Why Is GM Killing Its Most Affordable Electric SUV?
General Motors is discontinuing the Chevrolet Bolt EUV subcompact electric SUV. The Bolt EUV has only been in production for two years, but Chevy is ending production in 2023. The decision to get rid of the brand’s most affordable electric SUV may seem ludicrous to consumers, especially considering its specs. Here’s why the Bolt EUV must die.
The Chevrolet Bolt EUV is sentenced to death
Discontinuing a nameplate can be a difficult decision. To automotive enthusiasts that closely follow the EV space, Chevy’s choice is a no-brainer.
The Chevy Bolt EUV must die because the nameplate never truly recovered from GM’s big battery fire recall. The multi-million dollar mass-recall involved every Chevy Bolt EV electric hatchback and Chevy Bolt EUV subcompact electric SUV that the company produced.
Both nameplates were back in production in 2022 with new pricing and designs, but a cloud of fear and judgment still lingers over the two electric vehicles. Battery fires are a huge concern for any vehicle. Automakers are struggling with the possibility of electric vehicle battery fires despite sourcing batteries from different companies. Before a nameplate can truly become popular, consumers need to believe that it’s safe enough to own and drive.
The Chevy Bolt EUV’s value proposition is hard to ignore, but many drivers still find the subcompact electric SUV to be too risky to get. Potential reliability issues aside, is the Chevrolet Bolt EUV a good SUV?
Is the 2023 Chevy Bolt EUV a good SUV?
The 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV starts at $27,800. It makes 200 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. The EUV has 247 miles of driving range.
Chevy’s subcompact electric SUV is eligible for a $7,500 federal electric vehicle tax credit. This brings the EV’s price closer to $20,300. The electric vehicle is incredibly affordable and has more than enough driving range to satisfy some drivers. Car and Driver praises its tech and spacious cabin.
The main issue with Chevrolet’s EV is its battery overheating issue. General Motors has put new batteries into every model, yet many consumers still can’t get over their fears of battery fires (with reason).
General Motors has a long road ahead of it to win the trust of some drivers, but the American automaker is positioned to become one of the biggest names in the electric vehicle space. Models like the upcoming Equinox EV and Silverado EV could turn things around for Chevrolet’s portfolio of electric vehicles.
What’s next for GM electric vehicles?
According to Motor1, following the discontinuation of the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Bolt EUV, General Motors will only produce Ultium-based electric vehicles. The company hopes to leave its battery issues in the past and has since cut ties with LG, its former battery supplier.
General Motors may have experienced some major losses with Chevy’s electric vehicles thus far, but the fight for electric vehicle market share is far from over. In fact, it has only just begun, and GM still has a chance to dominate the competition.
