In a surprising move, General Motors (GM) announced that it will end production of the Buick Envision at its Kansas assembly plant in 2028, citing higher tariffs and plans to onshore production. The move comes as GM is already planning to convert the facility to produce only internal combustion engine vehicles, starting with the Chevy Equinox in 2027.
This shift away from electric vehicles (EVs) has left many wondering about the future of the Chevy Bolt EV, which was introduced last October and began production at the Kansas plant in November using Lithium-Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries from China's CATL. With plans to begin building the Envision at the plant in 2028, Bolt production is likely to end in about a year and a half.
Despite its affordable price point starting at under $30,000, the Bolt EV has struggled to gain traction against more established rivals like Tesla and Nissan Leaf. GM's decision to wind down Bolt production comes after the company announced a $6 billion hit earlier this month due to pulling back on its EV plans.
While it's unclear whether the new Bolt will be canceled altogether or extended if sales meet expectations, one thing is certain: GM's shift away from EVs will have significant implications for the automotive industry and consumers looking for affordable electric options.
GM's decision to end production of the Chevy Bolt EV at its Kansas plant in 2028 is a significant blow to the company's electric vehicle ambitions. With the US government imposing higher tariffs on imported vehicles, GM is taking steps to reduce its dependence on foreign suppliers and boost domestic manufacturing. However, this shift away from EVs may also impact consumers who have come to rely on affordable electric options like the Bolt.
