General Motors is scaling back production of the revamped Chevrolet Bolt, a vehicle that fans spent years pleading for after its initial cancellation. The company now expects to build roughly 35,000 of the small electric SUVs before the line stops in the first quarter of next year, according to Dontay Wilson, president of the United Auto Workers local representing the Kansas City factory.
That is a dramatic reduction from the original plan for about 150,000 units, a figure based on daily production volume rather than a corporate announcement. In 2023, Chevrolet sold more than 60,000 of its electric Bolt hatchback, a number that once made it the best-selling non-Tesla electric car in North America, but recent sales figures have fallen short of expectations.
Why the Bolt Is Struggling to Find Buyers
The 2027 Bolt starts at about $28,995 delivered, offering a respectable 262 miles of range. When GM initially canceled the original Bolt hatchback, it cited the new Equinox EV as a better alternative, a decision the automaker later reversed amid public backlash. The company moved production to Kansas City for a limited run, but the limited production strategy and the loss of tax incentives appear to have hurt sales. Through the first half of the year, the larger Equinox EV outsold the Bolt by nearly four to one.
At that price point, buyers are increasingly comparing the Bolt to established hybrid options like the Civic Hybrid or Corolla Hybrid, vehicles that offer better resale value and no range anxiety. The market for affordable electric cars has also become more crowded with rivals like the Nissan Leaf and the upcoming Kia EV3. The recent pullback suggests that even a sub-$30,000 electric vehicle struggles to gain traction when consumers have so many other choices.
General Motors has declined to comment on the specific reasons for the production cut, stating only that it continuously evaluates market forces and customer demand. The company’s decision to slow the Bolt’s production run raises questions about the viability of sub-$30,000 electric vehicles in a market that is rapidly evolving. With competitors offering more space and better resale potential, the Bolt’s limited success highlights the difficult position facing affordable EVs.
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Stellantis Pivots to Range-Extended Vehicles
Stellantis has shifted its focus toward range-extended electric vehicles, such as the Ram Ramcharger, instead of pursuing all-electric models. Antonio Filosa, the CEO of Stellantis, explained this change to The Detroit News. He stated that the pivot is driven by “customer choice” rather than federal environmental regulations.
Hybrid Demand Remains Strong
Data from Automotive News indicates that September sales were positive for brands that focus on hybrids. Honda reported that its car deliveries increased by 15 percent and light trucks rose by 16 percent. The Accord hybrid saw a sales jump of 22 percent, while the CR-V hybrid increased by 21 percent.
Hyundai also reported strong results. Its hybrid sales rose by 39 percent to reach 21,578 units. This figure represents 28 percent of the company’s total volume for the month. Kia experienced even faster growth, with hybrid deliveries surging by 152 percent. This growth helped drive a 19 percent increase in retail demand for the brand.
VinFast Attempts a U.S. Revival
The Vietnamese automaker is also refreshing its lineup with a new VF 8 crossover. However, the company still faces challenges, including sliding sales, a limited product lineup, and a legal dispute with North Carolina over a factory site construction deadline. Every few weeks, inquiries about the VF8 continue, suggesting that while sales are not booming, there is still a consumer base interested in the vehicle.