GM stated a few years back that they were all in on EVs and would prove that by bringing to market a number of EVs that would meet the needs of the retail market.

Chevrolet started with the Silverado EV RST edition, delivering an estimated 440 miles of range on a full charge with 754 horsepower and 785 lb-ft of torque with a 0-60 mph time of less than 4.5 seconds, DC fast charging up to 350kW and a 10,000 pounds of trailering with 1,500 pounds of payload.

The Silverado RST was a fully loaded truck that has many features and yet Chevrolet also stated that two other modules would also be available by the end of 2024, 4WT with a 450-mile range, 3WT with 393-mile range, and a Trail Boss edition.

Full details could be viewed here: The First-Ever Silverado EV | Electric Truck | Chevrolet

WT EV Truck

Trail Boss EV truck

GMC was soon to follow with their Sierra EV Denali pickup 1st Edition that delivered 460 miles of range with 760 horsepower and 785 lb-ft of torque with the same 0-60 mph time, charging, hauling and trailering specifications.

GMC also stated that by the end of 2024 or early 2025 you could buy a Sierra EV AT4 edition or Sierra EV Elevation edition.

Full details can be seen here: The All-New 2024 Sierra EV Denali Edition 1 | Electric Truck | GMC

GM has added a Max Range battery option to their truck lineup in the following:

• Chevrolet WT Max Range 492 Miles EPA-estimate
• Chevrolet RST Max Range 390 Miles EPA-estimate
• GMC Sierra EV Denali Extended Range 390 Miles EPA-estimate
• GMC Sierra EV Denali Max Range 460 Miles EPA-estimate

Both Chevrolet will offer additional range packages for the LT series of EV pickup in 2025 as will GMC expand extended range and Max Range to the rest of their family of EV pickups in 2025.

The U.S. military asked for a new tactical vehicle that could run silent for what the military calls silent drive and watch, technologies to make it very hard to detect.

Enter GM Defense LLC that took the Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD ZR2 truck with GM's 2.8L Duramax turbo-diesel engine, add a 12 module battery pack, electric motors front and rear for awd and a total armored exterior allowing GM Defense to meet the requirements of a Silent drive and watch tactical vehicle prototype for the 21st century.

GM Defense ensured the vehicle would have a stealthy ingress and egress for success in high threat zones, delivering onboard power to support high-energy-demand sensors, shooters and a Soldier kit. A "Next Gen" tactical vehicle that delivers:

• active and passive safety features
• Including
  • roll-over protection
  • anti-lock braking
  • electronic stability control
  • four and five point seat belt harnesses
  • 360-degree camera capabilities in HD

This "Next Gen" tactical vehicle was designed to support using existing sustainment benefits:

• Fuel Demand Reduction
• Existing JP8 fuel infrastructure
• Lower maintenance from reduced parts, subsystems in the propulsion system

This vehicle can be ordered in two, four, and six seat configurations allowing it to support multi-mission capabilities including command and control, launch efforts, network extensions, counter unmanned aerial systems, casualty evacuation and other critical mission needs.

This vehicle will be on display and available for test driving at the Oct 14-16th AUSA 2024 tradeshow in Washington D.C. booth #7809.

Starting today, owners of General Motors EVs will be able to charge at more than 17,800 Tesla Superchargers when using a GM approved NACS charging adaptor.  The adaptors are available for purchase through the branded mobile app for $225 USD.  That same app will also allow for seamless location of Tesla Superchargers, location status, and initiate and pay for charging sessions.

Earlier this summer, we reported that Hummer EVs had access to Tesla Supercharging when a change appeared on the GMC website. Several Hummer EV owners reported being able to charge at Superchargers by adding a Rivian R1T to the Tesla App and using a Rivian or Ford NACS adaptor, meaning that their vehicles VIN had been whitelisted on the Tesla network in preparation for rollout.  A few days later, the website was rolled back, and the language scrubbed as there was an apparent delay. 

As GM and Tesla complete this project, GM EV drivers will be able to access more than 231,800 public Level 2 and DC Fast Chargers in North America. This number will increase as GM's investment in the new IONNA Charging Network and the GM Energy Network at Flying J and Pilot locations continues.

General Motors announced on December 1st, 2023 a stop delivery of certain 2024 Chevy Equinox, Blazer, Blazer EV, and GMC Terrain models. A document published by NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration" specified certain Chevy Equinox and other vehicles were announced. GM has provided a list of VINs. 

Although GM halted deliveries, the main issue has not been publicly announced. This stop delivery is labeled under "Global Safety Field Investigations.". This suggests that GM is still working on a solution. Dealers with affected Chevy Equinox and other vehicles cannot be sold or delivered until they have further information. 

Some of these models have been sold to customers, but a bulletin given to dealerships with VIN should help with this situation. Further information includes a list of all dealers who had or sold the Stop Delivery. Along with the Stop-Delivery, these models can't be dealer-traded or used as a demonstration. This notice also has the problem reference number N232429910. For now, there is no timeframe for further information. 

Looks like GM is in the news again. Certain 2024 model-year Chevy Silverado GMC Sierra trucks could split in the metal on the passenger side. Due to this, GM announced a stop-sale.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA) has published a document that 3,067 vehicles are being inspected. They will test the 1,500, 2,500, and 3,500. Although it is stated that the damage is on the passenger side at the roof panel joint under the molding, the exact cause was not stated.

Dealers were advised to wield up the crack. There are a few steps before wielding up the crack such as removing roof rail airbags on the passenger side. This document advised technicians to add anti-corrosion material and seam sealer to the underside of the weld. After this, they repaint the outer roof.

There is no definitive time to fix the trucks with this defect.  Along with the stop-sale, 3,893 2024 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks are under recall for steering gear shaft problems. 

GM has decided to postpone EV drive production at its Toledo Propulsion Systems plant in Ohio. They have revised their schedule, with plants to start EV production by the end of 2024. 

This postponement has affected EV drive unit production by nine months. GM announced this information during a Wednesday meeting with employees at the Toledo plant. GM, in a statement on Wednesday, indicated that the decision to "retime the launch of Electric Drive Unit at the plant to Q4 2024" was made to better synchronize with the planned production schedule at the Orion Assembly.

This development follows GM's previous announcement of a substantial $760 million investment aimed at preparing the Toledo plant to manufacture the first electric drive units for its EV lineup in the United States. GM's recent delays also extend to its electric trucks at the Orion Assembly, including the Chevy Silverado RST and GMC Sierra Denali EVs. The revised timeframe for production is late 2025.

Despite these setbacks, GM continues its electric vehicle efforts, currently producing the Chevy Silverado EV Work Truck at Factory ZERO, already available for purchase. The Silverado RST EV, set to roll off the same facility's assembly line, is expected to be available in the first half of 2024. The GMC Sierra EV, slated for production at Factory ZERO, is expected to hit the market next summer.

Starting off August for GM and EVgo is the fact that a signed agreement in 2020, expanded upon in 2021 has led to a growing collaboration between the two companies in development and installation of FAST DC charging stalls in major metro markets.

To date the agreement between GM and EVgo is for 3,250 DC fast charging stalls to be installed and managed by EVgo as part of GMs Ultium fast charging network. Todate, the companies have installed DC Fast charging stalls in 230 locations in 39 markets covering 27 states of the EVgo 350kW chargers.

Cathy Zoi, CEO of EVgo had the following to say in the press release:

Quote

“The availability of fast charging infrastructure is key to widespread EV adoption and consumer confidence in all-electric transportation. That is why we’re working with GM to build convenient and reliable fast charging stations across the country to serve current and future EV drivers. Today, we’ve hit a major milestone in our joint efforts to electrify the transportation sector and we look forward to further expanding our charging footprint with GM in the coming years to realize our vision of Electric for All.”

As one of the preferred EV charging point operators, this continues to grow the Ultium Charge 360 initiative that GM is funding to expand public charging access.

This 1,000th DC Fast charging stall was opened at the Woodridge, Illinois, Woodgrove Festival Shopping mall.

EVgo released that on June 12, 2023 they would support the NACS charging connector in the EVgo charging stalls joining GM and many other auto companies in offering NACS charging alternatives to Tesla Supercharger stations.

GM Energy has announced today the product details and specifications of their initial suite or Ultium Home offerings.

To quote Wade Sheffer, VP of GM Energy:

“As GM Energy’s ecosystem of connected products and services continues to expand, we’re excited to provide customers with options for greater energy management beyond the vehicle, our initial Ultium Home offerings represent an opportunity for customers to take greater control over their personal energy independence and resiliency.”

Ultium Home Products will be offered through unique bundle options, providing customers with the ability to select a solution that aligns with their energy needs and budget.

GM has announced the following three bundles:

Ultium Home V2H Bundle

This bundle is designed for customers seeking to leverage their compatible GM EVs for V2H functionality.

This bundle includes the following products:

• GM’s PowerShift Charger
  • Enables V2H bidirectional charging with a compatible GM EV, when paired with Ultium Home V2H Enablement Kit
  • Up to 19.2 kW AC charge speed
• Ultium Home V2H Enablement Kit
  • Includes an inverter, home hub and dark start battery
  • 9.6 kW of discharge power
  • Safely disconnects the home from the grid

Ultium Home Energy System

This bundle is designed for customers seeking to leverage their compatible GM EV for V2H functionality and stationary storage.

This bundle includes the following products:

• GM’s PowerShift Charger
• Ultium Home V2H Enablement Kit
• GM’s PowerBank
  • Ultium Home’s PowerBank stationary storage unit can connect to the Ultium Home V2H Enablement Kit to extend backup capability and store solar or grid energy
  • Available in 5 kW/10.6 kWh and 7 kW/17.7 kWh variants

Ultium Home Energy Storage Bundle

This bundle is designed for customers seeking to integrate stationary storage into their home, without the need for an EV.

This bundle includes the following products:

• GM’s PowerBank
• Inverter and home hub

In addition to the suite of Ultium Home products, GM is also offering Solar integration for those customers seeking to integrate solar energy into their Ultium home. SunPower is GM Energy's exclusive solar provider and preferred EV charger installer.

Each Ultium Home product is connected to the GM Energy Cloud, a software platform which enables customers to seamlessly manage the transfer of energy between applicable and connected GM energy assets.

GM Energy has stated that the MSRP and timeline for delivery of each Ultium Home bundle will vary. Customers interested in getting further information about GM Energy ecosystem and services that cover Ultium Home, Ultium Commercial and Ultium Charge 360 should visit GM Energy: An Electric Ecosystem, Reimagined

Mary Barra has sat down with Marketplace multiple times already during the Month of June 2023 and to clarify, she has stated to get humanity to all electric all the time is to skip Hybrids. Better for the planet, better for the consumers.

GM CEO on reaching EV goal and charging stations - Marketplace

The goal here is to be gasoline and diesel free by 2035 with the current plan to be producing 1 million EVs by 2025.

This brings us to the whole point of this story on an Ultium BOLT and how Mary Barra is currently driving a BOLT. 

Here she has stated that she just took delivery of a LYRIQ and how GM is working fast to ramp up battery production and Ultium component production. At 9:40 minutes into the podcast here: GM All Electric, All the Time Podcast Mary states clearly that the current Chevrolet Bolt/Bolt EUV is generation 2 of their electric vehicles and that Ultium is the future with a 40% reduction in the cost of the battery packs alone as to why they will stop building it at the end of the 2023 calendar year. 

GM CEO goes on to state that people relate and understand what an auto is by the name of the auto and as such, the public will identify with a Chevrolet Equinox EV, BOLT EV and the BOLT EUV.

The podcast interviewer for Marketplace asks Mary Barra on this and she answered as follows: 

Ryssdal: So why are you stopping making it?

Barra: Because it’s our second-generation technology. The difference between our second generation and third generation, which is Ultium, is a 40% reduction in battery costs. And we’re leveraging the names of our vehicles that are well understood and known in industry. People, you know, who drive an Equinox today will understand what an Equinox EV, what that delivers to them. But, you know, Bolt is something that has built up a lot of loyalty and equity. So I can’t say more because I don’t discuss future product programs. But, you know, it was primarily a move from second generation to third generation. But that’s [an] important vehicle in our portfolio.

Ryssdal: Nudge nudge, wink wink, I guess.

So this brings up the case that the brand equity of the Bolt is worth having a generation 3 of the Bolt/Bolt EUV built. If we go with this thinking, then we move to where the Bolt slots in below the Equinox and we gain a ton of options.

