Chevy Bolt EVs nearly impossible to find due to production disruption
New Chevy Bolt EVs are dwindling at dealerships – and fast – our analysis of dealer list data shows less than 1,000 units in inventory in the United States. This could make it extremely difficult for electric vehicle buyers to find a vehicle this fall.
For now through the week of October 25, the further delay keeps the Orion Michigan assembly plant alive, giving GM and battery maker LG time to work together to update manufacturing processes and enable the production of replacement batteries to meet demand.
Arguably, the Bolt EV is one of the top picks among electric vehicles today, with its 259-mile range and affordable base price of $ 31,995. Despite recalls, Chevrolet’s flagship electric vehicle remains a popular choice, and with the shortage, you may have to act quickly or work with your local dealership to find the one you want.
If you’re looking for the Bolt hatchback or the recently introduced Bolt EUV, be aware that the Bolt is no longer eligible for federal electric vehicle tax credits, but may still qualify for certain state-level discounts, according to the where you live. For example, California is offering up to $ 2,000 in cash incentive on qualifying electric cars.
If the shortage of new cars and the lack of current models on dealership lots hamper your search for a Bolt EV, there are a few comparable models you can check out like the 2022 Nissan LEAF and the 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric. The LEAF exists. for over a decade and has decent specs, but still lacks mileage on a charge. The Kona Electric gets just a mile less per charge than the Bolt EV, with a range of 258 miles.
Battery production for the new Bolt EV and EUV models is affected by both the global chip shortage and the need for replacement batteries for the approximately 141,000 recalled vehicles. The recall is for 2017 through 2022 models. Battery supplier LG Electronics, Inc. is working to ensure that the problem causing the recall is not repeated in future battery assemblies and has retooled two factories in Michigan that were due to start battery production this month.
Other Chevrolet vehicles that were already scheduled to start production are also on hiatus, citing chip shortages and other supply chain issues as the cause.
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Pictured: 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV