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February 26, 2025 – The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt is rolling out to U.S. customers, and early independent testing reveals impressive highway range numbers. Our resident EV range expert, Tom Moloughney, put a base 2027 Chevrolet Bolt LT through the standard 70-mph constant-speed test on a closed loop. The result: 243 miles on a single charge—11 miles better than the EPA’s highway rating of 232 miles and only 19 miles shy of the combined EPA rating of 262 miles.
The 2027 Bolt LT uses a single front-mounted motor spinning 200 horsepower and a 65-kWh lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery pack. During the test, Moloughney noted that the pack’s actual usable energy was higher than the 65-kWh capacity declared by General Motors. This is not uncommon for LFP chemistry, which often allows a wider usable window without degrading longevity. The test vehicle was driven at a steady 70 mph on a flat, temperature-controlled course (about 70°F), with the climate control set to 72°F in auto mode—typical for a realistic highway assessment.
The 2027 Bolt’s EPA Combined range is 262 miles, while the EPA Highway cycle (which includes some stops and variations) rates it at 232 miles. The 70-mph steady-state test is generally more demanding than the EPA Highway cycle because it maintains constant high speed, so beating the highway rating by 11 miles signals strong efficiency. Compared to the previous-generation Bolt EV (259 miles combined), the 2027 model’s LFP battery and improved aerodynamics appear to deliver a modest but meaningful gain, though the new model uses a slightly larger battery (65 kWh vs. 65.4 kWh in the old 2022 Bolt, but with different chemistry).
In the compact electric segment, only the Tesla Model 3 Standard Range (EPA 272 miles) and Hyundai Ioniq 6 (EPA 240 miles) compete directly. The Bolt’s 243-mile highway result is especially strong given its lower price point—expected to start around $28,000 including destination. The 2027 Bolt’s 70-mph highway range also outpaces the 2025 Nissan Leaf (about 150 miles at 70 mph) and the Mini Cooper Electric (under 200 miles). It’s worth noting that the Bolt’s DC fast-charging speed remains at a modest 100 kW peak, but the LFP battery’s thermal stability allows for more consistent charging sessions.
From a technical standpoint, the 2027 Bolt’s LFP battery offers two key advantages: lower cost and longer cycle life. GM’s decision to move away from NMC chemistry for the entry-level Bolt helps keep the base price down while maintaining a usable range that satisfies most daily commutes. “The 243-mile result is exactly what we’d expect from a well-tuned LFP pack in a compact platform,” said Moloughney. “It’s a solid number that proves 2027 Bolt can handle a 300-mile day trip with one midpoint charge to stay on the highway.”
The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt delivers a genuine 70-mph highway range of 243 miles, comfortably exceeding its EPA highway rating and offering an affordable entry into the long-range EV market. With deliveries ramping up now, early buyers can expect a real-world range that matches—or slightly beats—the official numbers. For a full breakdown of the test methodology and data log, check out the detailed video on the State Of Charge channel.
