgrade the seats. Position tied to fob, and added comfort!
I didn’t even realize they were still making the bolt I never see one.
The model was discontinued in decembre 2023 but stocks were still solds in the first quarter of 2024.
I can’t do my 20 minutes commute without seeing 3-4 Bolts! I can imagine someone not looking specifically for them won’t see them.
Low mounted Brake lights are dangerous.
If GM installs the taillights and lighting in the top of the roof pillars on the next Bolt, it will be a 100% increase in safety for everyone! I’m thinking of my three OPEL Corsa Cs whose taillights are clearly visible at the top – they look good too!!!!! Taillights at the top are a safety advantage for EVERYONE!!!
Note:
I think it’s stupid that the OEMs and authorities install and approve indicators and brake lights in bumpers below the level of the tailgate opening. As a driver, you can’t see these very important lights straight away!
It is well known that if one person does something stupid, many will do the same, or how the Pied Piper lured others to their doom…
How much effort and money will it cost GM to mount the taillamp/break light to an upper and more noticeable position? Last year when I tried to search for a car, the lower mounted rear light really disappointed me after seeing other customers’ comments on a car testing website. Come on, more affordable Toyota Corolla has a better design/position for the tail lamp/break light. Corolla sells 50 million globally.
Maybe it’s really difficult to manufacture an affordable and economy EV in North America.
Hopefully GM will leapfrog the Kia EV3 since they know everything that vehicle will have on offer.
GM should give the Bolt more range and have faster charging than the EV3