LG Chem Expects 30,000+ Chevy Bolt Sales In 2017

The supplier of the battery cells and battery packs being used in the Chevy Bolt, LG Chem, expects GM to sell more than 30,000 units of the new, long-range electric vehicle in 2017, according to recent reports.

The comments originate with the South Korean firm’s Vice President, Kang Chang-beom, who stated during a recent conference call focused on LG Chem’s 3rd quarter earnings that he expected 30,000 sales to be the minimum for the Chevy Bolt next year.

That figure matches with the predictions of others over the past couple of years, though some have predicted sales numbers as high as 50,000 units for 2017. Whether sales figures that high are actually something that General Motors is prepared for is an open question, though.

One of the most interesting things to watch following the release of the Chevy Bolt will be how seriously GM pushes the model? Does the company really want the Bolt to move in large numbers? Or not?

With a serious promotional push, the Chevy Bolt could probably sell quite well in the US (and elsewhere as well) — probably well over the 50,000 units a year mark. Much of the “success” of the vehicle simply depends on its promotion.

For more information on the Chevy Bolt and LG Chem’s battery production expansion plans, see:

• Chevy Bolt EV Starting Price Is $37,495 In The US, CAD$42,795 In Canada
• Pre-Ordering For Chevy Bolt Begins In California
• LG Chem Building EV Battery Production Plant Near Wrocław (Poland) For 1.3 Billion Złoty