For 2027, the Bolt looks similar to the discontinued version, but not a lot has changed with the powertrain and technology.Petrina Gentile/The Globe and Mail
After discontinuing one of Canada’s most affordable electric vehicles in 2023, Chevrolet is bringing the Bolt back for 2027. Don’t let it deceive you – even though the electric hatchback looks the same, its completely different under the hood. But it’s still the cheapest EV in Chevy’s lineup, starting at $39,999 before freight and pre-delivery.
“It’s not what we had in 2022,” said Jeremy Short, chief engineer of the Chevrolet Bolt in Montreal. “It is best described as an evolution of what we called Ultium. We have a new drive unit, a new high-voltage battery and a new charging system – all managed with modules that were born from Ultium.”
The latest GM EV technology in the 2027 Bolt is dubbed the X76 electric drive unit, which was designed entirely in-house. Besides the electrical architecture and software, the Bolt’s front drive unit is shared with its big brother, the electric Equinox. But the Bolt is the first Chevy to use Lithium-iron phosphate or LFP battery cells, which is mostly produced in China.
“We can’t control tariffs. We can’t control policy but we can control if it’s a great vehicle,” said Short. “In this vehicle, we were able to increase the range and dramatically increase the charging but at the same time our raw material prices of the battery came down.”
Despite being front-wheel drive, the 2027 Chevrolet Bolt gripped the road in snow conditions with winter tires.Petrina Gentile/The Globe and Mail
In downtown Montreal, I test drove the new Bolt on a short three-kilometre route during a wild winter snowstorm. As expected from an EV, it was quick off the line. Surprisingly, it was firmly planted on the road with winter tires that gripped the snow without slipping and sliding. Even though it isn’t an all-wheel-drive, dual-motor system, the single motor worked well.
With a 65-kilowatt-hour battery, the driving range is up to 422 kilometres – up from 417 kilometres on the 2022 Bolt. The new Bolt is also cheaper than its main rival, the 2026 Nissan Leaf, which starts at $44,998 before freight and PDI. But the Leaf does have up to 488 kilometres of range with its larger 75-kWh battery pack.
For 2027, the Bolt also has regenerative braking and one-pedal driving, which returns braking energy back to the battery for better range. It gets a more efficient heat pump and faster charging, too. It can now charge up to two-and-half-times faster than the previous Bolt. It has 150-kilowatt DC fast charging capability, which GM estimates can charge the vehicle from 10 to 80 per cent in 26 minutes. It’s the first Chevy with a NACS DC port so drivers can charge at more than 17,800 Tesla Superchargers across North America.
The front seats and dash with a larger 11.3-inch infotainment screen and a bigger 11-inch driver information screen.Petrina Gentile/The Globe and Mail
Inside, it’s more refined and not as cheap and plasticky as the last generation. There’s impressive technology, a larger 11.3-inch infotainment screen, a bigger 11-inch driver information screen and Google built-in with a personal voice assistant that works well. Simply say, “Hey Google turn on my heated seats” and it does so quickly and easily without having to take your hands off the wheel.
There’s more storage space and larger cupholders in the cabin thanks to a new gear shifter, which has moved from the centre console to the steering wheel column. Heated seats and a heated steering wheel are standard items; while ventilated front seats, wireless phone charging and Super Cruise, GM’s semi-autonomous driver assistance technology, are optional. It’s a pleasant surprise to see Super Cruise available in the Bolt – it’s typically not offered on entry-level GM vehicles. While I didn’t test it on our route, I’ve used it previously and it’s one of the most advanced systems on the road.
The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt arrives in Canadian dealerships in the first quarter of 2026. A new, sporty RS trim joins the lineup, too.
The rear seats on the 2027 Chevrolet Bolt.Petrina Gentile/The Globe and Mail
Looks
Looks similar to the last-generation Bolt, but it comes with seven exterior colours such as Habanero orange and 17-inch wheels in three different finishes to give you a fresh take on a rather boring design. The new RS trim has an exclusive colour combo – an Atomic Yellow exterior with red interior accent stitching, unique grille badging, high-gloss black wheels and roof rails.
Interior
Interior changes are substantial and include a larger centre screen, multiple USB-C ports and available ventilated front seats. The dashboard has a nice mix of physical and virtual controls and plenty of smart storage spaces below the instrument panel and between the front seats.
Performance
It feels like a typical electric vehicle with good off-the-line acceleration. The compact size makes it easy to drive and park. The route wasn’t long enough to test real-world range in winter.
Technology
Plenty of safety technology including intersection collision mitigation, rear automatic braking and rear cross traffic alert with braking and, for the first time, Super Cruise is available.
Cargo
Spacious cargo area that has a wide opening and low lift-over height so it’s easy to load and unload items.
The trunk isn't massive, but it has a wide opening and a low lift-over height.Petrina Gentile/The Globe and Mail
The verdict
Although consumers are buying fewer EVs and there are fewer EV incentives available, the third-generation Bolt is a welcome addition to the Chevy lineup given its practicality, spacious and tech-savvy cabin and affordable price tag.
Tech specs
2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV
- Base price / as tested: $39,999 / $43,470 (including freight and pre-delivery inspection)
- Motor / battery: single motor, 65-kilowatt-hour battery pack
- Horsepower / torque (lb-ft): 210 / 169
- Drive: front
- Power consumption (NRCan ratings, Le/100 km) / charging capacity: To be announced
- Range (claimed and observed): 422 kilometres / NA
- Alternatives: Nissan Leaf, Hyundai Kona EV, Kia Niro EV, Fiat 500e
The 2027 Bolt is a similar size, which makes driving and parking in a city easy.Petrina Gentile/The Globe and Mail
The writer was a guest of the automaker. Content was not subject to approval.
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