By Kristin Shaw, contributor, GM News
By Kristin Shaw, contributor, GM News
After a three-year hiatus and incredible customer demand, the Chevrolet Bolt returned for 2027 with a redesigned interior, a faster-charging battery, improved range and other goodies. EV enthusiasts like YouTuber Kyle Conner have watched the Bolt evolve since 2017, and the world noticed steady improvements and tweaks over the years.
Conner and his team at Out of Spec Motoring figured the 2027 Bolt was ripe for a cross-country road trip. To make it a little more challenging, Conner decided he would charge solely at GM-backed IONNA stations. IONNA prides itself on high-end charging experiences that often include covered parking spots, snacks and—most importantly—reliability.
Pairing IONNA charging stops with the Bolt’s DC fast-charging capable lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery, Conner and his cohort Andreas Kick mapped out a route that would push the car to the limit, at times. That’s the Out of Spec channel’s specialty: providing data-driven (literally, in this case) insights for viewers.
Piloting a Habanero Orange Bolt RS—they called it the “Haboltanero”—for the trip, Conner and Kick invited anyone along the route to join them at one of their stops. They livestreamed much of the journey, making it easy for viewers to follow along.
The Bolt was attractive to Out of Spec partly due to its affordability, with a starting MSRP of $28,9951 . It also includes the extra benefit of being the first Chevrolet with a native NACS charging port. Plus, with the available Super Cruise2, Conner and Kick could enjoy hands-free driving on compatible roads during long stretches of their trip.
Assembled at GM’s Spring Hill, Tennessee plant, the Bolt’s LFP batteries use lithium iron phosphate for the cathode instead of the cobalt or nickel compounds found in many other EV batteries.
Caption: Every 2027 Bolt includes a postcard celebrating Fairfax Assembly, the Kansas plant where Bolts are built.
The new batteries make a big impact – the 2027 Bolt has an EPA-estimated range of 262 miles3 and charging speeds up to 2.5 times faster than its predecessor. The previous-gen Bolt topped out at 55 kilowatts, which meant the EV could add 100 miles of range in about 30 minutes. However, the new Bolt can accept up to 150 kW from compatible DC fast chargers.
Departing at 5:00 a.m. on May 17, 2026, Conner and Kick started their “ocean to ocean” road trip from Virginia to California. They drove a few hours north from Conner’s home in North Carolina to Virginia Beach First Landing State Park. From there, they headed to the IONNA Rechargery in Ashland, Virginia as the first official charging point.
Along the way, the trip would take them through Kansas City, where the Bolt is assembled at the Fairfax Assembly plant. Communications lead Craig Hover was watching the livestream and dropped in to leave a message inviting Conner and Kick to visit the plant. With another friend in tow, the Out of Spec team toured the facility with plant director Michael Youngs.
The route from coast to coast using solely IONNA charging stations inspired Conner to push the Bolt as far as possible. From his perspective, Conner says the Bolt is “really impressive.”
Caption: Livestreaming during a charging stop.
“We really did use the full capacity [of the battery],” he says. On many charging stops, Conner says, the duo would plug in and chat with viewers – they never felt like they were waiting on the Bolt to charge, Conner says.
So far, the seven-part series about the 2027 Bolt road trip has generated 113,000 views and counting. Conner, and his fans, came away with even more respect for the Bolt.
“This is 100 percent evidence that EV road trips are totally possible and are only as complicated as you make them,” one viewer commented on the final livestream.
MSRP includes destination freight charge. Tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment extra. Dealer sets final price.
Always pay attention while driving and when using Super Cruise. Always use Super Cruise in accordance with local laws. Do not use a hand-held device. Requires active Super Cruise plan or trial. Terms apply. Visit Chevrolet.com for compatible roads and full details.
On a full charge. Actual range may vary based on several factors, including ambient temperature, terrain, battery age and condition, loading, and how you use and maintain your vehicle.
After a three-year hiatus and incredible customer demand, the Chevrolet Bolt returned for 2027 with a redesigned interior, a faster-charging battery, improved range and other goodies. EV enthusiasts like YouTuber Kyle Conner have watched the Bolt evolve since 2017, and the world noticed steady improvements and tweaks over the years.
Conner and his team at Out of Spec Motoring figured the 2027 Bolt was ripe for a cross-country road trip. To make it a little more challenging, Conner decided he would charge solely at GM-backed IONNA stations. IONNA prides itself on high-end charging experiences that often include covered parking spots, snacks and—most importantly—reliability.
Pairing IONNA charging stops with the Bolt’s DC fast-charging capable lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery, Conner and his cohort Andreas Kick mapped out a route that would push the car to the limit, at times. That’s the Out of Spec channel’s specialty: providing data-driven (literally, in this case) insights for viewers.
Piloting a Habanero Orange Bolt RS—they called it the “Haboltanero”—for the trip, Conner and Kick invited anyone along the route to join them at one of their stops. They livestreamed much of the journey, making it easy for viewers to follow along.
The Bolt was attractive to Out of Spec partly due to its affordability, with a starting MSRP of $28,9951 . It also includes the extra benefit of being the first Chevrolet with a native NACS charging port. Plus, with the available Super Cruise2, Conner and Kick could enjoy hands-free driving on compatible roads during long stretches of their trip.
The Bolt’s LFP batteries use lithium iron phosphate for the cathode instead of the cobalt or nickel compounds found in many other EV batteries. The new batteries make a big impact – the 2027 Bolt has an EPA-estimated range of 262 miles3 and charging speeds up to 2.5 times faster than its predecessor. The previous-gen Bolt topped out at 55 kilowatts, which meant the EV could add 100 miles of range in about 30 minutes. However, the new Bolt can accept up to 150 kW from compatible DC fast chargers.
Departing at 5:00 a.m. on May 17, 2026, Conner and Kick started their “ocean to ocean” road trip from Virginia to California. They drove a few hours north from Conner’s home in North Carolina to Virginia Beach First Landing State Park. From there, they headed to the IONNA Rechargery in Ashland, Virginia as the first official charging point.
Along the way, the trip would take them through Kansas City, where the Bolt is assembled at the Fairfax Assembly plant. Communications lead Craig Hover was watching the livestream and dropped in to leave a message inviting Conner and Kick to visit the plant. With another friend in tow, the Out of Spec team toured the facility with plant director Michael Youngs.
The route from coast to coast using solely IONNA charging stations inspired Conner to push the Bolt as far as possible. From his perspective, Conner says the Bolt is “really impressive.”
“We really did use the full capacity [of the battery],” he says. On many charging stops, Conner says, the duo would plug in and chat with viewers – they never felt like they were waiting on the Bolt to charge, Conner says.
So far, the seven-part series about the 2027 Bolt road trip has generated 113,000 views and counting. Conner, and his fans, came away with even more respect for the Bolt.
“This is 100 percent evidence that EV road trips are totally possible and are only as complicated as you make them,” one viewer commented on the final livestream.
1MSRP includes destination freight charge. Tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment extra. Dealer sets final price.
2Always pay attention while driving and when using Super Cruise. Always use Super Cruise in accordance with local laws. Do not use a hand-held device. Requires active Super Cruise plan or trial. Terms apply. Visit Chevrolet.com for compatible roads and full details.
3On a full charge. Actual range may vary based on several factors, including ambient temperature, terrain, battery age and condition, loading, and how you use and maintain your vehicle.