New 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV (and updated Bolt EV)

[SwampSurvivor]

I only drive about 20 miles a day commuting. That is rechargeable overnight. It's the longer round trips to my parents and back (140 miles) that accounts for the majority of my driving.

I have a gas water heater and stove.

 

[E365]

Huge price drop for the 2023 Bolt and Bolt EUV

Bolt now starts at $26,595 (was $32,495)
Bolt EUV starts at $28,195 (was $34,495)

Likely repositioning for the upcoming Blazer EV and Equinox EV. Equinox EV supposed to start “around” $30,000. Blazer EV maybe starts just under $40,000(?). Wouldn’t make sense for the Equinox EV to be cheaper than the Bolt.

https://insideevs.com/news/589557/chevrolet-2023-bolt-ev-euv-pricing/

 

[Cujet]

I have some time in the previous generation Bolt. It's a compact, FWD tire-spinner and torque steer monster. Not exactly a refined car.

For similar money, one can purchase a base Honda Accord hybrid, which is 5 steps above in vehicle quality and driving dynamics.

 

[DwightFrye]

GM is counting on capturing some market share with a low entry level EV price point. They figure on getting customers who have brand loyalty, want to "buy American" and hate Tesla and Elon Musk. But it will still be a mediocre car at best as Cujet alludes to with his comparison to a Honda Accord Hybrid. And that is because it is all GM is capable of at the moment.

Elon had better stop being distracted with outside projects like his Twitter deal and start making some near-short term plans on getting a sub-$30K Tesla to market. The current gas prices and economic downturn are making more and more people consider an EV and even though the current administrations "let them eat cake" attitude that eveyone should buy a $60K EV in reality the general public can't afford a car like that at the moment.

But what do you think the auto market would be like today if you could go to a number of dealerships and buy one of about a half dozen make and model EV's for under $30K and without any scurrilous added dealer markup or 8 month waiting period ?

 

[Cujet]

And that is because it is all GM is capable of at the moment.

Elon had better stop being distracted with outside projects like his Twitter deal and start making some near-short term plans on getting a sub-$30K Tesla to market.

GM is promising the moon lately, and advertising some products that are in fact years away from real world availability. This is a fundamental change from years past, and quite frankly, it annoys me to no end. They are manufacturing nothing of note in the EV world, despite claims to the contrary.

Elon still makes the best EV's and is so far ahead of the competition it's amazing. Say what you want about coach-builder quality, Tesla has the best batteries, best controllers, best motors and have the best battery management. They couple it with very well made suspension components and the results are clear, they drive wonderfully. A model 3 performance, a Nissan Sentra sized 4 door family car, competes with a modern Corvette. Nuff said.

There is a reason Tesla is not using Lithium Ion Pouch cells, because when just one bloats, the battery pack is done. This may be why GM and others are using 20 or more smaller "packs" placed next to each other, to make up a battery. So they don't have to replace everything when the inevitable happens.

Tesla, on the other hand is permanently and tightly installing the 4680 cells into the vehicle structure. That's because the 4680's can't bloat due to the cylindrical nature of the design. I make no bones about it, the 2170 and 4680 cells are a more robust design.

 

[JeffKeryk]

Elon still makes the best EV's and is so far ahead of the competition it's amazing. Say what you want about coach-builder quality, Tesla has the best batteries, best controllers, best motors and have the best battery management. They couple it with very well made suspension components and the results are clear, they drive wonderfully. A model 3 performance, a Nissan Sentra sized 4 door family car, competes with a modern Corvette. Nuff said.

Tesla's other differentiation is tech. All the major car companies seem to be coming out with electric drivetrain versions of their existing vehicles.
Most BITOGers seem to discount this and prefer old school analog, but younger (and upcoming) customers will demand high tech.

It's just a matter of time.

 

[alarmguy]

GM brings an affordable and decent, good looking EV to a price range more of the public can afford and quite honestly justify for the small size and range of EVs compared to gasoline.
The tech means nothing to the common middle class purchaser, all it has to do is run reliably. No different than a gas engine, middle class America (except forums like these) do not base car buying decisions on the "tech" or the engine that is in a vehicle.
EVs will be a dime a dozen in 2 more years and in five years most likely a surplus due to overproduction and sales galore.

and when talking about tech? Todays tech in the most expensive best EVs out there will be antiquated in 10 years or less.

 

[JeffKeryk]

GM brings an affordable and decent, good looking EV to a price range more of the public can afford and quite honestly justify for the small size and range of EVs compared to gasoline.
The tech means nothing to the common middle class purchaser, all it has to do is run reliably. No different than a gas engine, middle class America (except forums like these) do not base car buying decisions on the "tech" or the engine that is in a vehicle.
EVs will be a dime a dozen in 2 more years and in five years most likely a surplus due to overproduction and sales galore.

and when talking about tech? Todays tech in the most expensive best EVs out there will be antiquated in 10 years or less.

Perhaps compare Model 3 vs Bolt sales. Even, the more expensive Model Y SUV outsells the Bolt.
Historically, the Bolt has been heavily discounted; the Teslas have never been discounted. You can get a top of the line Bolt ($45K) for around $30K around here.