Electrek did a piece on what they believe a Ultium Bolt would look like and here is there take on that:

Ultium will afford the Bolt to have decent charging speeds and other benefits as well. Let’s imagine what we’d get in a basic $25,000 Ultium Bolt:

• 51kWh battery – GM Ultium batteries tend to come in 50kWh increments Lyriq (102kWh, Hummer/Silverado 204kWh, etc). I imagine the base, $30K Equinox will have a ~51kWh battery and around 215 miles of range. With the Bolt’s smaller size, you might be able to get closer to 240 miles of range out of 51kWh.
• AWD option – GM showed us a small 30kW motor at the 2020 Battery Day that it said it could use to make any of its vehicles AWD. This wouldn’t necessarily be for performance so much as getting out of snow and mud and maybe adding some efficiency to offset the additional weight and electronics of the second motor. Of course GM could just add 2x150kW Bolt motors and get a 0-60 time in the low 3-second area and sell this for $50k and… just take my money.
• Charging speed will have to obviously be better than the current Bolt’s 54kW but with such a small battery, it will be hard to get it to 150kWh. Still, though if we’re talking about a $25K car, and I think anything over 100kW is acceptable.
• Efficiency – The Bolt is already one of the most efficient vehicles on the road but with an added Ultium heat pump, improved electronics, and motors, we could be looking at one of the most efficient EVs ever made.
• $25,000 without subsidizing? Interestingly, Barra in the interview said that the company could save 40% on the cost of batteries using Ultium vs the Bolts 2nd generation EV system. That means they could likely get to the Bolt’s current price point without having to subsidize anything. Of course Barra also said that GM wouldn’t be able to make a profit on sub $40,000 vehicles until 2030 so the ‘it is coming soon’ piece might be wishful thinking.

Electrek’s Take

Rejoice, fellow Bolt EV owners! Our favorite car isn’t dead, just going on hiatus. 

This kind of hidden message would imply that GM is not done with the BOLT name yet for Chevrolet. This also goes hand in hand with the fact that back in December 2022 Mark Russ stated in an Interview with GMAuthority that GM was developing an EV Sedan for the Chinese market, but it could also easily be for any market place globally.

GM Working On Potential All-Electric Chevy Malibu Successor (gmauthority.com)

Chevrolet shares more details about the FNR-XE Concept - ArenaEV

End result is that we should not only see a third generation of the BOLT, but a Malibu replacement could very well happen in the next few years.

What are your thoughts on the future of the BOLT and a possible Malibu EV?

This story started back in January 2022 at the CES (Consumer Electronics Show) in Las Vegas, where GM CEO Mary Barra revealed that the Cadillac CELESTIQ, the Halo top-of-the-line car for Cadillac, would debut the next generation of Super Cruise, Ultra Cruise.

To ensure maximum coverage of its surroundings, vehicles equipped with Ultra Cruise would use the following:

• High-resolution cameras
• Short and Long-range radar
• Sonar
• Lidar

Super Cruise a less sophisticated system is already available on almost all GM vehicles allowing for hands free driving on over 400,000 roadways that GM has mapped out.

GM is claiming that with Ultra Cruise, it will handle 95% of roadways, including those in dense urban settings. Ultra Cruise sensor Suite at the time of the announcement at CES.

With this information, GM announced today, March 7th, 2023, that Ultra Cruise will debut with a unique sensor suite, providing the system with a 360-degree view of the vehicle's surroundings.

Per the GM press release:

How Ultra Cruise’s sensor suite works:

GM is developing Ultra Cruise software in-house with a team of highly skilled software engineers worldwide. The company also works with suppliers who are experts in their relative spaces and integrates their sensing technologies with its homegrown software to bring Ultra Cruise to life.

• Driver attention system: This small camera, located on the top of the steering column, uses infrared light to help monitor the driver’s head position and/or eyes in relation to the road to help ensure driver attention.
• Compute platform: This is the physical hardware that enables Ultra Cruise. The system will be powered by a scalable compute architecture featuring system-on-chips (SoCs) developed by American semiconductor company Qualcomm Technologies.
• Long-range cameras: These seven, eight-megapixel cameras are located on the front, corners, back and sides of the vehicle, providing expanded fields of view for Ultra Cruise. They help the system detect objects such as traffic signs, traffic lights, other vehicles, and pedestrians.
• Short-range radars: Placed on the four corners of the vehicle, these radars help sense a radius of up to 90 meters, like pedestrians crossing the street or vehicles in surrounding lanes.
• Long-range radars: The three 4D long-range radars on the front and back of the vehicle allow for Adaptive Cruise Control speeds and lane change maneuvers at highway speeds by helping to detect an object’s location, direction and elevation relative to the speed of the vehicle. They also help the system determine safe stopping distances.
• LiDAR: The LiDAR, located behind the windshield, helps produce an accurate three-dimensional view of the scene, enabling more precise detection of objects and road features such as vehicles and lane markings, even in inclement weather conditions. Combined with other sensors, it can help create a robust perception of the environment around the vehicle for Ultra Cruise, increasing the system’s functional domain and performance.

GM chief engineer for Ultra Cruise, Jason Ditman stated the following:

“GM’s fundamental strategy for all ADAS features, including Ultra Cruise, is safely deploying these technologies.”  “A deep knowledge of what Ultra Cruise is capable of, along with the detailed picture provided by its sensors, will help us understand when Ultra Cruise can be engaged and when to hand control back to the driver. We believe consistent, clear operation can help build drivers’ confidence in Ultra Cruise.” 

GM's philosophy for the company is safely deploying advanced driver assistance (ADAS) technologies as a guiding strategy. The destination-to-destination hands-free system will use more than just cameras to “see” the world. Ultra Cruise uses a blend of cameras, short- and long-range radars, LiDAR behind the windshield, an all-new computing system, and a driver attention system to monitor the driver’s head position and/or eyes in relation to the road to help ensure driver attention. These systems work together through “sensor fusion” to provide Ultra Cruise with a confident, 360-degree, three-dimensional representation of the vehicle’s surroundings.

The all-new computing system GM mentions is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 Automotive Platform. This is a power-efficient and customizable system designed for incredible speed for lightning-fast responses. Qualcomm built this system to be a connected, intelligent, aware platform that can be upgraded over the air (OTA) and grow as a company needs. 

The Snapdragon system has the following features:

• Optional integrated super-fast LTE Advanced connectivity
• Automotive heterogeneous compute processor with machine learning
• 64-bit Qualcomm® Kryo™ CPU architecture – high performance with support for ARM V8/Hypervisor
• Qualcomm® Adreno™ 530 GPU with improved performance for advanced graphics and 4K resolution
• Support for multiple camera sensors and high-resolution 4K displays
• Zeroth Machine Intelligence Platform supporting cognitive computing and computer vision for real-time recognition of potential hazards on the road
• Scalable platforms allowing integrated driver assistance features such as turn-by-turn navigation overlaid on live camera data.

Those that are tech-focused and want to learn more can click here for additional information on the Snapdragon Automotive Platform.

While Super Cruise, GM's first hands-free driving system, was a Level 2 autonomous driving system, Ultra Cruise will be moving forward to be a full-functioning Level 3 and above system as GM pushes out OTA updates to the system.

Debuting on the Cadillac CELESTIQ in 2024, Ultra Cruise will be offered to start in 2025 on all top-of-the-line EV models, with Super Cruise covering the rest of the automaker's portfolio.

GM's Super Cruise and Ultra Cruise autonomous technology is developed and field-tested through their Cruise subsidiary. This unit is the first company authorized to serve ride-hailing customers in San Francisco.

2021 GM launched the "Everybody In" campaign, showing the intent of leading an all-electric future, inviting others to join the movement.

Society has an increasing excitement about EVs and an all-electric future. Entertainment has a huge impact on this and with that understanding, Netflix has teamed up with GM Marketing to tell the compelling story via Netflix TV and Movie shows.

GM Global Chief of Marketing Officer Deborah Wahl has this to say: 

“Netflix is a great partner because of the company’s compelling storytelling, commitment to sustainability and track record of sparking conversations that shape cultural trends. We are united in creating a better, more sustainable future for our world as we bring everybody in on EVs.”

GM is working with the Netflix content creators in helping to complement and enhance the stories Netflix tells on their streaming service. GM and Netflix has agreed to showcase the Chevrolet Bolt EUV, GMC Hummer EV Pickup and Cadillac LYRIQ in upcoming shows and films, including Love is Blind, Queer Eye, and Unstable.

Netflix chief Marketing officer Marian Lee has this to say: 

“At Netflix, we create shows and films that can influence culture and spark meaningful conversations," "From the TikTok dance trends inspired by Wednesday to thoughtful discussions about climate change with Don’t Look Up, we know that entertainment can drive fandom and inspire connections. GM is a cultural leader in the auto industry and we are proud to partner with them in their efforts by amplifying the presence of electric vehicles in our shows and films."

As part of the rollout for this strategic alliance, a commercial that presents both companies’ commitment to a more sustainable future will air during the big game on Sunday, Feb. 12. Fans will see Will Ferrell enter the world of some of the biggest Netflix shows and films including Army of the Dead, Squid Game, and more. The creative showcases how EVs will show up on screen, while highlighting the wide range of EVs GM plans to offer. More information about Netflix and GM’s joint efforts is available at gm.com/netflix.

One could say that LG marketing tag line of "Life's Good" might be not so good right now.

According to the Korean news site "thelec.net" GM is following recent announcements by BMW, Volvo, Stellantis and others that have chosen to dump the use of pouches and focus on cylinder cells using the 4680 format that Tesla has brought to market.

The 4680 according to Tesla is five times more energy than the current smaller cells that Panasonic builds for them, increases range by 16 percent and is six time more power when you compare equal to equal size battery packs.

This change in direction has thrown a wrench in the talks for the 4th Ultium Cell plant that GM announced last year with LG. GM has issued a no comment statement on the joint venture with LG. LG has stated that talks are ongoing but delayed.

One would be right to question GM on "Why the Change when prismatic and pouch batteries have higher energy density?"

The downside to cylinder cells is lower energy density due to the increased space in the battery pack when the cylinder cells are packed together.

The answer it would seem to be is twofold, simpler production process and a solid-state future as even Tesla has stated that the advances undergoing testing would allow them to move from existing battery chemistry to solid-state on the same production line.

Auto makers see that by adopting the 4680-cylinder design, the 80mm length of the cylinder making them longer and wider works to reduce the spaces when the cells are packed together. On top of this is that there is no need for tabs like a pouch further allowing space saving, weight reduction, and cost. 

It would seem that along with all the various battery startups, the design thought by these companies is to support the current battery production line with a chemistry makeup that will enhance cell safety, reduce production costs and time while speeding up the rollout of the solid-state energy dense cells. The final piece is the reduction in cost of the cells.

It would seem that the oldest type of batteries, could be what gives the EV market the biggest cost savings for entry level EVs.

For those interested in hearing from one of the leading engineers who has torn down more Tesla's than any other company, the video above will give you Sandy Munro's thoughts on the 4680 cell and the future of batteries.

While Samsung SDI has not confirmed or denied reports, theelec has stated that inside sources confirm a 4680 pilot production line is going online to provide test samples to Tesla and anyone else interested in the cell.

LG Energy Solutions on the other hand has released a press statement that they see great growth in their pouch cell production and yet at the same time to enable them to be a supplier to Tesla and more has set up a mass production facility for production of the 4680 cell with a two-pronged focus on polymer-based solid-state battery cells and sulfide-based solid-state battery cells. Both designed out of colleges in the U.S.

LGES did in the same new release state that the second half of 2023 will see increased revenue growth as cost pass-through mechanisms help drive the price of the pouch cells down as the various Ultium plants ramp up production.

Samsung has moved their R&D from the lab to production with the use of the graphene ball, a unique battery material that enables a 45% increase in capacity, five times faster charging than traditional lithium-ion batteries and ready to go into solid-state battery cell production.

With Samsung 4680 cells going into production, the science-based theory is that a graphene ball based 4680 battery pack of 100kWh will take 12 minutes to fully charge.

As an alternative battery cell provider, GM is now squarely in the sights of Samsung. The Samsung Graphene ball tech along with the Nature Energy technology by Samsung will allow a battery pack of 100kWh to cover 500 miles according to Samsung.

Samsung has built the pilot line for 4680 cells at Cheonan with an annual capacity of up to 12GWh. This is the same plant that is currently now making 2170 cells that are being sold to various EV companies including Tesla.

TORONTO and DETROIT – Vale Canada Limited, a subsidiary of Vale S.A., and General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM), announced today they have signed a term sheet for the long-term supply of battery grade nickel sulfate from Vale’s proposed plant at Bécancour, Québec, Canada. This agreement secures for GM a supply of nickel sulfate from a U.S. free-trade partner to support its fast-growing EV production needs in North America.

