Chevy Explains Why The New Bolt Won’t Get The Ultium Batteries

Chevrolet just pulled the wraps off its facelifted 2022 Bolt and all-new 2022 Bolt EUV, and questions are already swirling about how these new models fit in with General Motors’ overarching plan to release 30 new EVs globally by 2025. On a recent media call to talk about the Bolt and Bolt EUV, Chevy answered some of these questions and provided some hints about future EVs.

We know that many of these upcoming EVs, like the Cadillac Lyriq and GMC Hummer, will be based on GM’s latest Ultium Drive platform, but the Bolt and Bolt EUV will not be among them. “The Ultium system is a completely new chemistry with a completely different form factor for the batteries, module, electronics, and communication system,” Jesse Ortega, General Motors architectural chief engineer, explained. “So there are no plans to incorporate the Ultium system into the Bolt or Bolt EUV.”

Instead, both models will continue to ride on GM’s older BEV2 platform. This doesn’t mean Chevy doesn’t have plans to utilize Ultium in the future, though. “For certain, as new Chevrolet products roll out across our portfolio, the Ultium system will be a hallmark of Chevrolet products just as they are for other divisions,” added Steve Majoros, the vice president of marketing for Chevy.

The two Bolt models may not gain access to GM’s best upcoming battery technology, but they are the first Chevy models to feature Super Cruise. Well, a paired down version of it. Cadillac recently released an updated Enhanced Super Cruise system with automatic lane change abilities, but the Bolt and Bolt EUV will not receive this version. The two cars will boast lane-centering and speed-regulating abilities, but the Enhanced Super Cruise is only available with GM’s Vehicle Intelligence Platform.

It may sound like the Bolt and Bolt EUV are slightly disappointing compared to other upcoming GM models, but it’s important to factor in their impressive price point. Chevy lowered the price of the 2022 Bolt by more than $5,000, now starting at $31,995. This substantial price decrease is mainly attributed to products of scale associated with adding the Bolt EUV model. Chevy impressively managed to lower the costs without eliminating features. In fact, it has done the opposite.

“We are not de-contenting it to hit a price point,” Ortega pointed out. “We are starting to offer our Safety Assist System with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection as standard. We are now offering more, for less.” In addition to more standard safety features, the 2022 updates include a more premium interior with upgraded styling and all LED lights.