GM’s Mary Barra Gives Hope for the Future of the Bolt EV

General Motors (GM) has a reputation for killing off successful models just as they hit their stride, such as the Pontiac Fiero and Cadillac Allanté. So, when news surfaced that the all-electric Bolt was being discontinued, many pundits were not surprised. However, in a recent NPR podcast, GM boss Mary Barra spoke about the company’s current electric ambitions and mentioned that she had just taken delivery of a new Cadillac Lyriq, which replaced her beloved Bolt. This statement has given hope to fans of the popular and affordable little EV.

The Reason for the Bolt’s Discontinuation

Barra explained that the reason for discontinuing the Bolt was due to its second-generation technology. The difference between the second and third generations, which is Ultium, is a 40% reduction in battery costs. GM is leveraging the names of their vehicles that are well understood and known in the industry. The new Ultium platform is several leagues more advanced than the gubbins found in the Bolt and Bolt EUV. Its batteries are more energy-dense and arguably easier to adapt to differently sized vehicles, to say nothing of the huge reduction in costs.

Barra went on to say that the Bolt has a wealth of loyalty and equity in its name, suggesting that GM realizes it would be foolish to flush that down the toilet. Citing the move from Gen 2 to Gen 3 electric architecture, Barra pointed out that the Bolt is “an important vehicle in our portfolio,” leaving the door open to a Bolt reprise constructed with Ultium bones.

The Popularity of the Bolt

Both Bolts are popular models largely loved by their owners and still doing numbers in terms of sales. An attractive price point is a key selling feature, as is a reasonable driving range on a full charge. Sure, the Equinox EV is on its way with a promised $30,000-ish price tag, but the Bolt is here now.

GM’s Electric Ambitions

GM has been making significant strides in the electric vehicle market, with the Ultium platform being a key component of their strategy. The platform will power a wide range of vehicles, from crossovers to trucks, and will be used by GM and Honda. The company has also announced plans to launch 30 new electric vehicles globally by 2025, with two-thirds of those vehicles available in North America.

The Future of the Bolt

While the Bolt may be discontinued for now, there is hope for its future. GM has a history of bringing back popular models, such as the Camaro and Corvette. The Bolt has a loyal following and is an important vehicle in GM’s portfolio. With the Ultium platform, GM has the opportunity to create a new and improved Bolt that could be even more popular than its predecessor.

Conclusion

GM’s decision to discontinue the Bolt was reasonable from a technical point of view. However, the Bolt is a popular model that has a loyal following and is an important vehicle in GM’s portfolio. With the Ultium platform, GM has the opportunity to create a new and improved Bolt that could be even more popular than its predecessor. GM’s electric ambitions are significant, and the company is making strides in the electric vehicle market. The future looks bright for GM and the Bolt.