Planned Chevrolet Bolt production reportedly dropped from approximately 150,000 units to 35,000.
GM said the revived Bolt was a limited-run entry-level electric vehicle.
Fairfax Assembly will add gasoline Chevrolet Equinox and Buick Envision production.
General Motors has reportedly reduced planned production of the revived 2027 Chevrolet Bolt by roughly 75%. The new Bolt was to be assembled well into 2027, but this decision further raises questions about the competitive entry-level EV’s already limited manufacturing run.
Fairfax Assembly near Kansas City is now expected to produce approximately 35,000 Bolts, according to Dontay Wilson, president of the local United Auto Workers. The original production plan had called for approximately 150,000 units over the same period.
GM has not confirmed either figure. The automaker said it regularly reviews market conditions and customer demand but did not provide a specific Bolt production target.
The reduced volume follows several major changes to U.S. EV policy. The up to US$7,500 federal tax credit for eligible EVs ended in September 2025, contributing to a sharp decline in American EV sales. GM has also recorded US$10.9 billion in EV-related losses since the second quarter of 2025.
The latest Bolt entered production as a 2027 model and reached American dealerships earlier in 2026. Starting at US$27,600 (CDN$43,400 with fees), it was positioned as one of the least expensive new EVs available for sale.
Although visually similar to the previous Bolt, the updated model received a new battery, additional driving range, and substantially improved charging capability. It also shares components with the larger Chevrolet Equinox EV in order to reduce costs.
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GM has consistently described the Bolt as a limited-run product. However, reports differ over when manufacturing will end. The UAW local expects production to conclude during the first quarter of 2027, while another report indicates the Bolt could remain in production through the 2028 model year. GM has not announced an official end date or confirmed plans for a successor.
The Kansas plant does have additional products coming. GM plans to begin assembling the gasoline-powered Chevrolet Equinox there in 2027, relocating some production currently based in Mexico. Fairfax will also receive the Buick Envision, which is presently imported from China.
The revised Fairfax plan reflects GM’s changing product priorities. Although the automaker continues to make about a dozen electric models, its EV plans have shifted toward more ICE and eventually hybrid models.
Source: Reuters
