The Chevy Bolt EV Outselling the Blazer EV in 2024 Despite Discontinuation
Despite being discontinued, the Chevy Bolt EV has managed to outsell the Chevy Blazer EV in the first half of 2024, according to General Motors’ recent financial results and sales update. The Blazer EV, which was launched last year, seems to have overcome a problematic rollout to ramp up production.
GM delivered 8,414 units of the Bolt EV and its crossover-like Bolt EUV variant in the first two quarters of the year, surpassing the 7,234 Blazer EV deliveries. However, in Q2 alone, Blazer EV deliveries were higher than Bolt EV/EUV deliveries, at 6,634 units and 1,374 units, respectively. This shift in sales is a result of Bolt EV/EUV deliveries decreasing since production ceased at the end of 2023, while Blazer EV production has been increasing. Despite this, the Blazer EV has not yet surpassed the discontinued Bolt EV in year-to-date sales, indicating a gradual ramp-up in production.
GM faced challenges in accelerating EV deliveries in 2023, mainly due to issues with ramping up their Ultium battery cells. However, in Q2 of 2024, they reported 21,930 EV deliveries, marking a 34% increase from Q1 and a 40% increase year-over-year. This suggests that they have started to improve their production processes. Despite cutting prices for the Blazer EV in March and addressing a backlog and software issues, sales have not significantly increased. However, a high percentage of Blazer EV buyers are new customers trading in from other brands such as Jeep, Ford, Hyundai, and Kia.
GM plans to bring back the Bolt EV for the 2026 model year, with CEO Mary Barra promising it will be the most affordable U.S. EV. The new model will switch to an LFP battery chemistry to achieve this goal.
**Ramp-Up and Slow Start for the Blazer EV**
GM started deliveries of the Blazer EV last July, but progress has been slow. The company struggled to accelerate EV deliveries throughout 2023, primarily due to challenges in scaling up its Ultium battery cell production. While Q2 of 2024 showed a 34% increase in deliveries, GM’s previous goal of delivering 400,000 EVs by 2023 and the first half of 2024 was not met. The gradual ramp-up of the Blazer EV production is evident in the fact that it has not yet surpassed the discontinued Bolt EV in sales.
**Challenges and Solutions for the Blazer EV**
Despite slow sales, GM remains optimistic about the Blazer EV’s potential. The company cut prices for the Blazer EV in March, hoping to stimulate more sales. Beyond addressing backlogs and software issues that led to a stop-sale in late 2023, GM has focused on attracting new customers from competitor brands. Around 40% of Blazer EV buyers are new customers who have switched from other brands, indicating a strong appeal for the EV market.
**Future Plans for the Bolt EV**
Despite discontinuing the Bolt EV for one model year, GM has plans to reintroduce it for the 2026 model year. CEO Mary Barra has stated that the new Bolt EV will be the most affordable EV in the U.S. market, with a switch to an LFP battery chemistry to achieve this goal. This move signals GM’s commitment to offering affordable electric vehicles to consumers while addressing the growing demand for EVs in the market.
**Conclusion**
The Chevy Bolt EV’s strong sales performance in 2024 despite being discontinued showcases the continued demand for affordable electric vehicles. On the other hand, the slow start and gradual ramp-up of the Blazer EV production suggest ongoing challenges for GM in scaling EV deliveries. However, with strategic pricing adjustments and efforts to attract new customers, GM is working towards increasing the popularity of the Blazer EV. The company’s future plans to reintroduce the Bolt EV with a focus on affordability and innovative battery technology demonstrate their commitment to meeting the evolving needs of consumers in the electric vehicle market.