Under terms of the agreement, Vale will supply battery grade nickel sulfate, equivalent to 25,000 metric tons per year of contained nickel, for use in GM’s Ultium battery cathodes, which will power a broad portfolio of electric vehicles including the Chevrolet Silverado EV, Blazer EV and Equinox EV, the Cadillac LYRIQ, the GMC Sierra EV, and the GMC HUMMER EV Pickup and SUV. The amount of contained nickel is sufficient to supply approximately 350,000 EVs annually. Deliveries are targeted to commence in the second half of 2026.

This initiative highlights Vale’s uniquely strategic position to be the supplier of choice to the EV industry, leveraging its low-carbon footprint and market-leading position as North America’s largest producer of finished nickel. Nickel sulfate is the chemical compound used in the production of pre-cathode active materials for nickel-based lithium-ion batteries.

“This is a momentous agreement for Vale Base Metals that brings a key partner in GM into this first-of-its-kind facility for Canada and North America,” said Vale Executive Vice President of Base Metals, Deshnee Naidoo. “The proposed nickel sulfate project would utilize high purity, low-carbon nickel from our Canadian refineries and is a natural extension for the business, offering diversified sales and a fast entry and anchor point into the North American electric vehicle market. We look forward to continuing engagements with the governments of Canada and Quebec on this strategic critical mineral project.”

“GM’s dedicated cross-functional organization — including experts from global purchasing and supply chain, corporate development, legal, finance and treasury — is strictly focused on building a secure, sustainable, scalable and cost-competitive EV supply chain,” said Doug Parks, GM executive vice president of Global Product Development, Purchasing and Supply Chain. “Their work has already allowed GM to sign multiple binding agreements to secure the battery raw material to support 1 million units of annual EV capacity in North America in 2025. This new agreement with Vale reinforces GM’s leadership in building a secure and sustainable North America EV supply chain and will provide GM with significant supply of high-grade nickel sulfate from a low-carbon source.”

“In addition, Canada continues to play an important role in GM’s all-electric future and the material sourced from Vale will help support EV eligibility for consumer incentives under the new clean energy tax credits in the U.S.,” said Parks.

Vale and GM have also agreed to study collaborative ways to partner on advanced technology development and commercialization pathways to harvest recycled metals. 

“This announcement between Vale and GM builds on Canada’s world-leading EV battery industry,” said the Honorable François-Philippe Champagne, Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry. “It’s become even more clear that Canada can be the supplier of choice for the electric cars of the future. By leveraging Canadian critical minerals, we will see more jobs for Canadians, a growing economy and a greener and cleaner future for everyone.”

“The signing of this agreement confirms that the biggest players in the industry want to invest here and enter our supply chain. We have the resources and the expertise to produce the cleanest battery in the world, and this news will certainly contribute to that,” said Pierre Fitzgibbon, Québec's Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy, Minister Responsible for Regional Economic Development and Minister Responsible for the Metropolis and the Montréal Region.

General Motors Ultium Eco system of products and services will be run under the new GM Energy business unit. This covers the following:

• Ultium Home
• Ultium Commercial
• Ultium Charge 360

This is a holistic ecosystem of energy management products and services that will help drive growth beyond the core auto business portfolio. The GM solutions are designed to provide customers with a more seamless and integrated energy management while helping to improve grid resiliency. GM has a growing number of large-scale companies across the U.S. that have signed on to receive energy solutions through the GM Energy portfolio of products and services and collaborate with GM to pilot and develop expanded offerings through the energy ecosystem.

GM Energy connected product and service offerings are a cohesive energy management for home, commercial and EV customers. The bi-directional charging with vehicle-to-home (V2H) and vehicle-to-gride (V2G) applications, to stationary storage, solar products, software applications, cloud management tools, microgrid solutions, and more. GM Energy's services will also enable the sale of energy from EV and stationary storage batteries back to utilities during peak, high energy consumption periods, unlocking even more potential value for customers and increasing resiliency for the electrical grid.

GM has realized that the Ultium Home solutions might not apply to all and each auto division that includes the home charger is also allowing alternative solutions such as a value amount for using Ultium Charge 360 power for charging versus an installed home 220V charger.

"Everybody In" is the moto at GM and this is expanding beyond the traditional auto buyer to include both home and commercial owners of buildings as the way one looks at charging has become a fluid motion of charging and returning power to the home or more importantly grid via access to charging.

Be it home, workplace, public or fleet charging, the way one looks at how they use and support the electrical grid is changing. 

Ultium Charge 360 is so much more than just GM's own charging network as GM has signed agreements with the following seven major charging providers: 

• Blink Charging
• ChargePoint
• EV Connect
• EVgo
• FLO
• Greenlots
• SemaConnect

Through the GM vehicle mobil apps, EV customers will be able to see real-time information from nearly 60,000 charging plugs throughout North America allowing for one to find stations along a route, initiate and pay for charging or use the credits on your account to charge your EV.

The first GM Ultium Charge 360 sites are live in Washington, California and Florida covering 2,700 fast chargers in cities and suburbs at the end of 2021. Each charge point delivering up to 350 kW of power with an average of four fast chargers per site. New sites as they come online will show up in your vehicle mobile app.

GM has already signed several large-scale companies covering the U.S. from coast to coast to provide energy solutions for customers through GM Energy. One of the largest agreements is with Sun Power, one of the nations largest solar technology and energy services providers. Together, Sun Power and GM Energy will continue to develop and offer customers home energy systems which will consist of integrated EV and battery solutions, solar panels and home energy storage.

A primary feature of the home energy system is expected to enable drivers to deliver power to their homes with the battery in their compatible EV, designed to give them the ability to power their homes necessities in a blackout or draw from stored energy during peak rate times reducing electric costs.

Sunpower will be a preferred installer for the home energy system and offer customers the opportunity to add solar to their homes. The Ultium Home energy solutions will be available for purchase along with the launch of the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV in the fall of 2023.

GM Energy  Ultium Commercial is another area that will roll out services as they come online with various energy providers.

Pacific Gas and Electric Company of California has signed an agreement with GM Energy enabling residential customers to have V2H along with bi-directional charger as a backup power for their essential home needs during short-term power outages. A testing subset of customers is now underway and an expanded California offering is to begin at the start of 2023.

Another GM Energy agreement is with Con Edison, Graniterock and New Hampshire Electric cooperative (NHEC) that will deliver energy solutions to customers, while also working with GM Energy on advanced future electric offerings.

To quote the GM Energy press release: “GM Energy’s mission is to offer customers access to a full suite of energy products and services, including solutions beyond the vehicle, accelerating the seamless transition to an all-electric future,” “With the expansion of our enterprise business through GM Energy and one of the most comprehensive portfolios of energy management products and services available, we will help to reduce the barriers of entry for sustainable power and further accelerate the mass adoption of EVs.”

Mark Bole, VP and head of V2X Battery Solutions at GM made the following statement: “The massive scale of GM Energy’s solutions will allow us to better address current challenges with grid infrastructure, energy storage and energy management head on,” “By leveraging GM’s flexible technology platforms and the power of Ultium, we’re able to provide resilient and accessible energy solutions for all customers and the grid, helping to further advance the all-electric future.”

More information about GM Energy and the available offerings through Ultium Home, Ultium Commercial and Ultium Charge 360 are available at GM Energy: An Electric Ecosystem, Reimagined

This year, the auto industry is seeing a wide range of battery investments from all players into various college startups from new denser versions of traditional Lithium-ion batteries to solid-state lithium batteries.

GM and  OneD Battery Sciences have signed a joint research development agreement focused on the potential use of OneD's silicon nanotechnology in GM's Ultium battery cells to drive increased energy density for long range and reduced cost. GM Ventures and Volta Energy Technologies participated in a joint Series C funding round, which raised $25 million for OneD funding.

What is this joint research agreement about one would ask and the answer is SINANODE platform. The SINANODE platform is OneD's new Lithium-ion cell technology that uses silicon to significantly increase battery density. Silicon is well known to store 10 times more energy than graphite. OneD's technology is in adding more silicon onto the anode battery cells by fusing silicon nanowires into EV-grade graphite. This increase in energy density can open the door to smaller, lighter, more efficient battery packs that could achieve higher driving range at a lower cost.

Example is the GMC Hummer Ultium Battery pack:

Current Battery pack: 220 kWh in size with a usable 200 kWh weighing 2,923 lbs from 24 modules, 24 cells each for a total of 576 pouch cells in a battery pack that fills the complete underside between all four tires for an estimated 350 miles of range. 

OneD's SINANODE Battery pack estimate:

• Existing battery pack size and configuration would mean a 2,200 kWh battery pack, with a range of 3,500 miles at a weight of 2,923 lbs.
• Reduced to the same output would give you a 22kWh battery pack at 293 lbs for 350 miles. Yet with such a weight reduction, one could expect to get a few more miles out of the battery pack then. 

GM has designed the Ultium platform to be very flexible and as such, the collaboration with OneD will focus on this advancement in EV range, performance and cost allowing GM to scale to more than one million EV production by 2025. One Ultium cell production plant has begun production of cells in Ohio, with 3 more plants to come online by early 2023.

What is this silicon nanowires technology?

Per OneD Battery Sciences CEO Vincent Pluvinage: “We believe that the winners of the EV race will be those who can effectively add more silicon to the battery cell, in a way that doesn’t disrupt existing supply chains and processes,” 

OneD has been working on this technology of Silicon Nanowires for 15 years that has led to over 240 granted patents. This has enabled OneD's business model to focus on licensing the SINANODE technology to industry partners like GM for faster scaling of manufacturing at a lower cost. The current funding will allow OneD to further SINANODE R&D plus move forward with a full pilot production line to provide OEMs and battery manufacturers like LG and Samsung the ability to incorporate the integration of this technology into existing production lines in manufacturing pouch cell for various sized battery packs.

Check out the website for even more details of this EV battery technology.

OneD Battery Sciences SINANODE

 Per OneD's own website, Silicon Simplified.

Silicon nanowire-infused (SiNW) graphite is the centerpiece of SINANODE's Silicon Technology Platform which also includes a fully developed manufacturing process/scale-up plan and flexible cell design options. 

SINANODE delivers:

• Tripled energy capacity of the anode
• Faster charging speeds
• Greater Power
• Reduced graphite
• Lower cost per kWh
• Reduced carbon footprint

Currently before this silicon solution, the expansion and breakage of silicon limited the amount used to an extremely small percentage with only modest performance gains. SINANODE silicon nanowire technology is according to OneD the only silicon solution that meets the technical and economic challenges to insert large quantities of silicon efficiently allowing the creation of high-performance battery cells for all levels of EVs from High-performance to affordable efficient subcompacts.

Check out more details on the SINANODE web page: SINANODE - OneD Battery Sciences (onedsinanode.com)

We start off with the joint production plant of GM/LG Energy Solutions opening up for production of Ultium Cells in this 2.8 million-square-foot site. This site was planned for production to begin by late 2022.

May 2020, ground was broken, steel construction begun and by February 2021 the steel was topped out.

Officially prototype battery cells were started in February 2022, but as of September 6th, 2022, the plant had an official ceremony with state, county and city officials along with GM and LG at this site along Route 45 in Lordstown. This site has 800 employees and is expected to grow to 1,100 by late 2023 when in full production mode as this plant will supply the battery packs for the Hummer EVs, Chevrolet Silverado EV Pickups and the Cadillac LYRIQ electric SUV line.

GM is on track to move to a full EV portfolio by 2035, a mere 12 years away. Demand for workers will continue to grow in this region as GM will be expanding as they have Ultium Plants 2 & 3 under construction. As of this morning September 12, 2022, Ultium Cells LLC has confirmed they are developing the business case to build a 4th plant a mere 15 miles away in New Carlisle, Indiana. This process is currently moving forward with the local officials and GM with all approvals on track for later this month as GM/LG secure a tax abatement. This will be the 4th $2 Billion-dollar Ultium Cells production site. 

This 4th production site will add to the current 3 sites that has GM on track to produce 1 million plus EVs in North America by the end of 2025. This is all part of the GM plan for a carbon neutral auto company by 2045 under the direction of CEO Mary Barra.

Keep in mind that competition for workers will be strong in this area as Honda and LG Energy Solutions has announced their first battery production site in Mahoning Valley, Ohio.

GM's first Ultium production site will produce 35+ GWh a year by the end of 2023, producing millions of Nickel Cobalt Manganese Aluminum (NCMA) large-format, pouch-style cells per year. This site is the equivalent size of 30 football fields. GM has stated that every plant has room to expand production by double if not triple the current planned output.

