When it comes to electric vehicles, sadly, some things are much better on paper. The reality of producing a successful EV nameplate is that the vehicles tend to face reliability issues. It’s the ugly truth of the electric vehicle space that even iconic automakers like Tesla can’t escape. Some of the oldest existing EV nameplates have reliability issues. One controversial SUV could have taken over America, but its chance to rocket to the top of the industry went up in smoke. Why is the Chevrolet Bolt EUV being discontinued?

A controversial SUV could have been a sensation

The electric vehicle space is a new frontier for some of the most seasoned automakers. Despite heated (no pun intended) debates on climate change and the impact of carbon emissions, the industry and its giants are leaning toward going green. Some automakers are more hesitant than others, but overall, almost every major brand produces an EV nameplate.

Increased competition is great for consumers but puts immense pressure on automakers. Brands either rise to the occasion or crash and burn developing products with major reliability issues that prevent long-term success and growth.

General Motors and its CEO, Mary Barra, are vocal about a desire to lead the nation in the push to electrification. Unfortunately, some of the earliest GM electric vehicles have fallen short and become prime examples of automakers’ difficulties when creating new EVs.

The Chevrolet Bolt got plenty of love when it first hit the scene in 2016. A few years later, it became one of the most controversial EVs of all time. Unfortunately, the Chevy Bolt EV, and its sibling, the Chevrolet Bolt EUV subcompact SUV, were part of a mass recall. In addition to the reliability issue, the resulting recall would forever change the Bolt EUV’s destiny, effectively clipping its wings before realizing its potential.

The death of the Chevy Bolt EV and Chevy Bolt EUV

The Chevy Bolt began to experience battery overheating issues that caused fires in 2021. As a result, General Motors issued a mass recall that included every Chevrolet Bolt EV and EUV model due to the risk of these fires. This recall is one of the largest electric vehicle recalls in history.

Chevrolet relaunched the Bolt EV and Bolt EUV nameplates with astoundingly low prices. Unfortunately, the damage to the model’s reputation proved too severe to overlook. GM announced that it would discontinue the Bolt EV and Bolt EUV despite recently reintroducing them with new batteries and additional updates.

Why the Chevrolet Bolt EUV could have been the best electric SUV

The Chevrolet Bolt EUV nameplate had amazing potential because of its affordability and range. According to Chevrolet, the 2023 Chevy Bolt EUV LT base model starts at just $28,795. This price makes it the most affordable electric SUV on the market by thousands of dollars.

The Bolt EUV has a standard range of 247 miles. So, the affordable electric SUV provides substantial value for the money, at least in terms of driving range. For the fully loaded 2023 Chevy Bolt EUV Premier Redline, customers must pay at least $33,790. It comes with perforated leather-appointed seats, a heated steering wheel, and wireless device charging.

The Chevrolet Bolt EUV is undoubtedly value-packed, but it’s a reminder of one of General Motors’ greatest blunders in recent history. So, the recently unpopular model is getting the axe at the end of the year. The subcompact electric SUV’s affordability and driving range would have made it a force to be reckoned with if it proved reliable.