General Motors (GM) has announced that it will cease production of the Chevrolet Bolt EV and EUV later this year at its factory in Orion Township, Michigan. This move comes as GM is expanding its Orion Assembly plant to produce Ultium-based electric trucks, with the aim of reaching a production goal of 1 million EVs by 2025. While the Bolt was one of the first mass-market electric cars, it suffered from a manufacturing defect that caused car fires, resulting in a $1.8 billion recall. Despite the Bolt being a well-regarded EV, it will meet the same fate as its plug-in hybrid predecessor, the Chevrolet Volt.

GM’s Expansion of Orion Assembly Plant

GM’s $4 billion investment to expand the Orion Assembly plant will triple the workforce, double the plant’s footprint, and convert production over to Ultium-based electric trucks like the Chevrolet Silverado EV. The automaker aims to produce 1 million EVs by 2025, with the Orion plant playing a significant role in achieving this goal. The expansion is expected to create thousands of new jobs in the Orion Township area and will serve as a key site for the company’s electric vehicle production.

The Demise of the Chevrolet Bolt

The Bolt was one of the first electric cars to be marketed to the masses, beating Tesla’s Model 3 to market. It received positive reviews for its performance, handling, and affordability, with a starting price of under $30,000. However, the Bolt suffered from a manufacturing defect that caused car fires, which resulted in a costly recall. The Bolt was produced at GM’s Orion Assembly plant, which will now focus on producing Ultium-based electric trucks. The demise of the Bolt marks the end of an era for the well-regarded EV.

The Future of Affordable EVs at GM

Despite the end of the Bolt, GM plans to continue producing affordable electric vehicles. Among the three EVs set to launch this year is the Equinox EV, which is expected to have a starting price of less than $30,000. GM is committed to expanding its EV lineup and reaching its goal of producing 1 million EVs by 2025. With its Ultium platform and the expansion of its Orion Assembly plant, GM is well-positioned to become a leader in the electric vehicle market.

The Impact of GM’s Decision on the Electric Vehicle Market

The decision to end production of the Bolt has generated mixed reactions from industry experts and EV enthusiasts. While some see it as a necessary step for GM to expand its electric vehicle production and meet its ambitious goals, others lament the loss of a well-regarded and affordable EV. The Bolt was one of the first mass-market electric cars, and its demise marks the end of an era for the vehicle. However, with GM’s continued investment in electric vehicles and its Ultium platform, the company is poised to play a significant role in the future of the electric vehicle market.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What caused the production of the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Bolt EUV to be discontinued?

  According to the CEO of GM, Mary Barra, the production of the Bolt EV and Bolt EUV was discontinued because GM needs the Orion plant for the expansion of the Orion Assembly plant to triple its workforce and help reach a production goal of 1 million EVs by 2025, by producing Ultium-based electric trucks like the Chevrolet Silverado EV.

• What was the manufacturing defect with the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Bolt EUV batteries that resulted in a recall?

  The defect was related to some battery cells that could catch fire, resulting in a handful of car fires. The defect led to a $1.8 billion recall that saw GM and LG replace the battery pack on every Bolt already in service.

• What is the Equinox EV?

  The Equinox EV is an affordable electric vehicle that GM plans to launch this year. It is part of the three EVs that GM plans to launch this year along with the GMC Hummer EV and the Cadillac Lyriq. The Equinox EV is expected to have a starting price of less than $30,000.

• What are some of the features of the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Bolt EUV?

  The Chevrolet Bolt EV and Bolt EUV are electric vehicles that were praised for their driving range, roominess, and practicality. The Bolt EV has a driving range of up to 259 miles, while the Bolt EUV has a slightly lower driving range of up to 247 miles. The vehicles also come with features such as a 10.2-inch touchscreen display, smartphone integration, and advanced safety features like automatic emergency braking.