All total you have the following joint battery cell production sites:

• Plant 1: Warren, Ohio Ultium Cell site
  • Battery Pouch Official Production started September 2022
    • Prototype production since February 2022
  • 2.8 million sq-ft
  • 1,100 employees estimated
  • 35+ GWh production, capable of expanding
  • Cost $2 billion
• Plant 2: Spring Hill, Tennessee Ultium Cell Site
  • Battery Pouch Production to begin by late 2023
    • Final beam installation happened August 2022
  • 2.8 million sq-ft
  • Estimated 1,300 employees when in production
  • 40+ GWh production, capable of expanding
  • Cost $2.3 Billion
• Plant 3: Lansing, Michigan Ultium Cell Site
  • Battery Pouch Production to begin by 2024
    • Steel topping out estimated spring 2023
    • Plant has been announced to produce battery cells for all Chevrolet and GMC EV truck production.
  • 2.8 million sq-ft
  • 1,700 employees estimated
  • 50+ GWh battery pouch production, capable of expanding
  • Cost $2.7 Billion
• Plant 4: New Carlisle, Indiana Ultium Cell Site
  • Battery Pouch Production start N/A
  • 2.8 million sq-ft
  • Employee Estimated N/A
  • 50+ GWh battery pouch production, capable of expanding, GM/LG will not confirm or deny this size at this time
  • Estimated Cost $2 Billion

All total, GM has a confirmed 125+ GWh battery pouch production of cells for their EV portfolio either online now or coming online by 2024. 

Tesla being the king currently in EV production needs to be watching over their shoulder as current production of EVs globally has Tesla at 20 GWh of cell production, though their CEO has stated they are producing much more than that as they continue to ramp up Germany, China and the California and Texas production sites. Keep one thing in mind, as Tesla does produce 35 GWh of cells in Nevada, only 1/3 is used in auto production and the rest based on reports goes to residential and commercial power walls and their solar roof with storage solutions.

Big challenge for everyone is the critical raw materials for these battery cells be they pouch design or hard circular battery shape.

 GM's Electric Vehicle portfolio as of today pretty much has amounted to the BOLT, BOLT EUV, Hummer EV Truck and Cadillac LYRIQ. Yet there are plenty more coming and these will not be six figures as most companies are selling right now for an EV.

Just recently revealed was the Chevrolet Equinox EV. This is their starting point for today as a compact 1LT EV, this Equinox will start at $30,000 according to GM in a front-wheel-drive (FWD) format. Though Chevrolet is allowing folks to build to order in ways that were last seen 40 plus years ago in regard to the fact that while a 1LT is the entry point in FWD, you can add a bigger battery pack or AWD to this auto beside an Alacarte assortment of options.

Trim on the Chevrolet Equinox EV is as follows:

To quote their press release:

Electrifying capability
A standard front-wheel-drive system with GM estimated 210 horsepower and 242 lb-ft of torque offers quick acceleration and a fun driving experience for everyday tasks, with a 290-horsepower and 346 lb-ft torque eAWD system available.

One-Pedal Driving⁵ is standard and allows the Equinox EV to accelerate and slow to a full stop, using only the accelerator. It’s paired with regenerative braking⁶, which can convert the kinetic energy of the vehicle’s forward momentum into electricity that’s stored in the battery pack to maximize the driving range.

The Equinox EV also packs the latest in charging technology:

• Standard 11.5 kW Level 2 (AC) charging, which can add up to 34 miles of range per hour of charging, per GM estimates
• 19.2 kW Level 2 (AC) charging is available on 3RS eAWD, which can add up to 51 miles of range per hour of charging, per GM estimates
• Standard DC fast-charging capability of up to 150 kW, which enables approximately 70 miles of range to be added in 10 minutes, per GM estimates

GM covers the Equinox EV’s battery with an 8-year/100,000-mile limited warranty, in addition to the vehicle’s standard bumper-to-bumper coverage for added peace of mind.

Chevrolet is also offering the following standard safety features:

• Chevy Safety Assist, which includes Automatic Emergency Braking, Following Distance Indicator, Forward Collision Alert, Front Pedestrian Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning and IntelliBeam automatic high beams
• Rear Park Assist
• Reverse Automatic Braking
• Safety Alert Seat
• Rear Cross Traffic Braking
• Blind Zone Steering Assist

Available safety options are Adaptive Cruise Control, HD Surround Vision, Heads-Up Display, Rear Camera Mirror and Super Cruise.

Here is one way a 3LT could look:

You then move to top line trim in the 3RS:

Here is the complete list released by trim level for the Chevrolet Equinox:

Chevrolet Equinox EV 3RS

While we have the two sub-Compacts BOLT and BOLT EUV, we cannot forget that Chevrolet has already announced their mid size EV, the Chevrolet Blazer. Full details can be seen here:

Then we have the full-size Chevrolet Silverado EV truck:

Course one could not forget that we have the Hummer by GMC.

1,000 HP and 11,500 lb-ft of torque

We then have the luxury segment where Cadillac has their first EV to start the transition over the next few years to a complete EV portfolio.

Welcome the Cadillac LYRIQ:

It would seem that based on the current level of change that GM is sitting well in the game to change to a green portfolio of electric vehicles. The next couple of years as more and more models come out will show options that others probably have not thought about.

Yes, for some the charging network is still not vast depending on where one lives, yet it is growing monthly with investments from the government, auto companies and private charging companies that are stepping up their game.

One area that we have not touched on is Charging. Many say it is way to bothersome to go electric when you have to sit for so long to get recharged. Others say it is like using your cell phone, you come home and plug it into a 220V wall charger and have a full battery pack in the morning. The counter point here is that some say not everyone will pay to have a 220V 50 amp wall charger installed at their home. The idea has always been charging as fast as gas.

It would seem the brains at Idaho National Laboratory presented at the American Chemical Society (ACS) Fall 2022 meeting claims they could significantly increase the amount of power is pushed into a battery cell. 

Super-fast electric car charging, with a tailor-made touch - American Chemical Society (acs.org)

The end result was tailored made methods of charging one's battery pack to full in 10 minutes or less without battery damage or shorter life. The ultimate goal is for the electric vehicle to tell the charging station how to power up their specific batteries quickly and safely.

News | Ultium Cells LLC

Ultium Cells Welcomes Ohio Governor Mi... | Ultium Cells LLC

GM, LG Energy Solution considering Indiana for fourth U.S. battery plant | Reuters

The start of EV battery production is great news | News, Sports, Jobs - Morning Journal (morningjournalnews.com)

Warren OH Location | Ultium Cells LLC

(8) Welcome, Chevrolet Equinox EV! | LinkedIn

Equinox EV (chevrolet.com)

2024 Equinox EV: An Affordable, Functional and Stylish EV (chevrolet.com)

All-Electric 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV Reimagines Customer Choice, Performance, Design (gm.com)

Committing to an All-Electric Future | General Motors (gm.com)

GM joint venture Ultium Cells considers new battery plant in Indiana (freep.com)

Can Tesla Meet 2022 Goals For In-House Battery Production? (lithium-news.com)

2024 Equinox EV: An Affordable, Functional and Stylish EV (gm.com)

Blazer EV (chevrolet.com)

2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV PPV Ready for Patrol

All-Electric 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV Reimagines Customer Choice, Performance, Design

Committing to an All-Electric Future | General Motors (gm.com)

First-Ever Silverado EV: Electric Truck | Chevrolet

Introducing the GMC HUMMER EVs | Electric Truck & SUV

2023 Cadillac LYRIQ | Electric SUV | Model Overview

To date, GM customers have driven over 34 million hands free miles with Super Cruise engaged.

GM is more than doubling the Super Cruise network across North America and the first GM auto's to get the update will be those built on the VIP electrical architecture via an over the air update.

Mario Maiorana, GM chief engineer, Super Cruise had this to say:

"GM is all in when it comes to accessible advanced driver assistance technology. We are adding Super Cruise to more vehicles than ever, and on more roads for more customers to experience,” “We are pursuing what we believe to be the most comprehensive path to autonomy in the industry with responsible deployment of automated driving technology like Super Cruise at the core of what we do.”

Super Cruise engaged uses the autos precision LiDAR map data, real-time cameras, radars and GPS to keep the auto traveling along the lane path for a hands-free driving experience. Sensor fusion is what GM calls the systems working together to create a sensory field around the auto that assists in keeping it centered in the lane while elecating the driver's comfort and convenience.

No matter the family, from Chevrolet to the lastest Hummer EV Super Cruise accelerates or brakes the vehicle to maintain a selected following gap from the vehicle ahead, steers to maintain lane position, and on select models where offered, can perform both driver and system-initiated lane changes to pass slower traffic and to move from an ending lane, while monitoring the driver's head position and or eyes in relation to the road.

The following major roads were added to the Super Cruise network.

• The Mother Road – U.S. Route 66
• Pacific Coast Highway – CA Route 1
• Overseas Highway – U.S. Route 1
• Trans-Canada Highway

GMs executive leadership team has realized one thing about changing customer habits, education. With this realization, GM has come out saying "An all-electric future is not possible without #EV education.

Welcome to evlive

GM EV Live | Virtual Showroom

Effective immediatly GM's evlive website is accessible to all and offers an immersive, virtual experience that allows participants to interact one-on-one with EV specialists and learn all about electric vehicles or what is called EVs, for free.

GM EV Live | Virtual Showroom

evlive is GM's holistic approach to EVs which includes:

• Electric vehicles built on the next-generation Ultium Platform
• Accessible charging infrastructure through the Ultium Charge 360 network
• Educational platforms to accelerate EV adoption

EV specialists are available to connect:

• Monday - Thursday, 9am - midnight ET
• Friday - 9am - 9pm ET
• Saturday - Sunday, 11am - 7pm ET

evlive will allow people anywhere to have a real conversation about electrification during the live hours. Specialist will answer questions directly from the participant through voice or text chat. Each session will be fully customized experience. Each EV specialist will have two-way audio equipment and one-way live video. Participants can hear and see the EV specialist, while the EV specialist can hear, but not see, the participant.

During none-live hours, people can still visit the website and learn about the following:

• Range - EV Driving Range | Virtual Showroom | EV Live (gm.com) 
• Charging - EV Charging Information | Virtual Showroom | EV Live (gm.com)
• Battery - EV Battery Information | Virtual Showroom | EV Live (gm.com)
• Ownership - EV Ownership | Virtual Showroom | EV Live (gm.com)

This brings up what was put in the title, Can evlive, GM's newest website help transition customers to an EV?

GM has struck not once but twice this week with Livent and with LG Chemical. 

Livent has signed a multi-year sourcing agreement with GM to supply battery grade Lithium Hydroxide extracted at the Livent South America brine-based operations. The lithium hydroxide is used in making high performance Ultium battery cathodes resulting in higher mileage EVs. This contract has two goals achieved, until a North American processing plant comes online, the lithium extracted will be shipped from South America, over time it will transition to bringing raw ore to America for 100% processing and a commitment of supply allowing GM to achieve their goal of 1 million EVs yearly production by 2025 and more beyond that year.

The Livent contract compliments GMs long term plans by adding supply to a longer-term supply contract with LG Chem where LG Chem has agreed to supply GM more than 950,000 tons of CAM over the next 8 years supporting production of 5 million EV autos.

LG and GM will explore the localization of CAM production in North America by the end of 2025.

Jeff Morrison, GM VP, Global Purchasing and Supply chain had this to say:

“This agreement builds on GM’s commitment to create a strong, sustainable battery raw material supply chain to support our fast-growing EV production needs,” “LG Chem has demonstrated technical expertise, high-quality and mass production capabilities of cathode active materials over the last decade. At the same time, this agreement demonstrates GM’s commitment to strong supplier relationships, and compliments our many other recent EV supply chain announcements.”

GM continues to sign and grow their contractual commitments secured with strategic partners for all battery raw material in supporting EV production based on the Ultium Platform and battery packs.

The nations largest public charging network for electric vehicles today announced their EVgo eXtend project in conjunction with General Motors and Pilot Company, parent company to the Flying J travel centers.

Committed to a greener future and ease of driving everywhere, EVgo will install, operate and maintain the new network of 350 kW charging stations at all Pilot/Flying J travel centers across more than 40 states. To quote Alex Keros, GM Director of Charging Infrastructure and Development: 

“GM is committed to creating an all-electric future for all. This collaboration with Pilot Company and EVgo will help make that future a reality by significantly expanding access to highway charging from coast-to-coast in the U.S.,” “The corridor-focused project also complements our existing work with EVgo, including our efforts to add more than 3,250 fast chargers in U.S. cities and suburbs by the end of 2025.”

