General Motors is phasing out production of another gasoline-powered vehicle at its Kansas City facility to make way for the upcoming next-generation Chevrolet Bolt Electric Vehicle. General Motors is poised to rapidly expand its electric vehicle portfolio with the reintroduction of the affordable and popular Bolt.
The 2023 model year will see the last of the gas-powered Cadillac XT4 as General Motors announces its intention to fully electrify the compact luxury crossover.
General Motors has announced plans to discontinue its gasoline-powered Cadillac XT4 SUV in January, paving the way for the reintroduction of the Bolt electric vehicle.
The XT4 is Cadillac’s most budget-friendly SUV, priced from $41,990. Despite this, gross sales have declined by 12% over the first nine months of 2024 following a 28% slump in autumn 2023.
General Motors has announced plans to discontinue the Chevrolet Malibu later this year, making way for a new generation of electric vehicles (EVs) to be produced at its Kansas facility, alongside the next-generation Bolt. The Chevrolet Malibu has been a stalwart of the American automotive landscape for over five decades, with its production run slated to conclude this month following more than 10 million units sold since its introduction in 1964.
Contrary to earlier reports suggesting General Motors (GM) would begin manufacturing its XT4 SUV alongside the Chevrolet Bolt EV, a recent update indicates this may no longer be the plan in place.
General Motors reportedly plans to dedicate its Orion Assembly Plant to exclusively producing Bolt electric vehicles from now on. The production of the initial Bolt ceased at the end of 2023.
Since then, it has become clear that several Bolt EV models will actually be available. General Motors’ President, Mark Reuss, has officially stated that the newly introduced model will be a part of “a family of Bolts”, which includes an affordable variant for consumers.
According to Reuss, the new model’s costs are expected to rise marginally from the base price of $28,785 for the previous variant, while offering faster charging capabilities.
General Motors CEO Mary Barra promises that the latest Bolt model will deliver an exceptional driving experience, seamless charging capabilities, and unparalleled vehicle ownership benefits, thanks to cutting-edge technology advancements. The company’s flagship electric vehicle will be the first mass-market EV in the US to utilize lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) batteries.
The corporation plans to begin manufacturing next-generation Chevrolet Bolt EV models in late 2025, targeting a 2026 model year launch.
General Motors is committing a significant investment of $390 million to revamp its Fairfax, Kansas facility, paving the way for the reintroduction of the next-generation Chevrolet Bolt Electric Vehicle.
Electrek’s Take
General Motors marked a significant achievement last month by proudly promoting its 300,000th electric vehicle sold in the US market since 2016. The Chevrolet Bolt EV dominated these gross sales, comprising a significant majority.
Chevrolet Bolt EV sales surged to 62,045 units in 2023, up from 38,120 the previous year; 24,828 were sold in 2021, followed by 20,745, 16,418, and 18,019 in preceding years, with a notable dip to 23,300 in 2017. Additionally, some 8,582 scholarships will be awarded in 2024. As of now, roughly 70% – some 212,000 units – have been sold as Bolt EV models alone, out of a total of 300,000 electric vehicles.
As the company continues to capitalize on momentum, it has just announced impressive quarterly sales figures: 32,095 electrical automobiles delivered in the third quarter, driven by the successful roll-out of its innovative Ultium-based EV models, including the new Chevy Blazer, Equinox, and Silverado EVs, now available at dealerships nationwide.
General Motors persists in rolling out affordable fashion options, exemplified by its 2025 Equinox EV LT model. Starting at $35,000, the corporation touts its electric vehicle as the most affordable option in the US market, boasting a range of over 315 miles.
As the highly-anticipated next-generation Chevy Bolt approaches a more affordable price point, it’s poised to become General Motors’ most impressive offering yet.
