Amazing what a few months, some motivation, and a little spreadsheet magic can do. Late Friday, General Motors announced the 2027 Chevrolet Bolt is officially on sale in the U.S., priced at $28,995 including destination. That number alone is enough to turn heads. But GM didn’t stop there. The Bolt now claims 262 miles of EPA-estimated range, making it the least expensive electric vehicle on sale in America today.
That title was previously held by the Nissan Leaf. Not anymore.
The Curious Case of the Extra Seven Miles
Here’s the thing. When the revived Bolt debuted last fall, Chevrolet quoted 255 miles of estimated range. Now, without much fanfare, that figure has jumped to 262 miles. No hardware changes announced. No battery chemistry deep dive. Just… seven more miles.
There’s an important caveat. This number is EPA-estimated, not officially EPA-rated yet. Chevrolet’s own website and configurator still list the old 255-mile figure, suggesting this update is fresh, and perhaps still making its way through internal systems.
Still, those seven miles matter. At 255 miles, the Bolt would have trailed every Leaf variant. The Leaf Platinum+ posts 259 miles of EPA-rated range, while the more affordable Leaf S+ stretches to 303 miles. That extra range, however, comes at a cost $2,490 more than the Bolt’s starting price. In today’s market, that’s not pocket change.
Value First, But Not Barebones
Despite its aggressive pricing, the 2027 Bolt isn’t stripped down. Even the base model includes an 11.3-inch touchscreen with Google built in, adaptive cruise control, automatic climate control, and a clean, modern cabin layout.
There are tradeoffs. Unlike the Leaf, the Bolt does not support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, a decision that will divide buyers. On the charging front, Chevrolet has gone all-in on the NACS (Tesla-style) charging port, which opens access to a far broader fast-charging network than before.
For buyers willing to spend more, the Bolt can also be equipped with Super Cruise, GM’s hands-free Level 2 driver-assistance system. It’s one of the best in the business, but it won’t be available at the $28,995 entry price.
A Strategic Reset for Affordable EVs
What this really signals is intent. GM isn’t just bringing the Bolt back; it’s repositioning it as the default entry point to EV ownership. More range than originally promised, a price that undercuts every rival, and enough tech to feel current without chasing luxury.
Chevrolet says the 2027 Bolt is on sale now and arriving at dealers, meaning this isn’t a future promise, it’s a showroom reality.
In a market where EV prices have steadily crept upward, the Bolt’s return feels like a correction. Not flashy. Not revolutionary. Just smart, affordable, and right on time.
