Despite continuing headwinds in the form of lower-than-anticipated demand for EVs, as well as potential tax incentive changes put in place by the incoming Trump administration, GM is currently staying strong in its plan to fully transition its light-duty vehicle lineup to electric powertrains by 2035. As such, The General has unveiled several new EV models as of late, including the new 2026 Cadillac Vistiq three-row crossover, as well as the high-performance 2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V. Following the two Caddys, the next all-new GM EV to debut in the North American market will be the 2026 Chevy Bolt EV.
General Motors announced in July of 2023 that it would offer a next-generation Chevy Bolt EV, reversing course on previous plans to discontinue the nameplate outright. In an interview, GM CEO Mary Barra said that the Bolt had “built up a lot of loyalty and equity.”
“I was getting letters from people who were mad at me for killing the Bolt,” the CEO said.
Although the exact details surrounding the next-gen 2026 Chevy Bolt EV are still forthcoming, there are a few paths The General is likely to take. For starters, GM’s Winning with Simplicity initiative will likely keep the new Bolt lineup to a minimum, possibly limited to just a couple of equipment groups. At the same time, customers are also likely to have access to appearance packages, such as a Midnight or Sport Edition package, in order to give the all-electric Bolt a more custom appearance.
Based on the outgoing Bolt EUV, the next-gen Bolt EV will likely be a bit bigger than the current generation, with new exterior styling similar to that of the Equinox EV and Blazer EV. The cabin will be overhauled as well, once again drawing design inspiration from the Equinox EV. The GM Super Cruise semi-autonomous drive assist system is a possibility as well, given its availability for the Bolt EUV.
As for the power specs, the next-gen 2026 Bolt EV will adopt GM’s latest battery management technology, as well as the North American Charging Standard, or NACS, plus new low-cost LFP batteries. Under the skin, we’re expecting to see the GM BEV2 platform.
Pricing will be on the more affordable side of the spectrum – in fact, GM aims to make the 2026 Bolt EV the most affordable EV on the U.S. market by the time it launches.
Stay tuned, as we’ll have more to say about the 2026 Chevy Bolt EV in the near future.
Comments
Also missed that GM has said they plan for a family of different Bolt models in the future.
I hope that gm takes a cue from Toyota’s newest prius and gives the bolt a little sex appeal, but I fear that’s asking way too much from the bean counters.
EV Cadillacs and GMCs are pretty sexy to my eye. Not sure about Chevys tho, maybe they’re just meant to be basic.
The Prius is cheaper made than the Chevy Bolt EV and not worth mentioning it.
Which is why most Priuses go 200,000 to 250,000 miles or more with routine maintenance on the original battery.
I love my 2023 Bolt EV, but I don’t need or want a “bigger” vehicle. Why does everything have to get fatter and bigger all the time? We don’t need the EUV that is slightly bigger than the old one since it would be nearly the same as the Equinox by then.
I like the idea of a Bolt “family” in hopes that they may then offer a small sedan/hatch and not just the EUV. If it’s only the EUV coming back, then I’ll move on to a brand that offers a smaller EV sedan.
” Why does everything have to get fatter and bigger all the time? ”
Because the vast majority of people won’t buy a small car.
Kind of like how I can’t have a two door or a regular cab pickup.
Toyota sells several small cars. So people do want them.
It’s way too bad the vast majority of “Americans” won’t buy a small car. Are they not aware of Global Warming. Is it all about image or maybe safety?
” Why does everything have to get fatter and bigger all the time? ” Because Americans are getting bigger and fatter all the time (me included) 🙂
Well…..I lost 30 pounds, then had a heart attack. My weight loss may have saved my life. But then I lost another 15 pounds. I’ve got to say, “WHOA!”
GM had a guy who had racing experience involved with the development of the original Bolt. His influence ensured its superior handling and roadability which is IMO a top reason people (like me) who own a Bolt love to hit the road and drive with confidence and ease. Its shortcomings are few, its overall value is tops. If this guy still works for GM, I hope he plays the main role in ensuring the second generation Bolt keeps that sporty, fun to drive personality.
THey’ve been saying this will be an Ultium/BEV-3-based update to the Bolt, so it’s weird you’re now saying BEV-2. Is that confirmed, or did you just miss that when writing this up?
Maybe the new Bolt will be chosen to debut a new Chevrolet design language. I am tired of the angry, split level lights, giant trapezoidal grille look of seemingly EVERY model in the lineup.
The new 2026 Honda Passport looks very good, imo, along with the new GMC Terrain. Make Vehicles Normal Again!
My nephew has a 2022 Bolt EUV with super cruise, fully loaded and he absolutely loves the vehicle. I drove it and drove in it and quite honestly it is very nice. He couldn’t be happier, I hope GM continues to build on the success that this one is.
“I drove it and drove in it” What is the difference between driving it and driving “in” it?
The difference is that in one case the person was the driver and in the other case the person was the passenger.
We purchased a 2022 Bolt EUV for a daily 100 mile round trip commute. The car has been flawless and comfortable for this purpose. Cheap to operate too. We charge at home so that 100 miles costs about $3.50. GM has done a good job with this vehicle.
I’m not an EV fan but I would consider a Bolt. It’s a great commuter vehicle around town. However, I would never be interested in traveling in one.
As an owner of 2023 Bolt EV, it’s a fun, peppy, commuter car, and I highly recommend it as a short, mid distance traveler. HOWEVER, I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND any new GM EV since they pulled Android Auto/CarPlay integration from all new models.
We just bought a 2024 Equinox 2LT & we love it since it has a Google based OS!
You must be higher misinformed!
Also, although it’s listed at 285 miles per charge, we get at least 300 miles. That’s the main reason why we didn’t get Toyota’s BZ4X, which is listed at only 222 miles per charge (in AWD)!
I believe it’s well known that the Bolt will be available in a single body style this next time around. That’s the utility one.
If the new Chevy Bolt EV is over 14 feet long by an inch or 2, I lose $2000 (more?). I will put larger diameter tires on it, because people keep saying its a city-car.
I drive a Volt and I love it. Wish you would bring them back!! I love the overall look and the hatch. The cooling system is a game changer and so is the over the top braking system!!! Plus they are cool looking and sporty.
Quite true!
Electric vehicles don’t have to be ugly! Chevrolet should use the 2015 Volt body style as an all electric design!
Ordered a Bolt in 2023. The best vehicle I’ve ever owned. It has the SMOOTHEST throttle response. GREAT commuter vehicle. I just charge it at home via 110v. It’s very surefooted due to the weight of the battery and it’s low placement. Its quicker than most vehicles on the road also. The best part is the interior is like any ICE vehicle, it just has an electric powertrain. I’m happy GM is bringing it back. They should not make it larger or with cheaper materials in my opinion.
Bought a used 2023 Bolt with only 6,000mi on it. When the traffic light turns green it moves out smoothly leaving all the ICE cars churning through the various gears, and this not with laying on the accelerator! I have bought can A2Z adapter, after watching a video YouTube, so that if I take it to visit my sister in MI I can pick up a quick charge to get to my destination. I’m looking forward to the ’26 model. Hopefully it will have larger tires for better overall range.