While a large spotlight has been placed on the multitude of EV startups, flagship automakers have been building on their existing technologies to allow them to participate in the growing market. General Motors has possibly announced the widest variety of EVs available from a flagship manufacturer. Their novel Ultium battery technology has been a subject of close analysis as well.
GM plans to release EVs from each of their respective brands. Both cars and SUVs will be offered, including but not limited to the EV Chevy Bolt, GMC Hummer, Cadillac Lyriq, and Buick SUV. GM CEO Mary Barra commented, “This is a historic moment for GM…I believe in my heart that we are going to be leaders in electrification.”
Considering the company’s reputation and innovative battery technology, a prosperous electrified future is undoubtedly within their grasp. Here is a preview of what GM will offer in the coming years.
Buick Enspire SUV
The Enspire all-electric concept made its 2018 debut at Auto China in Beijing. To complement its striking exterior, GM has incorporated some significant performance features. Buick “eMotion” technology helps the Enspire generate 550hp with a 0-60 time of 4 seconds.
The SUV is projected to have a range of 370 miles on a single charge, which can be completed within an hour. Natural wood grain and microfiber suede line the interior, which houses lots of new techs. This includes high-speed 5G internet and an AR heads-up display that may provide night vision and navigation.
Cadillac Lyriq
The Lyriq is promoted as an icon of GM’s novel battery technology and EV engineering. Its design, playing on themes of futuristic elegance and refinement, is a bold option in GM’s future lineup. Similar to the Enspire, it will include the new AR head-up display. It will be built on the Ultium platform, which lowers the vehicle’s center of gravity while providing structural integrity from a rigid EV chassis.
Lyriq is said to offer charging rates of up to 19kW (Level 2/AC charging) and 150kW (public DC fast charging). According to Cadillac, it will have a range of around 300 miles per charge. Driver assistance technologies like Super Cruise hands-free driving and a 33” panoramic LED screen that displays useful information. According to Automotive News, the Lyriq may start under $60,000.
Chevrolet Bolt EV
The newest iteration of the compact Bolt EV has an EPA range estimate of 259 miles. The 2020 edition starts at an MSRP of $36,620. The 2022 Bolt EUV will include Super Cruise, one of 22 vehicles that will be fitted with the technology by 2023.
In terms of additional Chevy EVs, there have been speculations surrounding a possible electric Silverado pickup truck. It’s likely that we will see EV pickups from Chevy in the future, especially with options from rival manufacturer Ford.
GMC Hummer EV
The popularity of the Hummer seemed to undergo a dramatic rise and subsequent fall which prompted the discontinuation of the brand. It will be making a comeback in fully electric form branded as a GMC. This truck will pack an impressive 1,000 horsepower and go from 0 to 60 in just 3 seconds. It will have variable settings such as Crab Mode and Adrenaline Mode.
The Hummer will be manufactured at the Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant. GM has devoted significant funding towards retooling the historic factory for the production of electric vehicles. Its debut is set for October 20, 2020, with customer deliveries starting in the fall of 2021. Car and Driver estimate the starting price at around $70,000.
Cadillac Celestiq
Cadillac introduced the Celestiq sedan in 2020, yet another luxury EV in its future lineup. The opulent design will most likely be built upon the BEV3 platform for full-electric performance. Each Celestiq will be custom-built with personalized interiors. Super Cruise hands-free driving and a panoramic glass roof will most likely come standard in the 4-door sedan. It is suspected that the Celestiq will have a starting price at or above $200,000.
GM Electric Platform
GM's Ultium technology has been in development, it proposes a structural chassis with electric efficiency. GM President Mark Reuss said, “Thousands of GM scientists, engineers and designers are working to execute a historic reinvention of the company…They are on the cusp of delivering a profitable EV business that can satisfy millions of customers." With a pioneering attitude and dedication to improve their technology, the major automaker is likely to have a substantial footing in the EV market.
The modular Ultium battery platform appears to be a skateboard chassis reminiscent of Tesla’s, but it claims to have a 42% efficiency increase. Batteries ranging from 50 to 200kWh capacities have been in development by the company, who implements pouch-style cells in their proprietary battery pack. GM has partnered with LG Chem to reduce cell cost to under $100/kWh, also introducing a design that cuts cobalt consumption by up to 70%.
Sources: GM, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Car & Driver, Automotive News