--- title: "The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt Edges Out Nissan Leaf To Become Least Expensive EV in US" description: "Amazing what can happen in a few months with enough motivation. Like, magically finding an extra seven miles of EPA-estimated range." date: "2026-01-09" modified: "2026-01-09" authors: - name: "Joel Feder" job_title: "Director of Content and Product" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/joel-feder" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/the-2027-chevrolet-bolt-edges-out-nissan-leaf-with-more-range-for-less-money" categories: - "Chevrolet News" - "News" - "News by Brand" tags: - "compact" - "Electric Vehicle" --- # The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt Edges Out Nissan Leaf To Become Least Expensive EV in US ![2027 Chevrolet Bolt]() Amazing what can happen in a few months with enough motivation. Like, magically finding an extra seven miles of EPA-estimated range. Late on Friday, General Motors announced the [2027 Chevrolet Bolt]() is now on sale, costs $28,995 (including the $1,395 destination fee), and has 262 miles of EPA-estimated range. That makes the Chevy Bolt the least expensive EV on sale in America today, a crown the Nissan Leaf had up until today. Notably, this all comes with a caveat. Somehow, somewhere, and it's unclear why, the Bolt magically has 7 more miles of estimated range than it did when the debuted in the fall. Originally, the Bolt was returning with an estimated 255 miles of range. Notably, this extra range must've been found recently because Chevrolet's own website and build configurator still touts 255 miles of driving range. But that 255-mile rating would have seen the Bolt checking in with less range than every single Leaf model, which has 259 miles of EPA-estimated range in top-shelf Platinum+ trim. Base Leaf models check in with 303 miles of EPA-estimated range, which is 41 more miles of range than the Bolt. But those 41 miles of range cost $2,490 more. That's no small sum even in these expensive times. ![2027 Chevrolet Bolt]() ![2027 Chevrolet Bolt]() The Bolt is well-appointed even in base form with an 11.3-inch touchscreen with Google built-in, though no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto (the Leaf has both), adaptive cruise control, automatic climate control, and a Tesla-like NACS charging port. Notably, the Bolt is available with GM's fantastic Level 2 hands-free driver-assist system known as Super Cruise, though not at $28,995. Chevrolet said the 2027 Bolt is on sale now and arriving at dealers. *Note–This story has been updated with more detailed specifics about the Leaf's range and trims compared agains the Bolt. Originally this article mistakenly swapped the top Leaf Platinum+ with the base S+ EPA-estimated range ratings.* *Got a tip on how an automaker magically increased efficiency or driving range? Send us a note at tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Overseeing what you see, read, touch, hear, and interact with from the vast lakes of Minnesota, Joel Feder shapes how The Drive looks and operates as the head of content and product initiatives. On a daily basis, Joel leads the newsroom and editorial staff playing point on both short-term coverage and long-term strategic plans. His mission is to help ensure The Drive shapes the future of automotive media by helping the team execute original reporting, breaking news, and exclusive opportunities. Regarded as an industry insider and recognized by colleagues, fellow journalists, and manufacturers as a point-person and leader in the industry, Joel owns and runs the largest automotive professionals group on Facebook in an effort to serve and help others. Joel serves as a juror for the World Car Awards. In addition, he is the board chair and chair of the governance and nominating committee for Move Forward MN, a local non-profit that helps at-risk youth with barrier-free mental health and housing services. While you’re reading this he’s either on his computer or iPhone chasing the latest news or drafting a story. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]() [Bluesky]() [Email]()