In 2021, Model Y was #1, Model 3 was #2, Mustang Mach-E was #3 and Bolt came in 4th.
What you are saying may make sense, but is not reality.

 

[alarmguy]

Perhaps compare Model 3 vs Bolt sales. Even, the more expensive Model Y SUV outsells the Bolt.
Historically, the Bolt has been heavily discounted; the Teslas have never been discounted. You can get a top of the line Bolt ($45K) for around $30K around here.

In 2021, Model Y was #1, Model 3 was #2, Mustang Mach-E was #3 and Bolt came in 4th.
What you are saying may make sense, but is not reality.

I think we’re way too early in the stage to determine outcomes.
Except maybe in states like California middle and lower ncome America it’s not riding around in EVs
It’s not even close to 10% of the vehicle market never mind 15 or 20% to start calculating market share.
Fossil fuel vehicles far outsell EV’s, not even close and will still be quite a few years to get even 20% of the market

 

[Cujet]

In a decade, dead pouch cell batteries, such as those in the bolt, will be abundant. And with todays prices and long loan terms, people will be making payments on vehicles needing new batteries.

 

[SwampSurvivor]

In a decade, dead pouch cell batteries, such as those in the bolt, will be abundant. And with todays prices and long loan terms, people will be making payments on vehicles needing new batteries.

Is that much different than people making payments on a vehicle with a failed transmission or engine?

 

[Cujet]

Is that much different than people making payments on a vehicle with a failed transmission or engine?

Maybe not, except batteries are now $18,000 and can't be fixed.

 

[loneryder]

Front end looks strange to me--taking cues from Tesla?

Almost looks like they broke out some tin foil from the kitchen to cover over the grill. Not sure if I like it, but I'm not sure what would have looked better.

Would look great with "sharks teeth" decal on the front.

 

[PandaBear]

Perhaps compare Model 3 vs Bolt sales. Even, the more expensive Model Y SUV outsells the Bolt.
Historically, the Bolt has been heavily discounted; the Teslas have never been discounted. You can get a top of the line Bolt ($45K) for around $30K around here.

In 2021, Model Y was #1, Model 3 was #2, Mustang Mach-E was #3 and Bolt came in 4th.
What you are saying may make sense, but is not reality.

The biggest problem most US based car company has, is their cars are build and designed only for the US market.

The international car companies usually design them to be sold in most markets in the world, so they don't have to abandon one if it tank in the US. Sure they cost more to design more make more money focusing only in the US (like the SUV and pickup we have here), but that also means they can quickly flop if they have no where else to sell to and it didn't sell well in the US.

 

[E365]

Big sales jump for Q1 2023 for the Bolt.

19,700 units.

https://insideevs.com/news/660503/us-chevrolet-bolt-ev-euv-sales-2023q1/

GM says they’re on track to make 50,000 EVs in North America in the 1st half of 2023 and 100,000 in the 2nd half of 2023.

https://pressroom.gm.com/gmbx/us/en...l/Pages/news/us/en/2023/apr/0403-gmsales.html

 

[JeffKeryk]

Is the Bolt profitable? Last I heard GM was thinking by 2025 they could be in the low to mid single digit margins.

 

[Torrid]

Is the Bolt profitable? Last I heard GM was thinking by 2025 they could be in the low to mid single digit margins.

I don't think it is yet, but that probably has to do with total sales. Up the production enough and start moving them and the cost to build should come down. I saw one today in my little town. Still amazed at how many electric cars I see here now.

 

[JeffKeryk]

I don't think it is yet, but that probably has to do with total sales. Up the production enough and start moving them and the cost to build should come down. I saw one today in my little town. Still amazed at how many electric cars I see here now.

There are tons of Bolts in Silicon Valley. And Volts, which I liked, before that.
My next door neighbor is on her 2nd Bolt lease and across the street they have one. I rode in it for the 1st time last week.
What a little tin can... Not for me.

 

[Torrid]

There are tons of Bolts in Silicon Valley. And Volts, which I liked, before that.
My next door neighbor is on her 2nd Bolt lease and across the street they have one. I rode in it for the 1st time last week.
What a little tin can... Not for me.

I haven't driven one, but with my experience with small Chevrolets I'm not surprised by what you said. We ended up with a Chevy Trax as a rental for a couple of days after we sold our Ford Edge and awaiting the Model 3. It was even the LTZ trim. What an abysmal pile of excrement.

 

[alarmguy]

I haven't driven one, but with my experience with small Chevrolets I'm not surprised by what you said. We ended up with a Chevy Trax as a rental for a couple of days after we sold our Ford Edge and awaiting the Model 3. It was even the LTZ trim. What an abysmal pile of excrement.

Really? I assume you are not comparing the Trax to a Model 3 right? Some people are not as fortunate to buy a model 3 that cost 100% more than the Trax. Some just need something to get them to work. You know?
Kind of laughable how some people (not directed at you) talk about their neighbors less expensive cars. Second Bolt lease, wow, I am sure they are pretty happy with the car in that case.