GM's Most Affordable American Electric Vehicle Utilizes a Shortcut from China | Carscoops

      The company will eventually begin manufacturing its own battery packs in the US in collaboration with LG, but for now, they will continue to use Chinese battery packs.

      The next iteration of the Chevrolet Bolt will initially utilize an LFP battery sourced from China.

      General Motors anticipates starting production of the new Bolt later this year, with deliveries scheduled for 2026.

      Out of the 13 electric vehicles GM currently offers in the US, 12 utilize battery packs produced domestically.

      Amid continuous pressure to reduce reliance on imports, one of the largest automakers in the US is taking a temporary step back. While President Donald Trump has been advocating for American businesses to decrease dependence on foreign suppliers, General Motors is planning to import battery packs from the Chinese company CATL.

      The company has stated that this is a short-term decision, forming part of a larger strategy aimed at eventually manufacturing its own battery packs on home soil.

      This development was initially reported by The Wall Street Journal and later confirmed by GM. CATL will provide GM with lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) batteries for the upcoming Bolt, with production anticipated to start later this year, followed by availability in dealerships in 2026.

      GM anticipates depending on CATL’s battery packs for approximately two years, after which the company expects to work with LG Energy Solution to facilitate domestic production of more economical battery systems.

      “A company spokesperson confirmed that for several years, other U.S. automakers have relied on foreign suppliers for LFP battery sourcing and licensing. To maintain competitiveness, GM will temporarily procure these packs from comparable suppliers for our most budget-friendly EV model.”

      Regarding the 2027 Chevrolet Bolt,

      The Cost of Going Global

      Of the 13 electric vehicles GM currently markets in the U.S., twelve are integrated with domestically produced battery packs. The only exception is the Cadillac Celestiq, which features a foreign-sourced battery pack.

      By importing battery packs from China, GM will face tariff costs of around 80 percent, according to Nunzio De Filippies from CargoTrans, a leading logistics management firm. However, the automaker recognizes the necessity to reduce expenses for its entry-level EV, and if using Chinese batteries is required, they will proceed accordingly.

      Limited information is available about the next-generation Chevrolet Bolt, yet GM has mentioned that it will be priced slightly above the previous model, which had a starting price of $28,795 in 2023. The vehicle will be manufactured at GM’s Fairfax Assembly plant in Kansas.