Jump LinksChevrolet Bolt EV vs Nissan Leaf2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV vs EUVChevrolet Bolt EV vs Tesla Model 3Chevrolet Bolt EV vs Kia Niro EVThe Chevrolet Bolt was discontinued in 2023, as GM moved its lineup to the Ultium battery technology. However, due to popular demand, Chevrolet has decided to bring back the small hatchback/crossover for the 2027 model year.However, there is more to the story than first meets the eye. GM has said that it will only bring back the Bolt EV for one year, from 2027 to 2028. While this may sound like a bizarre move for a legacy automotive manufacturer, it needs to reallocate the factory for more gas-powered crossovers at the Farfax Assembly plant in Kansas.So, when the new Bolt does go on sale, how will it compare against some of its competitors, especially in terms of range? We compare the 2027 Chevrolet Bolt range against its main rivals to see how much bang for your back comes with that sub-$30k price tag.All specs have been gathered from the manufacturers unless otherwise stated. Prices are correct at the time of writing, and exclude destination, options, taxes, and other fees. Automakers reserve the right to change prices at any time without notice. Range figures are as reported by the EPA and the manufacturer. The Cheapest New EV In America: 2027 Chevrolet Bolt 2027 Chevrolet Bolt - exteriorThe 2027 Chevrolet Bolt may look similar to the crossover-based Bolt EUV that was discontinued in 2023. However, there is quite a lot different underneath the skin. The new Bolt uses an updated BEV2 platform with newer GM technology for EVs specifically. The 2027 Bolt also uses an LFP-based battery pack, an upgrade from the nickel-based pack in the EUV. Range gets a slight improvement as well, up to 262 miles.One of the biggest upgrades the 2027 Bolt gets is the support for charging speeds up to 150 kW from a DC fast charger. This will allow the battery to charge from 10% to 80% in around 26 minutes. The 2027 Bolt will also be one of the first GM cars to come with a NACS port from the factory, opening up access to the Tesla Supercharger network.The interior gets a refresh as well, with larger dual 11-inch displays. However, it feels like a case of two steps forward, one step back. The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt will not support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Instead, it will support GM's native Google-based software, a decision that has already become a big discussion among Bolt enthusiasts."After production ended, we heard our customer’s feedback and their love for this product. So the Bolt is coming back - by popular demand and better than ever - for a limited time."- Scott Bell, Vice President, Global ChevroletThe new car will be available in two trims, LT and RS. The latter gets sportier blacked-out accents. One of the main selling points of the new Bolt will be its price at launch. GM says the launch RS model will be priced at $31,600. The cheaper LT trim will be on sale later in the production year, at $27,600.With range being one of the most important specs for any small EV, how does it compare against some of its eventual rivals? Chevrolet Bolt EV Range vs Rivals Chevrolet Bolt EV vs Nissan Leaf 2026 Nissan LeafThe Nissan Leaf is arguably the Bolt's toughest competitor in this segment. The S+ trim of the Leaf starts at $29,990 and gets the bigger 75-kWh battery that is rated for around 300 miles of range. They can both utilize the NACS port for fast charging, and the Leaf also gets a dual-port setup. Both cars are front-wheel drive and have similar horsepower figures. However, the Leaf has more torque. The Bolt has a slightly lower entry price point and a slightly smaller range. If you want the latest technology that GM has to offer and the cheaper base price, the Bolt makes sense. However, for everyone else, the Leaf gets you more for a similar price point, with an upcoming S trim that will be even cheaper and offer a range of around 210 miles. 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV vs EUV 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV4The 2027 Bolt does not feature the upcoming Ultium platform. It is an evolution of the platform we saw in the 2023 Bolt EUV. While it carries similar proportions to the EUV, the 2027 Bolt uses a 65 kWh LFP battery that is cheaper to produce and maintain, and more durable. While performance figures remain similar, the biggest upgrade the new Bolt gets is its fast charging and NACS port. With up to 150 kW on a DC charger, it is almost 3x that of the EUV, which topped out at 55 kW. The interior gets an overhaul as well. However, the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility that the EUV had has now been removed for GM's Google-based platform. With a similar price point, if not a little bit cheaper, than the EUV, the new Bolt is a considerable upgrade in terms of charging over the previous generation, with incremental range and performance updates. Chevrolet Bolt EV vs Tesla Model 3 Model-3-Standard-End-DesktopThe Tesla Model 3 may seem like it is in a different league when compared to the Bolt. However, with the Bolt RS with the technology package and Super Cruise included, it could cost close to $38,000, which is where the Model 3 is so dominant. When compared to the Bolt, the Model 3 has a bigger battery, more range, more power and more options and trims to choose from. While the Model 3 has a more powerful Performance trim, the RS only gets sportier outer trim with the same powertrain. The Bolt is cheaper in its base trim and makes perfect sense for budget-conscious buyers. However, if you are willing to spend more, you quickly find out why the Model 3 is so popular. Chevrolet Bolt EV vs Kia Niro EV 2026 Kia Niro EVIn terms of specs, the Niro EV and Bolt are like two peas in a pod. They both have similar battery sizes, similar power figures and range estimates as well. The Bolt is based on a hatchback/crossover whereas the Niro EV is a taller vehicle based on a compact crossover with more usable interior space. That said, the Niro also has a higher starting price. The Niro also has slower charging speeds and the lack of a NACS port, potentially swaying buyers towards the more future-proof Bolt. With such similar performance and range figures, the decision comes down to practicality and affordability. The Bolt is smaller but also significantly cheaper, whereas the Niro is more expensive but also roomier inside with a more usable cargo space. 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV Pricing vs The Competition ChevroletSome may say pricing is the main deciding factor among all the aforementioned EV options. GM is targeting a budget-focused audience with the new Bolt EV, with a starting price of $27,600. The only other new sub-$30,000 EV on this list is the Nissan Leaf. It is $2,000 more expensive. However, you get a bigger battery, more power and more range. There is also a cheaper trim imminent which may not match the 250-ish mile range of the Bolt, but will definitely undercut in terms of price. The only issue with the Leaf is Nissan's current woes in terms of production cuts and tariffs. If you do manage to find one, the Leaf gives the Bolt a run for its money.The previous Bolt EUV seems like it is still viable, especially as the new Bolt is an incremental upgrade over the previous generation. However, with a similar price point and an updated interior with faster NACS charging, the 2027 Bolt makes a strong enough case for itself for you to look at the upcoming model.The Tesla Model 3 is better in every way. However, it is also significantly more expensive. The base-trim Model 3 is around $7,000 more than the Bolt. If the budget is your primary concern, the Bolt is one of the only compelling EVs under $30,000. If you want one of the best compact EVs with a flexible budget, the Model 3 is an easy choice.The Kia Niro EV is closely matched to the Bolt in terms of specs. However, for a near $9,000 premium, you get similar performance figures with a larger interior cabin and storage space. In that sense, the Bolt makes more sense as a small EV with respectable performance figures. Is The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt's Range Good Enough? Chevrolet The 2027 Bolt makes for a compelling car in the current EV landscape. Priced at sub-$30,000, it is one of the few cars on offer for budget-conscious buyers who are looking for an EV. The ability to charge faster and use the Tesla Supercharger network is big boon. However, there are some drawbacks to this car as well.GM deciding to limit the production run of this car to one year may mean resale values become unpredictable. We know that the new Ultium battery platform is inbound as well, and many buyers may opt to wait for a brand-new platform rather than buying a revised older-generation. The Nissan Leaf is also this car's biggest competitor. You get more range and more torque for a similar price point with an upcoming cheaper trim as well.