John Tully, Pilot Company's VP, Strategy and Business Development has this to say:

“Pilot Company strives to bring the best experience and offerings to the more than a million guests we serve every day,” "This new coast-to-coast network of fast chargers will give the nation's growing number of EV drivers the confidence they need when looking at long-distance travel by eliminating range anxiety and delivering the best amenities while they wait.”

All GM EV owners will be able to unlock the ease of convenient fast charging on the EVgo network with a one-time enrollment in the EVgo network and registering their auto via the GM Brand App (myChevrolet, myGMC, myCadillac) and linking their app to their EVgo account, then activating the plug and charge section within their GM brand app.

This Ultium Charge 360 is GMs commitment to an all-electric future. GM is committing $750 million; Pilot is committing $1 Billion; for this cross country charging network where fast charging stalls will be installed at 50-mile intervals. This will give the Ultium Charge 360 ecosystem over 100,000 24/7 charge points across the U.S. and Canada by 2025.

GM and Pilot Company to Build Out Coast-to-Coast EV Fast Charging Network

Pilot Flying J

EVgo Announces EVgo eXtend Project to Deploy High Power Fast Charging Access to Drivers Across the US | EVgo | Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations - EV Fast Chargers

EVgo and General Motors Activate Plug and Charge Across EVgo Network | EVgo | Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations - EV Fast Chargers

GM will move forward in building their vehicles for the 21st century on their Ultium Platform using the Ultifi software Platform to power the vehicles of the 21st century using the Red Hat In-Vehicle Operating System, which provides a functional-safety certified Linux operating system. 

Press Release:

The collaboration between Red Hat and GM is a significant moment in the convergence of the transportation and technology industries, with Red Hat's cloud-native, enterprise-grade open source operating system accelerating the development of GM’s software-defined vehicle programs following Ultifi’s initial launch. This will enable both companies to offer customers more valuable features responsibly and reliably in a fraction of the typical development time.

“General Motors is now a platform company and working with Red Hat is a critical element in advancing our Ultifi software development,” said Scott Miller, GM vice president, Software-Defined Vehicle and Operating System. “Incorporating the company’s expertise in open source solutions and enterprise networks will pay dividends as we aim to provide the most developer-friendly software platform in the industry. With Red Hat’s operating system as a core enabler of Ultifi’s capabilities, the opportunity for innovation becomes limitless.”

In-vehicle software systems are complex and require high levels of cybersecurity protection and stringent certifications due to critical safety priorities. In current systems, these robust requirements can often lengthen the development process and make vehicle software updates difficult, with each update requiring recertification. Together, GM and Red Hat intend to make these complex vehicle updates simpler and more frequent by implementing continuous functional-safety certification into the Ultifi platform with Red Hat In-Vehicle Operating System pioneering the continuous certification approach, announced last year.

“With millions of lines of code sustaining critical systems like driver assistance, fuel economy and more, modern vehicles are more like mobile high performance computers than the cars of the past. The time to innovate is now,” said Francis Chow, Red Hat vice president and general manager, In-Vehicle Operating System and Edge. “These new vehicles give our industries a chance to create a common open platform without sacrificing functional safety. By collaborating with GM on the Red Hat In-Vehicle Operating System, we intend to bring the era of open source to the automotive world, benefiting automakers, ecosystem partners, and consumers.”

The integrated software is expected to support a variety of in-vehicle safety- and non-safety-related applications, including infotainment, advanced driver assistance systems, body control and connectivity. The transportation industry can benefit from faster innovation and better sustainability through standardization with open source Linux and cloud-native technologies, and GM intends to lead with Red Hat. Common standards can help increase software reuse and achieve a more scalable design process, giving GM the ability to dedicate more resources toward new personalized in-cabin experiences, vehicle modes and other features customers will enjoy.

With the integration of the Red Hat In-Vehicle Operating System into the Ultifi platform, GM and Red Hat look to achieve:

• Reduced costs from consolidation and reuse of software across a common platform
• An improved development cycle for faster time-to-market with new customer features and software improvements
• A continuous functional-safety certification for systems related to safety applications
• Creation of new services, business models and revenue streams

Red Hat will contribute to the phased rollout of Ultifi, GM’s end-to-end vehicle software platform, which will launch in 2023. Ultifi will enable more frequent and seamless delivery of software-defined features, apps and services to customers over the air. To do this, the platform separates the application software from the hardware to offer application program interfaces for software development. Creating a more flexible architecture unlocks the potential for more cloud-based services, faster software development and new value for customers without affecting basic hardware controls.

As a Linux-based system, Ultifi is designed to be universally usable for GM developers, suppliers and the developer community at large. Using Linux allows for skilled talent from many industries to quickly get up to speed and bolster innovation through nontraditional thinking. With numerous sensors and rich amounts of anonymized data, vehicle software presents a uniquely exciting opportunity for developers to work beyond the limits of typical consumer smart devices. In fact, authorized third-party developers who meet strict security, safety and privacy standards will be given access to innovate on Ultifi to benefit GM customers directly.

General Motors and Red Hat Collaborate to Trailblaze the Future of Software-Defined Vehicles (gm.com)

Let's start off by answering the last question asked in the teaser paragraph for this story.

Why is this important to GM? In a Word, Batteries, specifically the Ultium battery system, part of the Ultium platform.

   

To quote the press release from GM and Glencore:

By the end of 2025, GM plans to have capacity to build 1 million electric vehicles in North America, and has announced a series of actions to create a new and more secure EV supply chain, including projects targeting key EV materials and components:

• Cathode Active Material (CAM) with POSCO Chemical. GM and POSCO are building a new facility in Quebec, Canada as part of their joint venture to produce CAM for GM’s Ultium Batteries.
• Lithium with Controlled Thermal Resources (CTR) to secure lithium produced by the first stage of its Hell’s Kitchen Project in California.
• Rare earth materials with GE, to develop a rare earth value chain.
• Alloy flakes with MP Materials, who will establish the first North American processing site for alloy flakes. The company will then expand into magnet manufacturing around 2025 at its new production facility in Fort Worth, Texas.
• Permanent magnets with VAC, the largest producer of permanent magnets in the Western Hemisphere with nearly 100 years of experience. VAC will establish a North American footprint to support GM’s magnet requirements starting in 2024, including locally sourced raw materials and finished magnet production.

In a single world COBALT!

To understand the importance of this material, it is best to understand that Cobalt makes up only 0.001% of the earth's crust. Well known for its heat-resistant properties and a critical part of Lithium-ion battery cathodes that improve energy density and battery longevity.

Cobalt is an important metal used in the production of EV batteries as part of the Ultium battery cathodes which will power electric vehicles such as the GMC Hummer  EVs, Chevrolet Silverado EV and Cadillac LYRIQ.

Glencore is one of the world's largest globally diversified natural resource companies, founded in 1970s as a trading company, it has become a major producer and marketer of commodities, employing 135,000 people world wide.

Glencore operations comprise of approximately 150 mining, metallurgical and oil production assets.

Glencore Purpose: 

" to responsibly source the commodities that advance everyday life. We do this by delivering on our strategy to be active at every stage of the commodity supply chain. Our diversity by geography, product and activity, maximizes the value we create for our business and its diverse stakeholders. 

People are at the heart of our business. That’s why we prioritize safety at all our assets; why we seek to minimize our impacts on the environment and communities; and why we aim to attract employees who strive to be leaders in their field."

Both Glencore and GM are members of the Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI) and Glencore's Murrin Murrin operation conforms to the OECD-aligned Responsible Minerals Assurance Process.

Jeff Morrison, GM Vice President of Global purchasing and supply chain stated the following:

“GM and our suppliers are building an EV ecosystem that is focused on sourcing critical raw materials in a secure sustainable manner,”  “Importantly, given the critical role of EVs in reducing the carbon footprint of the transportation sector, this agreement is aligned with our approach to responsible sourcing and supply chain management.”

GM is a global company focused on advancing an all-electric future that is inclusive and accessible to all. The Ultium battery platform is a key part to powering everything from the mass-market auto to the high-performance vehicles produced by GM.

This contract helps GM ensure production of EVs as it delivers more than 1 million a year by 2025 and supports existing technology needs while new all-solid-state batteries are researched.

GM and Glencore Enter Multi-Year Cobalt Supply Agreement

Glencore and General Motors enter multi-year cobalt supply agreement

At a glance (glencore.com)

Just as GM and Toyota worked together in bringing us the Pontiac Vibe and Toyota Matrix, GM and Honda now plan to bring us a series of affordable EVs targeting the world's most popular vehicle segment, SUVs. To quote Doug Parks, GM executive VP, Global Product Development, Purchasing and Supply Chain.

 “Our plans include a new all-electric product for North America positioned at a price point lower than the upcoming Chevrolet Equinox EV, building on the 2 million units of EV capacity the company plans to install by the end of 2025.”

• New EV series planned to go on sale in 2027 starting in North America
• Honda and GM collaboration designed to enable global production of millions of EVs
• Companies will explore opportunities for advanced battery collaboration

The crossover segment is the largest in the world with an annual volume exceeding 13 million vehicles. By standardization of equipment, processes to achieve world-class quality, higher throughput and greater affordability, GM and Honda believe they can deliver a bigger portfolio of EVs to the global market.

GM is already working on new battery technologies for the Ultium platform like Lithium-metal, Silicon and Solid-state batteries along with production methods that can quickly be used to improve and update battery cell manufacturing processes. Honda is making progress on its all-solid-state battery technology which Honda has stated is a core element of future EVs. Honda has established a demonstration line in Japan for all-solid-state batteries and is working on the mass-production line.

GM and Honda will share their technologies, design and manufacturing strategies to deliver affordable, desirable EVs on a Global scale starting with North America, South America and China. Honda and GM both believe this mutual work together will allow the companies to reach their carbon neutral goals faster.

To quote Shinji Aoyama, Honda Senior Managing Executive Officer: 

"The progress we have made with GM since we announced the EV battery development collaboration in 2018, followed by co-development of electric vehicles including the Honda Prologue, has demonstrated the win-win relationship that can create new value for our customers,” 

“This new series of affordable EVs will build on this relationship by leveraging our strength in the development and production of high quality, compact class vehicles.”

Honda joined GM's EV battery module development efforts in 2018, then in 2020 Honda and GM announced plans to co-develop two EVs, Honda Prologue and the Acura's first EV SUV to be announced soon. The companies have expanded this working relationship as they have their ongoing relationship with Cruise and are working together on the development of the Cruise Origin, one of the first purpose-built fully autonomous vehicles designed for driverless ride-hail and delivery.

One could say the future looks bright for GM and Honda on the Ultium platform.

GM and Honda Will Codevelop Affordable EVs Targeting the World’s Most Popular Vehicle Segments

GM is accelerating its drive to lead the EV industry with a $7 billion investment in Michigan, creating 4,000 New Jobs and retaining 1,000 existing jobs. One can watch the 46-minute announcement here:

https://media.gm.com/media/us/en/gm/home.detail.html/content/Pages/news/us/en/2022/jan/0125-michigan-investment.html

With our investments in charging infrastructure, our dealer network and digital platforms for our customers, General Motors is well on its way to U.S. EV leadership by mid-decade. We’ll have the broadest EV portfolio, with an EV for every lifestyle and price point. 

The bulk of the details are as follows:

• Orion Assembly to become the 2nd U.S. plant building Chevrolet Silverado EV and electric GMC Sierra
• By the end of 2025, GM to have more than 1 million units of electric vehicle capacity in North America
• GM and LG Energy Solution to build 3rd U.S. Ultium Cells battery cell manufacturing plant to increase battery supply
• $7 billion is the largest single investment announcement in GM history

Lansing Michigan is where the 3rd Ultium battery plant is to be built. GM's assembly plant in Orion Township, Michigan will be converted to build the full-size Chevrolet and GMC electric pickups.

Quoting Mary Barra: “We are building on the positive consumer response and reservations for our recent EV launches and debuts, including GMC HUMMER EV, Cadillac LYRIQ, Chevrolet Equinox EV and Chevrolet Silverado EV. Our plan creates the broadest EV portfolio of any automaker and further solidifies our path toward U.S. EV leadership by mid-decade.”

Factory ZERO and the Lansing assembly plant will be capable of 600,000 electric pickup trucks by the end of the year. GM has been the leader in U.S. full-size truck deliveries over the past two years and GM is going to build on this.

