New Chevy Bolt EV to Feature CATL LFP Batteries for Initial Production
General Motors is poised to launch its refreshed Chevy Bolt EV, and initial models will be equipped with cost-effective Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries from Chinese manufacturer CATL. This strategic collaboration is designed to ensure the affordability of GM’s most accessible electric vehicle during its initial production phase, with an anticipated transition to in-house battery manufacturing in the coming years. This move underscores the dynamic landscape of the global electric vehicle supply chain, as automakers navigate challenges and opportunities in securing critical components.
The updated Chevy Bolt EV is slated to begin production at GM’s Fairfax, Kansas facility later this year. Mary Barra, CEO of General Motors, has indicated that the new model will incorporate significant enhancements, including increased driving range, expedited charging capabilities, and a refined aesthetic. Notably, it will be the first electric vehicle built on GM's Ultium platform to utilize LFP batteries in the North American market.
Despite earlier intentions to produce these batteries internally, current reports, including one from The Wall Street Journal, suggest that GM will import LFP batteries from CATL for approximately the next two years. This interim arrangement will persist until GM initiates its own production of more affordable EV batteries, a venture planned in collaboration with LG Energy Solutions, projected to commence in 2027.
A spokesperson for General Motors affirmed this temporary strategy, stating that the company will procure battery packs from external suppliers to maintain the competitiveness of its most budget-friendly EV offering. The spokesperson also highlighted that other American car manufacturers have similarly relied on foreign suppliers for LFP battery technology and licensing for several years, illustrating a broader industry trend.
For instance, Ford has entered into a licensing agreement with CATL to produce LFP batteries in Michigan, intended for their next-generation electric vehicles. This context suggests a growing acknowledgment among U.S. automakers of the need to leverage international expertise and supply chains to advance their EV portfolios.
Amidst new tariff and trade policies, particularly with China, GM will incur substantial import costs. However, according to Sam Abuelsamid of Telemetry, an automotive research firm, when combined with other cost-reduction strategies, the new Bolt, even with Chinese-sourced batteries, could achieve marginal profitability or come sufficiently close to it. Abuelsamid concluded that this temporary economic arrangement might prove viable for GM.
Just over a week prior, Chevrolet provided a glimpse of the new Bolt EV through initial teaser images. Production is expected to begin later this year, with vehicles arriving at U.S. dealerships in 2026. While official pricing and specifications are pending, the new Bolt EV is anticipated to have a starting price of around $30,000 and offer an approximate range of 300 miles. Furthermore, it will be GM’s second electric vehicle, following the Cadillac Optiq-V, to feature a built-in North American Charging Standard (NACS) port, enabling compatibility with Tesla’s Supercharger network.
Chinese battery manufacturers, such as CATL and BYD, are currently leading the global market, driven by their ability to offer more cost-effective solutions and advanced technological innovations. Data from SNE Research indicates that CATL and BYD further solidified their market dominance in the first half of 2025, with CATL holding a 37.9% market share and BYD securing second place at 17.8%. In contrast, the combined market share of South Korean battery producers, including LG Energy Solution, SK On, and Samsung SDI, declined to 16.4%, representing a 5.4% decrease from the first half of 2024.
While this partnership may ultimately benefit General Motors, it also underscores a noticeable disparity between U.S. automotive and battery manufacturers and their Chinese counterparts in terms of technological advancement and cost efficiency. Meanwhile, GM's current most affordable electric model, the Chevy Equinox EV, is projected to be among the top three best-selling electric vehicles in the U.S. this year, trailing only the Tesla Model Y and Model 3. GM promotes the Equinox EV as "America’s most affordable 315+ range EV," with starting prices under $35,000. It remains to be seen whether the new Bolt EV will generate comparable demand, particularly with its anticipated starting price of approximately $30,000, positioning it as one of the most budget-friendly electric vehicles available in the United States.