GM to lose $12,000 on every Chevy Bolt it makes

Chevrolet's Australian-designed pure-electric hatchback will see General Motors lose up to US$9000 (A$12,000) on every car it builds, according to a new report.

The Detroit News has reported that insiders, working close to the GM brand, have told it the pure-electric hatch is priced too cheaply at US$37,500 (A$50,000) considering the huge costs of its parts sourced from suppliers.

According to Electrek.co, GM spends US$12,000 (A$16,000), alone, on battery packs sourced by LG Chem.

It's thought the huge losses are seen as the "cost of compliance" by the US car-maker giant as new zero emission credits introduced by US states like California will help it continue to manufacture and sell high-profit pick-ups.

Already ruled out for Australian consumers because of a lack of left-hand drive versions, the Bolt went on sale in the US earlier this month.

Coming equipped with a drivetrain that pumps out 147kW and 360Nm, the Bolt was created by to be its first purpose-designed EV powered by a GM-developed electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack with a new “nickel-rich” chemistry, the new Bolt can cover 320km between charges and sprint from standstill to 100km/h in less than seven seconds.

Helping cut charging times, buyers will be offered an optional DC charging system that can provide 150km of range after a 30-minute charge.

A full recharge using the standard on-board charger and 240-volt service takes nine hours, says GM.