The new Chevy Bolt’s EV batteries will come from China

GM confirms Chinese batteries for new Bolt

General Motors will use lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries from China’s CATL in the upcoming 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV. GM says the imports are temporary and will cover roughly the first two years of production until U.S. LFP output starts.

GM says this temporary measure is necessary until U.S. battery manufacturing ramps up. The plan allows the Bolt’s launch to stay on schedule despite import tariffs.

LFP battery choice for affordability

GM selected LFP batteries because they are less expensive than other EV battery chemistries. The company says this will help keep the Bolt one of the most affordable EVs in the country.

GM intends to later switch to American-made LFP batteries. Until then, CATL will supply the packs for early production years.

Production set for Kansas plant

GM will build the new Bolt EV at its Fairfax Assembly Plant in Kansas. Production is scheduled to start later this year, with deliveries beginning in 2026.

The vehicle will be introduced as a 2027 model. It is expected to be GM’s first North American EV to launch with LFP batteries.

CATL’s global battery leadership

SNE Research data cited by Electrek shows CATL controlled 37.9% of the global EV battery market in early 2025. This makes it the largest EV battery maker in the world.

GM is relying on CATL’s proven production scale for the new Bolt. The decision highlights China’s lead in LFP battery manufacturing technology.

U.S. battery plant coming in 2027

GM and LG Energy Solution’s Ultium Cells plant in Spring Hill, Tennessee, is slated to begin producing LFP cells by late 2027. The plant is scheduled to begin operations toward the end of 2027.

Once running, it will supply batteries for the Chevrolet Bolt EV. Until that time, GM will rely on lithium-iron-phosphate battery packs imported from CATL in China to support early production volumes.

Tariffs will add to costs

Chinese-made EV batteries face stacked import duties estimated at around 80% by the WSJ, though the base Section 301 rate on lithium-ion EV batteries is 25%, and additional measures can raise the effective rate. These tariffs will significantly raise the costs GM incurs for the Bolt’s battery supply.

Analysts believe profitability may still be possible if cost management is effective. GM has stated that maintaining the Bolt’s affordability will remain a primary goal despite higher import-related expenses.

No EV tax credit impact

The $7,500 federal Clean Vehicle Credit (IRC 30D) ends on September 30, 2025, under the new budget law. Because the 2027 Bolt is slated to reach dealers in 2026, it wouldn’t qualify for that consumer credit regardless of battery sourcing.

Note: prior rules affected eligibility, not ‘penalties.’ This timing could assist the vehicle’s early sales performance when production begins in 2026 for the 2027 model year.

Affordable EV market position

GM plans for the 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV with an expected starting price of about $30,000. This cost would position it among the most affordable electric vehicles available in the U.S. market.

The company’s strategy includes appealing to first-time EV buyers. GM also intends to compete against brands such as Tesla, Ford, and other established automakers in this segment.

Upgrades for new generation

According to Electrek, GM CEO Mary Barra confirmed the new Bolt EV will deliver faster charging speeds, improved driving range, and a more modern exterior design. The model will be built on GM’s Ultium platform for enhanced performance.

LED lighting will be standard at both the front and rear. The vehicle will also include a Tesla-compatible NACS charging port as a factory-installed feature.

Based on retired Bolt EUV

InsideEVs reports that the 2027 Bolt EV will be an updated version of the discontinued Bolt EUV model. The prior generation ceased production in late 2023. GM intends to retain the Bolt’s established market recognition while introducing modern upgrades.

These changes aim to address current customer expectations for electric vehicles, including improvements in range, charging capabilities, and interior and exterior features.

Other automakers using CATL

Ford Motor Company is also collaborating with CATL for its electric vehicle battery needs. Ford is licensing CATL’s technology to construct an LFP battery plant in Michigan.

That facility is scheduled to begin production in 2026. The partnership highlights CATL’s role as a major supplier and technology source for multiple U.S. automakers producing EVs.

Industry dependence on foreign LFP

According to ArenaEV, a GM spokesperson said that U.S. automakers have long relied on foreign suppliers for lithium-iron phosphate battery production and licensing. GM says it will adopt a similar temporary approach for the Bolt’s early production period.

This is intended to keep the model competitive in the market. The company plans to transition to domestic production once available.

Analysts see possible profitability

Analyst Sam Abuelsamid told Electrek that the new Bolt EV could still achieve marginal profitability despite sourcing its batteries from China. He noted this would depend on effective cost control over the next couple of years.

GM is expected to implement efficiency measures. Company leadership has expressed confidence that they can keep prices low while maintaining acceptable profit margins.

Competitive EV landscape

Through H1 2025, the Chevy Equinox EV was the best-selling non-Tesla EV in the U.S., and it set a record in July with 8,500+ units as GM sold 19,000+ EVs that month. The company is aiming for the Bolt EV to achieve similar sales success.

GM expects the model’s relatively low starting price to attract more customers. The affordable EV market segment is forecast to expand considerably over the next few years.

LFP chemistry advantages

Lithium iron phosphate batteries are generally less expensive to produce and more thermally stable than nickel-based chemistries. They also typically have a longer cycle life, meaning they can be charged and discharged more times before degrading.

China has developed large-scale manufacturing capabilities for this battery type. GM believes LFP technology suits the Bolt’s performance, safety, and cost objectives.

Stay informed for more. Solid-state battery EVs are coming from Mercedes-Benz by the end of the decade.

Tesla supercharger access

The upcoming Chevrolet Bolt will include a built-in North American Charging Standard (NACS) port. This design feature will allow Bolt owners to use Tesla’s Supercharger stations in addition to other compatible charging networks.

GM has incorporated this as part of its broader charging infrastructure strategy. The company aims to provide drivers with expanded public charging options and improved network accessibility.

Good news for speed lovers: hard acceleration may help your EV battery, according to recent research. Drivers could explore varied driving styles to potentially extend battery lifespan.

Stay updated on the latest in EV technology and market changes. Explore key developments, industry partnerships, and performance insights shaping the future of electric mobility.

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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.