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2026 Bolt Competitors - speculation

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#41 ·
usedBolt said:
Ooops forgot the message.

Skipping a model year isn't unusual. I had a "1976" Capri that was first sold (I got it used) in early 1975 and was built (in Germany) in late 1974. Because of changes to the car structure (1974s were smaller, with a trunk; 1976 was longer and heavier, hatchback), powertrain (base 4 cyl for 1974 was 2L, 1976 was the 2.3L Pinto engine), and emissions (1974 was the last year without catalyst, and suffered badly for it, 1976 had oxidation catalyst though the gas mileage still sucked), Ford decided to skip the "1975" model year completely though there was only a short pause in availability. There were also cars that were released as, say, 1974 1/2, but that was used mainly when changes were relatively minor and trim-related.

The Bolt release is more like the Capri in scale: it's related to the previous model, but has substantial changes that justify a new designation. As long as it starts selling in 2026, they can call it a 2027 if they want to. At least, as a EV, the Bolt doesn't risk running into emission equipment changes.
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Those early emissions years really messed things up. I've been watching an interesting documentary series on YouTube about American Motors. The most recent episode was about the Pacer. AM designed it around a rotary engine they were going to buy from GM.

At the last minute GM canceled that project because they couldn't make the Wankel engine meet emissions targets and mpg targets at the same time. It was one or the other. American Motors was stuck putting their 6 cylinder engine in the Pacer making it too heavy. Buyers expected better mpg from such a small car, even though it was quite wide.
 
#42 ·
:) It seems weird to start production of a 2027 MY in 2025. But what do I know. They have been selling 2026 Equinox ICEs since March. What is the advantage of doing that? :) The cars are not so advanced that anyone is going to believe that they are from the future (just like no one believed that the EUV was an SUV).
 
#43 ·
You'd think a spy shot would be found.


Emission laws caused automakers to take a long time to make effecient engines. More importantly computer engine controls finally allowed effecient and cleaner cars. Simple things like air flow and thermal dynamics were not thought of for the most part in the past.
 
#44 ·
usedBolt said:
I still have my eye on a 26 Bolt when (if) it arrives. But it looks now like it won't have the ~$30K market to itself. As I'm seeing it now:

Kona - the perennial Bolt competitor, recently updated, still a bit on the high-priced side but Hyundai may have room to finesse that. Possibly more of an Equinox competitor at present price.
Leaf - new version expected based on the Ariya platform, bigger (and managed and liquid-cooled) battery, but priced in Equinox/Kona territory
Toyota C-HR+ - recently announced as an electric subcompact-crossover, below the bZ (the upgraded current bZ4X). No price info yet, but appears to be targeted at the low end with base trim, low $30Ks, so Bolt with a few options might be in its crosshairs.

What else? Ford seems to have fallen off the map as far as new EVs are concerned. Tesla will have a $25K model ... when? Chevy will have a range of Bolts including a smaller, less costly one (like the original Bolt?) ... when?

Anyway, a New Bolt looks on paper like it would be a cromulent replacement for The Olde Prius we're currently driving. We'll see. Fall might be interesting if any of these introductions happen, though the base Equinox will probably move upmarket once the Bolt appears, challenging the $35K model for cost-conscious buyers.
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I'm also holding out for a 2026 Bolt. Since getting the Silverado EV RST I am spoiled! I want similar features in a small car that can road-trip. SuperCruise is the best! I may have to start looking for other brands 😢.
 
#45 ·
Ford just announced it will have a "Model T" moment of cheap EVs. That will start with a small pickup truck slotted in size between the Maverick and the larger Ranger. If it is priced around $30k it could be a big seller. Not sure it takes sales away from the Bolt, but for those who don't need a full passenger compartment, it could.
 
#47 ·
Grandma-EV said:
I'm also holding out for a 2026 Bolt. Since getting the Silverado EV RST I am spoiled! I want similar features in a small car that can road-trip. SuperCruise is the best! I may have to start looking for other brands 😢.
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We have Super Cruise in our Bolt EUV. I'm expecting it to be available in the new Bolt. The new Bolt won't have a massive battery with over 400 miles of range like your Silverado, but it will be a heck of a lot more efficient. Your road trips will cost less in a Bolt.
 
#48 · (Edited)
jefro said:
.....Emission laws caused automakers to take a long time to make effecient engines.......computer engine controls finally allowed effecient and cleaner cars. Simple things like air flow........were not thought of for the most part in the past.
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Small cars & small gasoline engines really helped avoid the jerry-rigged emission equipment beginning in 1973. I was pleased with my little 1973 Subaru for easy running & efficiency. The fatal problem were head gaskets, which many Japanese cars suffered.

I carefully drove my 1979 Plymouth Champ(Dodge Colt) to 50MPG & was often somewhat over 45MPG in my Washington state colder climes. Mitsubishi (in the Champ) used an extra small intake valve (while the main intake valve remained closed) at low rpms. Supposedly at the low rpms, the small intake valve more readily speeded & stirred the cylinder's incoming air-fuel mixture. It was theoretical, but sure appeared to work well. I had the Champ for 22 years & it made me happy......while I drove at the low rpms!
 
#49 ·
jefro said:
You'd think a spy shot would be found.


Emission laws caused automakers to take a long time to make effecient engines. More importantly computer engine controls finally allowed effecient and cleaner cars. Simple things like air flow and thermal dynamics were not thought of for the most part in the past.
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GPT says...

Image


And I guess if we get rid of renewables and force the country back to NG power plants, to protect special interest, EV thermal efficiency will be 27% (33% power plant to charging station, then 90% to charge into the battery and 90% when expending energy). ;)

Then we'll never hear the end of it from the hybrid drivers...

 
#50 ·
p7wang said:
And I guess if we get rid of renewables and force the country back to NG power plants, to protect special interest, EV thermal efficiency will be 27% (33% power plant to charging station, then 90% to charge into the battery and 90% when expending energy). ;)
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However, gasoline also has energy costs/losses to extract the petroleum, refine it into gasoline (and other products), transport it to retail filling stations, and pump it into vehicles.
 
#51 ·
boltage said:
However, gasoline also has energy costs/losses to extract the petroleum, refine it into gasoline (and other products), transport it to retail filling stations, and pump it into vehicles.
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My example reflects whatever steps are required to get the fuel to the specs and location required of the power plant/car engine.
 
Discussion starter · #53 ·
SpicyBolt said:
Those early emissions years really messed things up. I've been watching an interesting documentary series on YouTube about American Motors. The most recent episode was about the Pacer. AM designed it around a rotary engine they were going to buy from GM.

At the last minute GM canceled that project because they couldn't make the Wankel engine meet emissions targets and mpg targets at the same time. It was one or the other. American Motors was stuck putting their 6 cylinder engine in the Pacer making it too heavy. Buyers expected better mpg from such a small car, even though it was quite wide.
Click to expand...
IIRC the Pacer was one of the cars where the engine had to be removed to change spark plugs. There were others, and some where the engine mounts had to be disconnected and the engine jacked to an odd position ditto. The 70s were not a good time for cars...
 
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