Wiktor Wise
General Motors (GM) has stated its intention to transition to an all-electric future, with plans to electrify 50% of its fleet by 2030 and achieve a fully electric, zero-emission automotive fleet by 2035. This goal is supported by a $750 million investment in developing EV charging stations and a $35 billion investment in EVs and AVs. GM has already introduced several long-range electric vehicles (EVs), including the Chevrolet Silverado EV and GMC Sierra EV Denali, and is expanding its EV portfolio with high-range models across its brands. However, GM's journey towards electrification has had its challenges, including the controversial discontinuation of the EV1 in the past and more recent complaints about buggy electronics in the Chevy Blazer. Despite these setbacks, GM remains committed to advancing battery capabilities and enhancing the appeal and convenience of owning an EV.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| GM's commitment to electrification | GM is committed to electrifying 50% of its fleet by 2030 and 100% by 2035 |
| GM's electric vehicle (EV) models | Chevrolet Silverado EV, GMC Sierra EV Denali, Chevrolet Equinox EV, Cadillac Escalade IQ, Cadillac Lyriq, Buick Electra E5, Chevrolet Corvette |
| GM's battery technology | Ultium battery platform, introduced in 2020 |
| GM's investments in EVs | $35 billion in EVs and AVs, $750 million in EV charging stations |
| GM's partnerships | Honda, LG Chem, EVgo |
| GM's challenges | Buggy electronics in the Chevy Blazer, problems with Ultium rollout |
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What You'll Learn
GM's Ultium battery platform
General Motors (GM) has been taking steps towards an all-electric future, with the introduction of its Ultium battery platform. This platform is a significant stride in the rapidly evolving EV market, showcasing GM's commitment to innovation and sustainability.
The Ultium battery platform offers a comprehensive solution, featuring scalability, energy density, modularity, advanced chemistry, and cost efficiency. The modular design allows for flexibility in battery configuration, tailoring modules to specific vehicle requirements. This not only streamlines manufacturing but also simplifies servicing and future upgrades. Ultium batteries have high energy density, delivering enhanced range and performance. The advanced battery chemistry incorporates proprietary additives into lithium-ion cells, resulting in improved durability, faster charging times, and overall enhanced performance.
GM's Ultium platform is not just limited to its own electric vehicles but is also being deployed for battery electric vehicles from Honda and Acura. The platform's adaptability is evident in vehicles like the Cadillac LYRIQ, which offers different battery cell configurations for specific markets. The Ultium platform is set to power a range of GM's electric vehicles, including the Chevrolet Silverado EV, GMC Sierra EV Denali, and Cadillac Escalade IQ.
The Ultium battery technology has also been chosen for applications beyond passenger vehicles. In 2021, GM announced a collaboration with Wabtec to provide Ultium battery modules for zero-emission locomotives. Additionally, the US Army selected GM Defense to demonstrate an electric military vehicle using the GMC Hummer EV pickup, showcasing the versatility and performance capabilities of the Ultium platform.
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Electric vehicle range
Several factors influence the range of electric vehicles. One of the most critical factors is the battery size, measured in kWh. Larger batteries generally provide a longer range. Additionally, vehicle size and aerodynamics play a role, with lighter and more aerodynamic designs contributing to increased range. External conditions, such as temperature, can also significantly impact the range. In mild ambient temperatures, electric vehicles tend to achieve a higher range, while extremely hot or cold weather can reduce the range. For example, the average EV battery range in AAA's test was 105 miles at 75 degrees Fahrenheit, but it dropped to 43 miles at 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
Driving style and behaviour also affect the range of electric vehicles. Aggressive accelerations, higher speeds, and hard braking consume more energy and reduce the range. On the other hand, driving smoothly, gently accelerating, and maximising regenerative braking can help optimise the range. Additionally, minimising the use of cabin heating and cooling can preserve battery energy and extend the range.
To ensure optimal battery health and maintain the electric vehicle's range over time, it is recommended to charge the battery up to 80% for day-to-day use. While it is acceptable to fully charge the battery for longer trips, it is best to avoid letting the battery remain empty or full for extended periods. For example, when going on holiday, maintaining a battery charge between 20% and 80% is advisable.
Range is an essential consideration when choosing an electric vehicle, as it determines whether the vehicle aligns with your personal circumstances and driving behaviour. By understanding the factors that impact range and adopting range-extending driving habits, you can maximise your electric vehicle's range and make the most of your all-electric lifestyle.
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GM's hybrid plans
GM has been making significant strides towards an all-electric future, with a commitment to electrifying 50% of its fleet by 2030 and 100% by 2035. The company has invested heavily in EV and battery technology, with a focus on expanding its charging networks and addressing range anxiety. Notably, GM has introduced the Ultium battery platform, now advanced as Ultium+, which offers exceptional power, performance, and range capabilities. This platform powers several of GM's current electric vehicles, including the GMC Hummer EV, the Cadillac Lyriq, and the Buick Electra E5.