Specific details are as follows for the Orion Assembly and new Ultium Cell battery plant:

• Orion Assembly for production of Chevrolet Silverado EV and electric GMC Sierra — GM is investing $4 billion to convert the facility to produce electric trucks using the GM-developed Ultium Platform, which gives the company the flexibility to build vehicles for every customer and segment. This investment is expected to create more than 2,350 new jobs at Orion and retain approximately 1,000 current jobs when the plant is fully operational. GM estimates the new jobs at Orion will be filled by a combination of GM transferees and new hires. Electric truck production, including the Chevrolet Silverado EV and electric GMC Sierra, will begin at Orion in 2024. The Orion investment will drive significant facility and capacity expansion at the site, including new body and paint shops and new general assembly and battery pack assembly areas. Production of the Chevrolet Bolt EV and EUV will continue during the plant’s conversion. Site work begins immediately.
• New Ultium Cells battery cell plant at Lansing site — GM and LG Energy Solution, via their Ultium Cells joint venture, are investing $2.6 billion to build Ultium Cells' third U.S. battery cell manufacturing plant. This investment is expected to create more than 1,700 new Ultium Cells jobs when the plant is fully operational. Site preparations will begin this summer and battery cell production is scheduled to begin in late 2024. Ultium Cells Lansing will supply battery cells to Orion Assembly and other GM assembly plants.

In addition to this announcement, GM is investing $510 million in the following two Lansing Assembly plants.

• Lansing Delta Township Assembly — Investment is for production of the next-generation Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enclave.
• Lansing Grand River Assembly — Investment is for plant upgrades.

GM is now projecting that 50% of North America assembly production will be EV production by 2030. 

GM is also working to expand and build a new supply chain via strategic supplier agreements for batteries and EV components, this is expected to be scalable, more resilient, sustainable and North American Focused. The following strategic supplier agreements include the following:

• MP Materials to scale rare earth magnet sourcing and production in the U.S.
• VAC to build a new magnet factory in the U.S. to support EV growth.
• POSCO to build a new North America plant to process Cathode Active Material.
• GE Renewable Energy to serve as a source of rare earth and other materials.
• Wolfspeed to develop and provide silicon carbide power device solutions.
• Controlled Thermal Resources to develop a source of U.S.-based lithium through a closed-loop process with lower carbon emissions when compared to traditional processes.

GM expects to have more than 1 million units of BEV assembly capacity by 2025 and the capability to respond to the projected growing electric vehicle demand. GM North America is currently building or converting the following to build EVs.

• Factory ZERO - Detroit and Hamtramck Michigan
• Spring Hills Assembly, Spring Hills, Tennessee
• CAMI - Ingersoll, Ontario
• Ramos Arizpe Assembly, Mexico

GM Accelerates its Drive to Lead the EV Industry with $7 Billion Investment in Michigan, Creating 4,000 New Jobs and Retaining 1,000

(3) A $7 Billion Investment in Michigan | LinkedIn

GM Quote Sheet

GM's Commitment to EV Jobs & Investments in Michigan

GM in the U.S.

Years of collaboration between GM and Qualcomm has brought many robust industry leading features to GM's autos globally. Now GM and Qualcomm have moved forward again in showing their collaboration of the first dedicated Snapdragon system-on-chips with robust data processing for the next generation of Ultra Cruise advanced driver assistance system.

GM will be the first auto company to use the Qualcomm Technologies Snapdragon Ride Platform for advanced driver assistance technology. This features an industry-leading 5-nanometer Snapdragon SA8540P SoC and SA9000P artificial intelligence accelerator.

This is not the first time that engineering from the U.S., Israel, Canada and Ireland have worked on a global version of Ultra Cruise. In the upcoming 2023 Cadillac LYRIQ we get the first generation of Ultra Cruise with Snapdragon. A very solid Level 3 hands free driving on the highway. Yet GM is pushing itself to become an Auto industry leader of technology and with its Collaboration with Qualcomm and the in-house engineering resources the next generation of Ultra Cruise will be on the all-New Snapdragon Ride Platform which is about the size of two laptops stacked together and will debut on the 2023 Cadillac CELESTIQ.

The Ultra Cruise computer is a high performance sensor interface with memory bandwidth running the Ultra Cruise software stack that will be the key in helping Ultra Cruise achieve an unmatched combination of capability, reliability, predictability and robust door-to-door hands-free driving in 95 percent of all driving scenarios.

Ken Morris, GM vice president of Electric, Autonomous and Fuel Cell Vehicle Programs has stated: “Despite its relatively small size, Ultra Cruise’s compute will have the processing capability of several hundred personal computers,” “It will take qualities that have distinguished GM’s advanced driver assist systems since 2017 to the next level with door-to-door hands-free driving.”

Ultra Cruise compute platform

The newest Ultra Cruise software has been integrated into an optimal hardware design that starts with the Snapdragon Ride Platform and goes on to use a combination of overlaying cameras, radar and LiDAR. This low-level, sensor fusion, which provides excellent detection and classification of data, and the Ultra Cruise's software stack are a proprietary package not available to the automotive aftermarket and surpasses any hands-free system offered by any other auto company here in the US, Europe or Asia.

The Ultra Cruise Computer system is comprised of two Snapdragon SA8540P SoCs and one SA9000P AI accelerators to deliver key low-latency control functions on 16-core CPUs and high-performance AI compute of more than 300 Tera Operations Per Second for Camera, radar and lidar processing. The Snapdragon SoCs are designed with 5 nm process technology, enabling superior performance and power efficiency. The Snapdragon SA8540P SoCs will provide the necessary bandwidth for Ultra Cruise's sensing, perception, planning, localization, mapping and driver monitoring.

GM and Qualcomm are very proud of their global multi-Cultural collaboration in the first uses of the Snapdragon SoCs platform for automated driving. To quote the press release: “Ultra Cruise powered by Snapdragon Ride on Cadillac vehicles will be an experiential and technological leap forward for the industry.”

Less people look to the past of new technology problems, the Ultra Cruise compute on the Snapdragon Ride SoCs have been designed to meet automotive system safety standards with multiple individual redundancies built in. The compute platform includes an Infineon Aurix TC397 processor for system safety integrity. The Aurix TC397 is categorized ASIL-D the highest Automotive Safety Integrity Level.

To minimized complexity, the Ultra Cruise Snapdragon Ride Platform has been designed with air-cooled instead of liquid-cooled system to avoid heavy and inefficient thermal cooling lines throughout the auto. This has been made possible by the Snapdragon Ride's high-performance, high-efficiency design. 

Less people feel this will be a limiting system of updates, GM choose to incorporate the Ultra Cruise's computer with the ability to evolve over time by leveraging the Snapdragon Ride's SoCs performance and high-speed interfaces for future expansion, including over-the-air updates that can include new feature/functions enabled through the Ultifi software platform and GM's Vehicle Intelligence Platform electrical architecture working with the Ultium platform to bring you the industry best auto's.

Qualcomm had the following additional technical information in their press release to expand on what GM has released about the Snapdragon Ride Platform.

QUOTE:

The Snapdragon Digital Chassis is comprised of a set of open and scalable cloud-connected platforms that utilize a unified architecture to support enhanced safety and immersive digital experiences that are updateable throughout the lifetime of next-generation vehicles. Automakers have the option to adopt any or all of these platforms across their line-up to offer highly customizable experiences with features that are continually upgradable via the cloud.

• Snapdragon Ride^™ Platform – an open and programmable platform that addresses the full-spectrum of driver assistance and automated driving (AD) needs from New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) to L2+/L3; offering a scalable portfolio of system-on-chip (SoC) processors and accelerators for vision, central compute and high-performance AD needs; a turnkey Arriver™ based vision stack, a full set of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS)/AD features and a flexible architecture that allows automakers and Tier-1 suppliers to bring their own Drive Policy, parking or driver monitoring stack, advanced navigation that can be integrated with Arriver Drive Policy elements. The platform also includes a full support for features, functional safety/SOTIF and system architecture competencies.
• Snapdragon^® Cockpit Platform – provides automakers an opportunity to transform the in-car experience to create new services through highly customizable always-connected SoC and virtualized software solutions that create a multi-display, multi-camera, premium audio, video and multimedia experience with mixed criticality environments that support consumer and safety ecosystems concurrently and safely 
• Snapdragon^® Auto Connectivity Platform – allows automakers to meet the increasing demands of safer and more immersive driving experiences powered by LTE, 5G connected services, cellular vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and precise positioning, all of which are designed to securely connect vehicles to the cloud, each other and the surrounding environment
• Snapdragon^® Car-to-Cloud Services - provides automakers the ability to offer flexibility of features, performance upgrades and introduction of new functionality through pre-integrated software and services platforms designed for new monetization models

“Qualcomm Technologies understands automakers’ needs for uniqueness and differentiation as well as the tremendous opportunity to redefine the automotive and transportation business model.  Through the Snapdragon Digital Chassis, we offer an array of open platforms to rapidly enable connected and intelligent experiences with enhanced safety features,” said Nakul Duggal, senior vice president and GM, automotive, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. “The Snapdragon Digital Chassis allows platforms to stay continually up-to-date with new capabilities after vehicle purchase, while allowing the automaker to create new features and services for enhanced customer engagement and services-based business models.  We look forward to working with the automotive industry as well as our many partners to provide truly transformative innovations that are scalable, extensible and software-defined.”

Interesting bit is that as you read through all the press releases about this new tech, while GM is the first to have it and will be out in the global market first, Volvo, BMW, Hyundai, Mahindra & Mahindra, WM Motors of China, SAIC Motors and JiDU automotive have all signed on to use the Snapdragon Ride Platform in their upcoming EVs with the first use in BEVs due out in 2024 models.

GM is the launch customer and will be first out in 2022 in 2023 models.

GM believes the Snapdragon Ride Platform will bring a full suite of Automotive Solutions to GM's Next-Generation Digital Cockpit and Telematics Systems as well as Advanced driver Assistance Systems.

GM Brings Powerful New Compute Architecture to Ultra Cruise to Help Enable Door-to-Door Hands-Free Driving

Automotive Redefined: Technology Showcase 2021 | Virtual Event | Qualcomm

General Motors and Qualcomm Extend Long-Standing Relationship to Transform Next Generation Vehicles | Qualcomm

Qualcomm Builds Momentum Around Snapdragon Digital Chassis to Define the Future of Automotive | Qualcomm

Autonomous Driving | Snapdragon Ride ADAS Tech for Smart Cars | Qualcomm

Cadillac rolls into Snapdragon Tech Summit 2021 [video] (qualcomm.com)

Ultium Platform is the dedicated EV architecture and propulsion system at the foundation of GM's all-electric future, giving the company the capability to not only build retail and commercial portfolio of products, but leverage the technology to expand into non-automotive applications business.

GM has planned 30 all-new EVs to be released globally through 2025, two-thirds of which will be available in the North America Market. Ultium will be the key driver of GM's expansion and next phase of growth. This era begins today as General Motors moves forward with deliveries just before Xmas of GMC Hummer EV Edition 1 Pickups and BrightDrop EV600 Vehicles which both run on the Ultium Platform.

FedEx took delivery of the first shipment of a 500-unit purchase for use in North America.

The Ultium Platform will:

• Enable GM to make nearly every type of vehicle – across its different brands and up and down the portfolio – by building everything from affordable, high-volume crossovers and passenger cars to full-size pickups and SUVs, performance, and commercial vehicles.
• Feature competitive range, performance and overall customer-friendly integration of components compared to designs that retrofit electric propulsion systems to existing internal combustion vehicle frameworks.
• Greatly reduce proliferation of parts combinations used in today’s internal combustion lineups, helping enhance EV profitability.
• Enable mobility beyond GM’s own portfolio through third-party licensing of its EV technology, co-development agreements and partnerships.

Per GM's press release:

Ultium Ship-To-Commerce
Factory ZERO in Detroit and Hamtramck, Michigan, will assemble multiple Ultium-based vehicles, including the fully autonomous Cruise Origin¹ purpose-built for driverless ride hail and delivery, the GMC HUMMER EV Pickup and SUV², the Chevrolet Silverado EV³ and the recently announced GMC electric Sierra Denali⁴.

GM continues to expand and reimagine its manufacturing and development footprint, bringing together high-scale vehicle production expertise established over more than a century and passion to become a leading technology company.

More than $4 billion has been invested specifically in EV production and another nearly $5 billion has been spent on battery cell manufacturing targeting at least 140 gigawatt hours of cell-making capacity in the U.S.

GM’s next Ultium-based vehicle, the Cadillac LYRIQ, is expected to launch as scheduled in the first half of 2022 and will be assembled in Spring Hill, Tennessee. 

GM is guided by a vision of a world with zero crashes, zero emissions and zero congestion. Electrification components applied to EV conversion projects, commercial equipment, marine applications, trains and more allowing GM's technology platform to expand beyond its core portfolio of autos and drive growth in new business models.

