GM's Kansas Factory Shift: Why the $29,990 Chevrolet Bolt EV Faces an Early Exit

The era of offshoring is hitting a massive speed bump. GM is reshuffling its global production footprint, moving manufacturing away from China and Mexico to its Fairfax Assembly Plant in Kansas. This strategic pivot, reported by TechCrunch, is a direct response to the Trump administration’s aggressive tariff policies and the elimination of the $7,500 federal EV tax credit, making foreign-built vehicles increasingly expensive for the U.S. market.

Major GM Kansas Factory Production Shift for 2027-2028

The relocation musical chairs will fundamentally change what rolls off the line in Kansas. The Chevrolet Bolt EV, currently the plant's sole product, is slated for a short lifecycle despite its recent $29,990 price tag. GM confirmed that production of the rebooted electric hatch will wrap up in about 18 months to make room for higher-margin models.

The End of an Affordable EV Era?

While the Bolt EV was widely expected to be a long-term affordable champion, GM is prioritizing its gas-powered Equinox and the next-generation Buick Envision. The company hasn't abandoned affordable EVs entirely, promising future investments in the Fairfax Assembly for a new generation of EVs, though they haven't set a firm date for when those will arrive.