The new Chevrolet Bolt EV will arrive in 2025

General Motors CEO Mary Barra has just announced when the return of the Chevrolet Bolt EV, confirmed in July, will take place.

Unfortunately for consumers looking for a small, affordable electric car, it won't be available next year. Instead, the new generation is scheduled to arrive in 2025. Barra did not specify whether it will be a 2025 or 2026 model.

In fact, she didn't really give any more details when she spoke to journalists in Detroit on Monday, but she was delighted with the sales recorded this year. In Canada alone, we're talking about 10,957 units after the first three quarters, an increase of 151% (it has to be said that the recall and replacement of batteries in 2022 had hurt it a lot).

For those of you who don't know, the current Bolt EV (including the Bolt EUV) will cease production in the next few days, as the Orion plant is refurbished to produce electric pickup trucks towards the end of 2025.

What else do we know about the new Bolt EV? Well, the biggest technical change will be the use of GM's Ultium platform. Barra has also confirmed that it will use a lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery, and will be produced at a lower cost than the original.

At the same time, we can expect a better range than the 417 km of the outgoing model. Inevitably, recharging times will be faster thanks to the magic of Ultium, correcting the Bolt EV's main shortcoming. Could we see all-wheel drive as an option? It's not impossible, but the manufacturer's primary objective will remain to offer an affordable product.

Considering that the Chevrolet Equinox EV will undoubtedly cost more than expected, this will appeal to many buyers.