GM in collaboration with Textron Ground Support, using the Ultium Platform has built a new emission free line of baggage tractors, cargo tractors and belt loaders for use globally.

GM has release the following info in regards to their initial EV components business use:

• Chevy Performance and Aftermarket: The upcoming Electric Connect and Cruise eCrate Package represents an exciting opportunity for GM to extend EV technology to the aftermarket, enabling customers to work with qualified installers through GM’s electric specialty vehicle modifier (eSVM) program who have been properly trained to replace a vehicle’s traditional internal combustion engine with a fully electric propulsion system. GM’s demonstrated proof-of-concept electric conversion vehicles include the E-10 pickup, K-5 Blazer-E, eCOPO Camaro, and Project X built in collaboration with Cagnazzi Racing’s eCrate Solutions Group. Now, an electrified 1972 El Camino SS, developed with Lingenfelter Performance Engineering in Brighton, Michigan, represents the first independent installation of the concept eCrate package, and boldly ushers in the next generation of EV components from Chevrolet Performance as the program prepares to launch in 2022.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CXTy5iGL7GZ/

https://www.instagram.com/p/CX1NaXNF0uo/

https://www.instagram.com/p/CXRqmirl8wj/

Lingenfelter Performance (@lingenfelterlpe) • Instagram photos and videos

• GM Powered Solutions: GM Powered Solutions will begin introducing tailored electric component sets and will leverage the resources of GM’s Powered Solutions team to actively identify opportunities that could benefit from electrification and will work to strategically integrate the latest EV technology into custom applications. This effort will extend the company’s commitment to an all-electric future through its current GM Marine, On-Highway, Off-Highway and Industrial segments and help enable additional enterprises to reach their own emissions targets utilizing GM EV components and systems. Additional information about GM Powered Solutions is available here.
• Ground Support Equipment: In a strategic collaboration with Textron Ground Support Equipment Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, GM will provide EV components to electrify Textron GSE’s TUG™ line of baggage tractors, cargo tractors and belt loaders. GM will provide technology to Powertrain Control Solutions, which will integrate the components into lithium-ion electric powertrains for TUG equipment, assisting in the electrification of ground support equipment for use in airports globally.
• Marine Propulsion: In addition to supporting existing GM Marine customers, GM’s strategic investment in Seattle-based electric watercraft company Pure Watercraft represents an opportunity to bring EV technology to the marine industry and help preserve enjoyment of the outdoors for future generations. Together, the two companies will develop and commercialize battery electric watercraft to accelerate the transition to electric mobility.

Electrification components are part of GM’s effort to extend the performance and benefits of zero-emissions technology to new industries and serve as a natural extension of GM’s growth strategy.

Additional extensions include:

• GM’s HYDROTEC fuel cell commitments and co-development agreements
• Ultium Platform applications and co-development agreements
• Ultium Charge 360
• BrightDrop
• Ultifi software platform

Leveraging over 100 years of engineering and manufacturing expertise, GM intends to apply the learnings from one component set to the development of others, resulting in a larger portfolio of product offerings across a far-reaching set of applications.

GM’s Transition to an All-Electric Future Begins with an Off-Road Supertruck and Commercial Delivery EV, Both Powered By Ultium Platform

GM Opens Broad Application of EV Component Sets, Advancing the ‘Everybody In’ Electrification Approach

GM has brought much excitement in the last couple of weeks as we enter the holidays and these updates are exciting to read about.

Cadillac LYRIQ Luxury EV crosses crucial development milestone

As Cadillac enters the final stage to full production of the LYRIQ, engineers completed the crucial 80% validation drive for the 2023 Cadillac LYRIQ EV. Cadillac's first luxury EV will mark the start of transition for the brand to pure electric vehicles. As such engineering is leaving no stone unturned in fine tuning the LYRIQ prior to production to ensure the best LUXURY EV in the world. Cadillac has curated routes that will ensure the best experience on freeway, urban and rural driving.

To quote the press release: 

The Ultium Platform is the central structural element of LYRIQ’s chassis, delivering a low center of gravity, exceptional chassis stiffness, and nearly 50/50 front-to-rear weight balance. These factors give engineers unprecedented chassis-tuning flexibility that ushers in the next chapter of Cadillac’s ride and handling philosophy: Isolated Precision.

“LYRIQ has exceptional torsional stiffness,” said Todd Bruder, lead development engineer. “As a result, we were able to dial in exceptional responsiveness in the steering and suspension systems while simultaneously elevating the brand’s signature feeling of comfort to an entirely new plateau.”

Technologies such as a five-link front and rear suspension and frequency-dependent dampers help optimize LYRIQ’s ride quality and responsiveness.

The five-link front suspension allowed engineers to tune the suspension bushings independently, enhancing ride quality while improving handling. The frequency-dependent dampers, standard on LYRIQ at launch, differentiate between smaller impacts and larger swells on the road surface. This gives drivers more precise control in variable road conditions and provides greater comfort on smoother surfaces.

GM Celebrates Grand Opening of Factory ZERO - An AMERICAN EV Factory

In less than two years, GM went from a massive $2.2 billion investment to fully renovate a facility to build a variety of all-electric trucks and SUVs to holding a grand opening ceremony. President Biden attended the grand opening.

Factory Grand Zero Grand Opening Video

To quote the press release: GM retooled Factory ZERO for EV production for two-thirds the capital required to build a greenfield plant, making the facility a model for future GM facility renovations. As the company continues its transition for an all-electric future, GM will avoid up to $15 billion in capital costs by 2030 through the renovation of existing manufacturing facilities versus ground-up construction. The figure grows to $20 billion to $30 billion at 100 percent transition of GM’s manufacturing facilities to support EV production. That capital can be redeployed more strategically for additional customer-facing products, services and technologies.

GM New Ultifi Platform Reimagines What it Means to Own a Vehicle

GM is proud to anounce Ultifi, it's end to end software platform designed to unlock new vehicle experiences and connect the customers digital lives. Ultifi will help enable the frequent and seamless delivery of software-defined features, apps and services to customers over the air. This offers the potential for more cloud-based services, faster software development and new opportunities to increase customer loyalty.

To quote the press release: customers can expect regular updates and will be able to choose from a suite of over-the-air upgrades, personalization options and new and exciting apps¹. This customization will reimagine the ownership experience as enabled vehicles will have access to the latest software and capabilities. Some of these upgrades and settings can be saved to authenticated accounts², so they can be transferred between similarly equipped GM vehicles.

GM Acquires 25% Stake in Pure Watercraft to Accelerate All-Electric Boating

GM has announced they have acquired a 25 percent ownership stake in Pure Watercraft, a Seattle based company that specializes in creating all-electric boating solutions. This is part of GM's focus to be the EV leader in North America and eventually to offer the technology globally.

To quote the press release: The collaboration will leverage Pure Watercraft’s innovative marine propulsion technology and experience in the commercial marine industry with GM’s engineering, supply chain and manufacturing capabilities. The two companies will develop and commercialize battery electric watercraft, integrating GM technology into a variety of applications, helping to accelerate the industry’s transition to electric mobility.

Electric Outboard Motors | Pure Watercraft

To quote Pure Watercraft: 

We started this company in 2011 with a belief that boating could be made more enjoyable, accessible, and environmentally friendly than ever before. We truly want to lead a transformation of boating for the next generations to hit the water. A kind of revolutionary watercraft experience, designed and optimized for the way we live and boat now.

This novel, modern approach to motoring sets a new standard for quality and reliability, and our partnerships with hull manufacturers help ensure horsepower on our outboards is used and distributed efficiently to maximize performance. With a smooth ride and nearly noiseless energy transfer process, you can get peace and quiet on the water even when whipping around at high speed.  Plus, the added benefit of a zero emissions boating experience helps protect the waters for generations to come.

Merchants Fleet Expands BrightDrop EV order to 18,000 with Addition of the EV410s

BrightDrop a technology startup by GM to help decarbonize last-mile deliveries, announces that Merchant Fleet, North America's fastest growing fleet management company has expanded their orders for electric delivery vehicles to 18,000 BrightDrop vans with the addition of 5,400 EV410s, the mid-size electric light commercial vehicle (eLCV).

These estimated 250 mile range on a full charge is well suited for the last-mile deliver service as the EV410s gross weight is less than 10,000 pounds reducing the need for additional operator licenses. These EV410s will join the Merchants fleet of EV600s.

The EV410s and EV600s will enter the North America Merchant fleet duty use starting in 2023.

Today GM announced their excitement to have President Biden attend the Grand Opening of Factory Zero Wednesday November 17th 2021.

In the heart of Detroit and Hamtramck Michigan, GM's first all-electric assembly plant, the culmination of GM's multibillion-dollar U.S. investment in people, products and modernized processes. These electric trucks, SUVs and autonomous vehicles built at Factory ZERO will transform GM and the auto industry as the move is on to emission free auto's.

GM has looked for ways to move forward using their existing assembly plants and retraining their workforce and with that the local people of Hamtramck, Michigan has seen this modern evolution from a century old company.

Officially the start of full production with the Hummer Truck by GMC will happen on November 17th 2021, but there has been plenty of mule production runs to work out the assembly kinks. With this official grand open GM is on track to deliver Hummer Trucks to customers by the end of the year if not sooner. Look for the newest Hummer in your neighborhood soon.

GM Prepares to Welcome President Biden to Factory ZERO Grand Opening

GM as a conservative company choose to start up their latest commercial venture by making it a stand alone entity. BrightDrop is that entity where they have electric delivery carts, pallet movers and more that can be explored at their web site. 

BrightDrop | Electric first to last mile delivery products (gobrightdrop.com)

BrightDrop initially started with a contract with FedEx for their future North American full size delivery vans the EV600.

BrightDrop and GM has taken the concept to production in the fastest time ever with production starting on the EV600 commercial vans. This was made possible using the Ultium battery platform, innovative virtual development process allowing only a 20 month development timeline.

As e-commerce demand continues to ramp up across the globe, more and more companies are looking to reduce their affect on climate change at a pace never seen and BrightDrops holistic delivery solutions are designed to help tackle these challenges head on. Some of the first FedEx EV600 delivery vans will be in service this holiday season.

To accomplish this, BrightDrop has partnered with a U.S. supplier to start initial low-volume production while GM converts the CAMI Assembly Plant in Ingersoll, Canada. This plant will be BrightDrops large-scale production home for the EV600 van starting November 2022.

The EV600 is projected to save $7,000 a year over a comparable Diesel van reducing toxic emissions and green house warming gases while reducing maintenance. A good thing for both the bottom-line and the environment.

By using the same development processes established by the GMC HUMMER EV program, this agile based approach to manufacturing development has allowed BrightDrop to launch a mid size commercial van with Verizon as their launch customer. The EV410 mid-size delivery van.

The EV410 boasts more than 400 cubic feet of cargo area but with a shorter wheelbase of just over 150 inches and a length of under 20 feet. Noticeable when you compare the EV410 to the EV600 in side views of these two products.

The benefits of the EV410 that Verizon found appealing was that this van fits in a standard-size parking space, offers exceptional curb management and maneuverability, key features in reducing street congestion in urban areas.

From online grocery delivery to telecom maintenance and installations, the EV410 offers a myriad of use cases while expanding zero emissions driving.

Per the press release: “Mainstream EV adoption by businesses will require the largest fleet operators to work together with innovators like BrightDrop in the development of vehicles that meet the particular needs of our business. Adding the EV410 to our fleet is the latest step in our commitment to Verizon achieving net zero operational emissions by 2035,” said Ken Jack, vice president of Fleet Operations for Verizon, the first company slated to integrate the BrightDrop EV410 into its service fleet.

The EV410: 

• Estimated range of up to 250 miles on a full charge
• Available at a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 10,000 pounds
• Segment-leading safety features to help keep both driver and pedestrians safe
  • Standard safety features include Front and Rear Park Assist, Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Alert, Following Distance Indicator, Front Pedestrian Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, IntelliBeam Automatic High Beams, and HD Rear Vision Camera
  • Additional available safety and driver assistance features include Rear Cross Traffic Braking, Blind Zone Steering Assist, Reverse Automatic Braking, HD Surround Vision, Rear Pedestrian Alert, and Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking, among others
• Security system with motion sensors to help keep cargo secure
• Comfort and convenience for drivers through features designed, based on hundreds of hours in the field, to help them do their job more efficiently and with more ease, such as a low step-in height, front sliding pocket doors, wide cabin walkways, and an available large auto-open cargo bulkhead door

The EV 410 comes with a modern interior optimized for functionality and durability for the commercial segment.

