Ever since Tesla released the affordable, long-range Model 3 in 2017, legacy automakers have announced their electric vehicle initiatives. Manufacturers like VW, GM, and Ford have all committed towards an electrified future.
Over the next few weeks, I will detail each legacy automaker’s electrification plans announced to date. To start, let’s begin with the one who has been producing electric vehicles since the 1990s, General Motors (GM).
General Motors’ Electric Vehicle Plans:
In 2017, GM (GMC, Chevrolet, Hummer, Cadillac, and Buick) surprised the world by beating Tesla by bringing an electric vehicle with over 200 miles of range for around $35,000–the all-electric, Chevy Bolt.
This feat shocked many as people were questioning GM’s true EV intentions. Both the PHEV Chevy Volt and the BEV Chevy Spark were currently in production, however, in limited quantity compared to Chevy’s traditional ICE vehicles.
Nevertheless, GM reinforced their electrification efforts by bringing the Chevy Bolt to market before the Model 3. As we have learned these past few years, GM failed to secure enough batteries to satisfy demand.
On the other hand, Tesla built its own battery production factory, known as a Gigafactory, to be able to produce over 20,000 Model 3s every month.
Image credit: Wikipedia
Despite the limited production of the Chevy Bolt, GM wasn’t done yet. GM’s President, Mary Barra, also announced in 2017 that the company would release 20 electric vehicles by 2023. However, it is unclear how many of these EVs will be for the U.S. market rather than China.
But wouldn’t these new EVs only be produced in small quantities like the previous GM EVs? Well, it seems they have learned from their mistakes. According to NBC, GM announced today they will invest $2.2B in EV and battery production in their Ohio factory.
It looks like GM is finally committed towards EVs. With an investment in battery supply and an EV dedicated platform, GM aims to be a top EV seller in the U.S.
To further asses their EV plan, I’ve broken it down into two phases.
Phase 1: BEV2 Platform
Barra detailed two new EVs will arrive based on the Chevy Bolt platform (BEV2). The rest will be released off a new platform (BEV3) beginning in 2021.
Lately, speculation has the Chevy Bolt EUV as a new entry for 2020 on the BEV2 platform for the U.S. market. The Bolt EUV is believed to be a slightly larger Bolt.
Specifications on the range, DC Fast Charging speeds, and pricing are unknown at this moment, however, it is safe to assume they will be at least the following: 200+ miles of range, 50+ kW DC Fast Charging speed, and less than $40,000.
The third vehicle off the BEV2 platform (first being the Bolt, second being the Bolt EUV) is the Chevy Menlo–a crossover slated for the Chinese market.
Image credit: Motor1
Phase Two: BEV3 Platform
From 2021 to 2023, we should see at least one EV by GM every year for the U.S. market. It is definitely a tall order considering GM hasn’t released a new EV in three years.
During this period, these EVs should be based on the new BEV3 platform. This platform should allow more range (300+ miles), faster DC Fast Charging speeds (125+ kW), and cheaper pricing.
Speculated EVs off this new BEV3 platform include, but not limited to:
Image credit: Cadillac
Closing thoughts:
Sound pretty enticing or too good to be true? With at least five EVs planned for the U.S. in the next three years and multi-billion dollar investment in batteries, GM seems to have learned a thing a two from Tesla.
It is really exciting seeing legacy automakers shift towards electric. Albeit, it is quite slow, it is still the way of the future and ultimately necessary.
Personally, I have owned my 2017 Chevy Volt for almost three years now and it has been such a joy to drive. It is such a well-built vehicle that is incredibly efficient to drive. If Chevy can keep up this great build quality in their future EVs, consider me highly interested.
So, does all of this sound too good to be true? Are GM’s future EVs are your list for your next vehicle? Let me know your thoughts about General Motors’ electric vehicle plans in the comments below.
Stay charged!
Recommended Reading:
- New to any of the terminology? See Essential List of Electric Vehicle Terms
- Interested in the new EVs for 2020? See Top 8 New Electric Vehicles in 2020
Hi there! I’m the founder and project manager at Charged Future: the EV charging consultancy. Charged Future helps businesses achieve their EV charging goals. Specifically, I serve as the project manager for your EV charging project, which can save you both time and money! Additionally, I can search and apply to all eligible rebate applications, which can typically cover a large portion of the project cost.
