GM‘s history with electric cars has zigzagged over the decades. While an early 1990s pioneer with the EV1, GM later dismantled those efforts as hybrids and hydrogen fuel cells seemed better bets for greening transportation in the 2000s. But tightening emissions regulations and Tesla‘s rise made most automakers sprint towards EVs starting the 2010s.
Initially reluctant, GM re-entered EVs in 2016 with the capable, affordable Chevrolet Bolt compact which sold reasonably well. However, events over 2018-2020 utterly electrified GM‘s corporate mindset. Ambitious government zero emissions targets, Tesla‘s soaring value and the Volkswagen diesel scandal convinced CEO Mary Barra that electric represented GM‘s future.
Virtually overnight, GM radically pivoted corporate strategy to pursue EV leadership, not just compliance. Barra declared GM would launch 30+ EVs globally by 2025, mostly in China and North America, across all its brands. GM would phase out internal combustion engines entirely by 2035.
This enormous bet catalyzed massive investments in new EV platforms, battery technologies and factories. GM would prove electric done at scale could beat gasoline powertrains on performance, capabilities and total owner cost.
GM‘s Breakthrough Battery Tech Unlocks New Performance & Savings
Central to GM‘s electric vision are proprietary new Ultium batteries co-developed with battery giant LG Energy Solutions. Using large-format pouch cells with advanced NCMA chemistry delivering high energy density, Ultium batteries slash costs 60% versus current GM EVs through simplification, vertical integration and other optimizations.
| Battery Metric | Ultium NCMA Chemistry | Current GM EV Batteries |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Density | Up to 180 Wh/kg | Up to 118 Wh/kg |
| Cost/kWh | <$100 by mid-2020s | > $150 today |
More critically, GM designed Ultium batteries using a flexible "LEGO-like" modular architecture that allows wide customization of cell type, count, orientation across all vehicle segments without major redesigns. This means GM can optimize batteries across affordables like the Chevy Bolt compact or luxury flagships like the Cadillac Celestiq with shared components and manufacturing. It‘s a savvy way to reap economies of immense scale.
GM aims to drive battery costs under $100/kWh within 2-3 years – potentially matching industry leaders like Tesla. Lower battery expenses directly reduce EV sticker prices for consumers.
And GM‘s Ultium Platform Streamlines Manufacturing Too..
Besides transformational batteries, GM‘s proprietary Ultium Platform provides a universal electric vehicle architecture and components set for motors, battery management systems, charging and more. By maximizing part sharing between EVs, GM reduces costs and manufacturing complexity.
For flexibility, Ultium-based EVs can be configured for front- wheel drive, rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive given their compact eDrive units. As the platform evolves, wireless over-the-air software upgrades enable adding functionality without hardware changes. That allows continuous enhancements over a model‘s life.
GM claims its agile Ultium Platform enables launching new EVs in just 18 months compared to traditional 5-year timelines. The company is reengineering many factories – including Detroit-Hamtramck rebranded as Factory ZERO – to scale EV production capacity over coming years.
GM‘s Electric Lineup Today: Hummers, Bolts and Lyriqs Galore!
Most American and Canadian consumers today can purchase either the well-regarded Chevrolet Bolt or its slightly bigger sibling, the Bolt EUV. However, GM‘s EV catalog explodes over 2023-2025 across brands from workaday Chevy to prestige Cadillac. Let‘s explore your popular options today and what‘s just over the horizon!
