I remember driving the Chevrolet Bolt at its 2017 press preview in San Francisco, spending all day going up and down hills without worrying a bit about range. The compact EV offered 259 miles range by the time it was discontinued in 2023. Even after a day of hard slogging, there was still plenty of power left.

Today, as the Bolt returns from hiatus for 2027, that range has increased slightly to 262 miles. Chevrolet took the old architecture, implanted new Ultium batteries and added NACS plugs. It recharges 10-80% in 25 minutes. A 240v home charger does it in under 7 hours.

For maximum rear legroom, designers chose the longer EUV body shell. The RS, which I tested, looks sharp in 17-inch gloss black alloys and trim. It’s a roomy car with tall proportions for maximum passenger and cargo space.

Interiors enjoy a new dash with wide flatscreen gauges, 11.3-inch touchscreen and wireless charger. The gear selector moves to the steering column, freeing up console space. Our sporty RS came with automatic climate control, dual-panel sunroof, heated/ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel.

It’s not all perfect. You can’t get Apple CarPlay or Android Auto on the Bolt. That's a pity because GM’s in-house menus are terrible. It’s automatic, but having no start/stop button to shut everything down when you park is discomforting. Headlamps are controlled via an icon on the touchscreen. Set them on auto and leave them.

I spent most of my week driving to the office and back, which showed the Bolt’s utility as a city car, able to blip through traffic and recharge quickly. I also made a two-hour Interstate run to an outlet mall. Ratings of 210 horsepower and 169 pound-feet of torque seem light, but there was plenty of power to kick onto freeways. Posting 0-60 mph in 7 seconds and passing time comparable to the 1980s Buick Grand National, it’s not slow.

Using Super Cruise, GM's hands-free driver assistance system, was super easy. Turn on cruise, wait for green lights on the steering wheel, and lift hands away. The car even changed lanes and back again for slower traffic. There’s a sensor watching drivers, so no napping, but you can relax with a cold soda or coffee.

The Bolt is stocked with safety systems, including automatic emergency braking, rear auto braking and blind spot intervention. The rearview camera mirror lets drivers see out the back even with tall cargo aboard. GM’s safety alert seat vibrates in the direction of danger as well as to let you know Super Cruise is changing lanes.

Here's the thing about the 2027 Bolt: GM is only offering it for one model year. Why would the company do that, if it's so good?

Apparently, GM needs factory space for gas-powered vehicles, plus it also has the Equinox EV as a cost-competitive alternative.

I still think GM is making a mistake by discontinuing the Bolt … again. It’s just so good.

Combining old architecture with updated technology enables a compelling price. Bolts start at just $27,600, rising to $38,940 with our Super Cruise-equipped RS. That’s formidable competition for the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV3, Nissan Leaf, Subaru Uncharted, Toyota C-HR and upcoming Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback EV.

Likes: roomy interior, Super Cruise, value price

Dislikes: not compatible with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, headlamp controls, automatic start/stop

2027 Chevrolet Bolt RS

Five-passenger, FWD compact

Powertrain: Li-ion phosphate batteries/motor

Output: 210 hp/169 pound-feet

Suspension f/r: Ind/Compound crank

Wheels f/r: 17-inch/17-inch alloy

Brakes f/r: regen disc/disc

Driving range: 262 miles

0-60 mph: 7.0s

Fast charge (10-80%): 25m

Assembly: Fairfax, Kansas

Base/As-tested price: $34,995/$41,720

©2026 Tribune Content Agency, LLC