A spokesperson for General Motors confirmed the company will end production of its popular electric Chevrolet Bolt model later this year. CEO Mary Barra made the initial announcement during the company's quarterly conference call.
As reported by Automotive Fleet, GM officials said the company plans to produce more than 70,000 Bolt models this year.
Moving Forward with the Ultium Platform
The Bolt is powered by older battery technology that has since by superseded by GM's Ultium platform, which is used in several electric vehicle (EV) models across the company. Those include Brightdrop commercial vans, the Cadillac Lyriq, and the GMC Hummer EV. The upcoming Chevrolet Blazer, Equinox, and Silverado models will also be powered by Ultium technology.
A GM spokesperson sent a statement to Government Fleet after the company's announcement.
"When the Chevrolet Bolt EV launched, it was a huge technical achievement and the first affordable EV, which set in motion GM’s all-electric future. As the company continues to grow its EV portfolio with the Ultium platform, and as construction continues at the Orion Township, MI, assembly plant in preparation for battery electric truck production beginning in 2024, Chevrolet confirmed Bolt EV and EUV production will end late this year."
The Bolt's pricetag has long made it a popular choice for government fleets. Automotive Fleet reported that the starting retail price for the 2023 Bolt EV is $26,500.
Government Fleet reached out to public sector fleet managers about the announcement. Here's what one shared with our team.
"We're sad to see the end of the Bolt. We have about 50 in our fleet, and aside from the recalls, have had strong, reliable, economical, service," Long Beach, California, Fleet Manager Dan Berlenbach said. "Drivers like them and we'll need to find a substitute for this small passenger/cargo vehicle. Maybe the Chevy Equinox but we're open to what's on the market. EV incentives could be a factor as well."
