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Production resumes: Bolt returns to showrooms in January 2026
General Motors has restarted volume production of the refreshed Chevrolet Bolt at its Fairfax Assembly plant in Kansas. The first factory builds rolling off the line are the LT trim equipped with the Comfort Package, and U.S. dealerships are expected to begin receiving those units in January 2026, with Canadian deliveries following soon after. GM also cautioned that the Bolt will be produced for a limited run, though the company has not given further details on how long production will last.
Why the Bolt is back
The return of the Bolt is a direct reaction to shifting market conditions. The rollback of the federal EV tax credit pushed automakers to create more affordable electric vehicles that remain appealing without incentive programs. GM, already offering one of the lower-cost EVs in the Equinox EV, decided to revive the Bolt nameplate rather than develop a wholly new model. The result is a lightly redesigned exterior based on the previous Bolt EUV, but with far more substantive upgrades under the skin.
Key specifications and tech upgrades
The updated Bolt brings meaningful improvements to charging, battery chemistry, power and functionality:
- 65-kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery
- EPA range up to 255 miles (about 410 km)
- 210 horsepower (up from 201 hp)
- Up to 150 kW DC fast charging via a NACS charge port
- 10% to 80% charging in about 26 minutes
- Bidirectional charging with Vehicle-to-Home capability at up to 9.6 kW
Bidirectional charging is a standout feature for a small and budget-focused EV. When paired with a compatible GM Energy V2H charger, the Bolt can feed power back to a home, offering nearly 9.6 kW of output in emergency situations. That capability makes it one of the most affordable cars on the market able to power a residence during outages.
Trim levels, pricing and options
GM confirmed pricing and trim details ahead of dealer deliveries. The entry-level Bolt 1LT carries a starting price of $28,995 including destination. Initial dealer allocations will focus on the LT trim with the Comfort Package, priced from $29,990. The sportier RS is listed at $32,995, while the RS with Tech Package and sunroof comes in at $35,685.
Available colorways reportedly include distinctive hues such as Atomic Yellow and Relic Green Metallic. Optional equipment prices include the Super Cruise advanced driver assist package for $3,255, GM Energy's PowerShift Charging Package for V2H at $2,371, and a standard PowerUp 2 NACS home charger for $899.
How the Bolt fits the market
The refreshed Bolt aims to slot into the lower-cost end of the EV market while offering features normally reserved for pricier models. Fast charging, an LFP pack for long-term durability, and bidirectional power broaden its appeal for cost-conscious buyers and those seeking practical resilience in their daily driving setup.
Highlights:
- Affordable EV with modern charging and V2H
- Improved power and real-world range
- Limited production run keeps availability uncertain
"Bringing bidirectional charging to an inexpensive EV changes the value equation for many buyers," said one industry analyst. "It turns the Bolt into not just transport, but backup power for a household."
Expect early allocations to appear at select dealers in January 2026. With competitive pricing and new tech under the hood, the Bolt could be a compelling option for buyers prioritizing affordability, utility and emergency-ready features in a small electric hatchback.
Source: autoevolution
Comments
driveline
Is this even true? Limited run makes me skeptical, GM tends to ration early EVs. 9.6 kW V2H sounds cool but will dealers mark it up? also curious about real world 255 miles in winter
atomwave
Whoa, the Bolt is back? LFP + V2H + 255 miles for under 30k, thats wild... If they actually make enough this could change the cheap EV game. Hope QC and battery life hold up tho
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