However, GM's journey towards electrification has not always been smooth. In the past, GM introduced the EV1 in 1996, but technological limitations and high production costs led to its discontinuation. More recently, the company faced challenges with the rollout of its Ultium battery technology. Additionally, GM has fielded complaints about buggy electronics in the new Chevy Blazer. Despite these setbacks, GM remains committed to its electric future and has unveiled plans for three giant battery factories in the United States.
In summary, GM's hybrid plans involve a temporary return to plug-in hybrids while the company navigates its transition to an all-electric future. This move may provide a hedge against challenges with its Ultium battery technology rollout and address customer complaints. However, GM remains committed to electrifying its fleet and continues to invest in EV technology, infrastructure, and partnerships to support its electric vehicle ambitions.
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Electric vehicle charging stations
General Motors (GM) is committed to an all-electric future. The company has made electric vehicles EVs a top strategic priority across every brand in its portfolio, combining innovation, performance, and design to create electric vehicles for every kind of driver as part of its zero-emissions vision. GM's Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac brands are introducing more EVs, and the company is working to simplify the charging experience for electric vehicle owners at home and in public.
GM Energy will holistically integrate charging networks, brand mobile apps, home energy products, and commercial services to create a seamless charging experience. GM will continue to work with charging providers, electric utilities, and government agencies to make home, workplace, public, and fleet charging ubiquitous and easy for customers. GM's mobile apps will provide an intuitive mobile experience that makes navigating to an available charging station, plugging into a charger, and paying for charging simple.
GM is also working with major EV charging providers, including Blink Charging, ChargePoint, EVgo, and FLO, to provide customers with more convenience when it comes to EV charging. Through MyChevrolet and other brand apps, customers can easily see real-time information from hundreds of thousands of places to charge throughout the US and Canada, find charging stations along a route, and pay for charging. GM Energy also collaborates with Qmerit, which manages a nationwide network of certified EV charger installers, to simplify the home charging experience.
GM EV drivers have access to over 20,000 Tesla Superchargers located throughout the US and Canada, with Generation 3 (V3) and beyond Tesla Superchargers open to GM drivers. The NACS DC adapter enables GM EV drivers to access V3 Tesla Superchargers and additional chargers in the network. GM vehicle brand apps can be used to locate specific chargers, plan routes, initiate a charge, and process payments.
GM offers EV drivers connections to an ecosystem of charging networks, with access to reliable public EV charging stations from over 214,000 locations. With their vehicle mobile app, it's easy to find compatible charging stations, start a session, and get back on the road faster. GM's network partners allow customers to pay only for the energy they need.
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Electric vehicle battery recycling
General Motors (GM) is committed to an all-electric future, with several long-range electric vehicles (EVs) already on offer, including the Chevrolet Silverado EV and the GMC Sierra EV Denali. The company has also introduced the Ultium battery technology and plans to build three giant battery factories in the United States. However, GM has faced challenges with its Ultium battery rollout, including complaints about buggy electronics in the Chevy Blazer.
As GM transitions to electric vehicles, it recognizes the importance of battery recycling to create a sustainable future. The company has partnered with Cirba Solutions for nearly 20 years to recycle and repurpose batteries, diverting them from landfills. GM and Cirba Solutions provide educational resources and training on battery recycling to communities and schools, promoting sustainability and circular economy principles.
GM's battery recycling efforts focus on various battery types, including preproduction, production scrap, and end-of-life batteries. The recycled materials find new life in different applications, such as raised garden beds made from electric vehicle battery cocoon containers.
The recycling process involves identifying the battery type, covering terminals with clear tape, and ensuring safe handling by trained technicians for high-voltage batteries. GM provides resources for safe battery storage, dismantling, and recycling, especially for lithium-ion batteries, which can cause landfill fires if not properly disposed of.
GM's commitment to battery recycling is part of its broader sustainability goals, aiming to protect ecosystems, improve quality of life, and preserve natural resources by extending the life of valuable materials through recycling and reuse.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, GM has committed to electrifying 50% of its fleet by 2030 and 100% of its passenger and light-duty vehicles by 2035.
GM has invested $35 billion in EVs and AVs, with a focus on its Ultium battery platform. The company is also investing in charging infrastructure and has committed $750 million to develop EV charging stations.
GM currently offers several long-range electric vehicles (EVs), including the Chevrolet Silverado EV, the GMC Sierra EV Denali, the Cadillac Lyriq, and the Hummer EV. Buick also offers the Electra E5, an all-electric SUV.
GM plans to continue expanding its EV lineup, with Cadillac aiming to add the three-row Vistiq for 2026. Chevrolet has also confirmed that a fully electric Corvette is in the works.
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