The EV410 is the latest addition to the BrightDrop family of last-mile ecosystem solutions. The EV410 starts production in 2023 at the CAMI Assembly plant.

BrightDrop | Electric first to last mile delivery products (gobrightdrop.com)

BrightDrop Completes Record-Setting Build of its First Electric Light Commercial Vehicle; Unveils New Vehicle and Inks Deal with Verizon (gobrightdrop.com)

BrightDrop Completes Record-Setting Build of its First Electric Light Commercial Vehicle; Unveils New Vehicle and Inks Deal with Verizon (gm.com)

Today GM president Mark Reuss revealed the trio of electric motors that will power the Ultium-based EVs and the assumption that the e-crate Performance plug n drive that GM has talked about based on Ultium.

Designed and calibrated in-house by GM to ensure the highest level of performance we get the following Ultium Drive motors.

62 kW or 83 HP all-wheel drive assist motor

180 kW or 241 HP front-drive motor

255 kW or 342 HP rear and or front-drive motor

The three motors, 62 kW, 180 kW, and 255 kW motors are built as a scalable family, sharing design principles as well as similar tooling and manufacturing strategies. This allows for a mix n match approach allowing GM to offer unique branding solutions that offer excellent torque and power density across a wide spectrum of vehicles from performance cars to work trucks.

This trio of motor options is what allows Hummer by GMC to use three of the 255 kW motors to produce the 1,000 HP.

GM President Reuss stated, "Twenty years of electric drive system development and more than 100 years of high-volume vehicle engineering are helping GM pivot quickly from conventional vehicles to EVs”. Reuss believes this vertical integration of both hardware and software allows GM to have full control over their own destiny and is a significant competitive advantage.

GM is looking to reduce pressure on the planet as the 180 and 255 kW motors are permanent magnet design which minimizes reliance on heavy rare earth materials. The 62 kW unit is an induction motor.

Ultium Drive software development starts at the GM's Global Technical Center in Warren Michigan, Global Propulsion Systems in Pontiac, Michigan, and Milford Proving Ground where a team of nearly 11,000 team members work on the Ultium Drive software development. This number is projected to be a growth area for GM as it serves as a critical pillar of GM's all-electric Future vision. Ultium Drive Software is key to serving the propulsion needs of the vehicle portfolio of GM's future.

Computer-assisted and virtual engineering is helping to move product development that would take four plus years and reduce it to a quick, safe and cost-effective manner in delivering new auto's to market in only a couple years. A.I. and machine learning  is helping to determine the most efficient ways to distribute torque in a three-motor system like the GMC Hummer EV, allowing extreme off-road capable vehicles to also drive smoothly and comfortably on surface streets.

Faster go-to-market times is being achieved by the Ultium Drive Software which was originally designed allowing for reuse in many applications of future EV products.

GM's Ultium Drive Unit

The brains behind every Ultium powered auto is this Ultium Drive unit that can work with any combination of Ultium drives. This includes the software of key power electronic components such as the power inverter module, which converts DC voltage from battery to AC voltage to power the motors. To quote GM's press release: The HUMMER EV’s 0-60 mph acceleration in a GM-estimated approximately three seconds – Watts to Freedom mode² –is largely due to GM’s electric drive software expertise in addition to its key competencies in motor controls, power electronics, motor design and development.  

With GM's current EVs, that being the Chevrolet BOLT, BOLT EUV and past electric autos such as the VOLT, the inverter, power electronics, accessory power module, onboard charging module all resided outside in individual units adding to complexity and cost. The Ultium Drive Unit will have all this integrated reducing cost and manufacturing complexity leading to a planned higher reliability.

As some might say, simplicity is the answer to reliability thus GM's move to reduced complexity.

GM's equivalent electric parts of today in an Ultium design will have 50% less mass and volume while giving 25% more capability.

GM's All-New EV motors and integrated power electronics, contained within its Ultium Drive Units Debut on the 2022 GMC Hummer Pickup and 2023 GMC Hummer SUV with the Truck production and sales starting later in 2021.

Production of GMC Hummer Ultium powered electric vehicles will be done at the Factory Zero Detroit-Hamtramck site.

GM Reveals All-New EV Motors to Power an All-Electric Future

Architecture-and-Ultium-Battery-System (2).pdf

The industry's first true hands-free driver-assistance technology allowing drivers to travel hands-free over 200,000 miles of compatible roads across the U.S. and Canada is coming to 6 model year 2022 vehicles with new capabilities.

Super Cruise New Capabilities:

• Trailering - Customers will be able to trailer their boat, camper and more while driving hands-free.
• Automatic lane change - The technology can indicate when a lane change is optimal and initiate the maneuver, while following signaling protocols.
• Enhanced navigation display - Super Cruise compatible roads will be displayed in the in-vehicle navigation systems for vehicles equipped with the embedded Google Maps app and show routes available for hands-free driving, during route selection.

Enhanced Super Cruise will be available in the following 2022 models:

• Cadillac Escalade
• Cadillac CT4
• Cadillac CT5
• Chevrolet Silverado
• GMC Hummer EV Pickup
• GMC Sierra

Underscoring the software expertise at GM is the vehicles intelligence platform which provides more bandwidth and data processing power to support the expanding Super Cruise features. Model year 2021 vehicles that have Super Cruise will get these enhancements via over the air updates.

GM is committed to having Super Cruise on 22 vehicle models by 2023 including the Cadillac LYRIQ, GMC HUMMER SUV and many more to come.

To date, over 10 million Super Cruise miles have been driven in the U.S. and Canada.

GM Introduces New Super Cruise Features to 6 Model Year 2022 Vehicles

GM back in 2019 rolled out what their BEV platform would be like using the BEV global platform that will evolve in supporting a complete portfolio of BEV or battery electric auto's.

The goal of the BEV platform was to use a new GM digital vehicle platform that enables future technology by supporting data processing of up to 4.5 terabytes per hour, a five fold increase over the current electrical architecture at the time with connectivity supporting up to 10 Gbps. This is what would allow GM to have over the air updates to their products for decades to come.

https://media.gm.com/media/us/en/gm/home.detail.html/content/Pages/news/us/en/2019/may/0520-digital.html

A video showing this nervous system can be viewed at the link above.

The global modular platform called BEV along with the Digital electrical nervous system that is currently in use on all ICE auto's along with the BEV platform is what is bringing us a number of current electric auto's starting with the Hummer truck and SUV and future Chevrolet and GMC pickup.

This is also what is driving the quick development of the Cadillac Lyriq and their ability to show off what they call the Creator Series as the auto develops.

A vision crystallized in the attention to details.

You can read the story by the interior design manager here: Cadillac Creator Series: Learn about the LYRIQ Electric SUV along with all the other chapters covering the amazing Lyriq.

With so much having been seen of the Hummer twins and the Lyriq, gm has taken another step in driving interest in the future of their products by releasing a multi-part series on an up coming BEV for the Buick product portfolio. What can only be considered prepping for an actual concept reveal is the Buick Electra Concept drawings posted to the GM Design Instagram account GeneralMotorsDesign.

GM Design (@generalmotorsdesign) • Instagram photos and videos

Even new BEV designs in the form of the Cadillac van and BrightDrop delivery van is shown from GMs design studio on their Instagram account.

While design style is a personal matter of taste, this new century promises to offer plenty to debate on as GM rolls out such a wide product portfolio of new auto's.

GM Corporate Newsroom - United States - EV News

Cadillac Creator Series: Learn about the LYRIQ Electric SUV

GM Design (@generalmotorsdesign) • Instagram photos and videos

GM: New electronics platform rollout through 2023 will allow OTA updates - Repairer Driven NewsRepairer Driven News

GM Digital Vehicle Platform Debuts, Enables Adoption of Future Technologies

Lifestyle pickup is what GMC calls the GMC Hummer EV, shortly afterwards the Chevrolet division announced their electric full-size pickup truck and now GMC will also have a full-size pick that will fit in with their traditional GMC Pickup truck line.

Aldred according to the various news sources declined to confirm or deny if the truck will be named Sierra matching their current ICE full-size traditional pickup line. GM did confirm that the GMC Hummer is on track to start production and deliveries this fall about the same time Rivian starts shipping to customers as their electric assembly plant ramps up to full scale production which now will include a Chevrolet and GMC traditional electric pickup.

GM executives are on record that they are not surprised by the pricing Ford has taken with F-150 Lightning and Ford as well as Ram should expect a very competitive assortment of offerings from GM in various trims. Aldred has stated that the biggest segment is the North American Pickup truck segment representing 15 percent of total retail sales in the U.S. alone and still growing, he sees plenty of room for all competitors.

GMC is having a bit of a heyday as the first half of the year retail sales are up 35 percent with details of sales as follows: 

• Sierra up 28%
• Yukon up 104%
• Yukon XL 90%
• Acadia up 53%
• Canyon up 31%

GMC high ATP according to the various write ups is due to the two most popular trim levels, Denali and AT4 which is making up the bulk of purchased auto's.

 Green car reports that due to GM having been very clear about only a 26 month development cycle now indicates that the Chevrolet and GMC electric pickups should arrive at dealerships summer of 2023 as the earliest.

2023 should be a huge year for GM as they roll out a large assortment of BEV's.

GM confirms third electric pickup truck ahead of Hummer production (msn.com)

GMC Announced A New Electric Pickup Truck After Hummer EV (fossbytes.com)

GMC Adding Second All-Electric Pickup — A Battery-Powered Sierra - The Detroit Bureau

Beyond Hummer EV: Fully electric GMC pickup confirmed (greencarreports.com)

GM confirms third electric pickup truck ahead of Hummer EV production (cnbc.com)

GMC Getting Its Own, Non-Hummer Electric Full-Size Pickup (motortrend.com)

GM announced today that April 2022 will be the last month of Chevrolet Equinox production at CAMI Assembly plant. Production at other plants will be increased to cover Chevrolet Equinox production as BrightDrop equipment will be installed over a 4 month period allowing for large scale production to begin of the BrightDrop EV600 van beginning in November 2022.

This comes as gm works with Merchant Fleet that is ordering 12,600 BrightDrop EV600s for last mile delivery service. Merchant Fleet expects the EV600 to enter fleet use starting in Early 2023 making them the second large scale last mile Major Customer.

Merchant Fleet plans for the EV600 to by 50% of their mobility fleet by 2025 in North America allowing them to be one of the largest last mile delivery companies with a focus on being 100% electric fleet by 2030. Merchant Fleet HQ is in New Hampshire with their innovation center located in Chicago Illinois.

gm Canada is leading gm push into the full commercial EV market with the new BrightDrop division of commercial electric e-pallet's and EV vans allowing commercial fleet operators to reduce costs as they move to zero-emission fleets.

The CAMI Assembly plant is scheduled to start with a single shift of EV600 assembly and move to two shifts at the start of 2023 and market permitting three production shifts as soon as the start of 2024.

BrightDrop is allowing gm to reimage commercial delivery and logistics with an all-electric future. CAMI Assembly plant will be instrumental in allowing gm to offer commercial customers an ecosystem of connected / electrified products and services that allow delivery/logistic companies to move goods and services more efficiently, driving down costs while reducing harmful emissions in cities and on congested streets.

CAMI Assembly will play a critical role in gm's vision for a zero emission future.

GM’s CAMI Assembly Accelerates BrightDrop EV600 Production

Merchants Fleet is Slated to be BrightDrop’s Second Major Customer (gm.com)

Merchants Fleet to be BrightDrop’s First Fleet Management Customer

gm has had a busy week on top of a busy year as gm moves forward with their global plan to be a green carbon neutral company by 2040. To do this, gm has reached out to like minded businesses in putting together a 21st century portfolio of technology options for a cleaner future.

Today June 23rd 2021, gm announced a program with Shell via the MP2 Energy, LLC, to provide comprehensive energy solutions to gm's customers and supply chain partners, including fixed-rate home energy plans backed by 100 percent renewable energy resources.

This program is currently available to all Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac vehicle owners in the state of Texas. What does this program entail one would ask. Starting this summer gm/Shell will offer gm electric vehicle owners the opportunity to select home energy plans that include the option for free overnight hours of EV charging. Starting this month, the companies will also begin providing gm suppliers access to a tailored suite of renewable energy products to assist in setting and achieving their individual emissions-reduction goals. Employees of participating gm suppliers will be eligible for the home energy plans mentioned above.

gm plans to be carbon neutral in global products and operations by 2040 and has committed to the science based targets set forth in the Paris Agreement. Shell also plans to be carbon neutral in global products and operations by 2050. Shell is expanding their energy production across the portfolio via wind, solar, geothermal and more. This commitment to green energy, cleaner transport is part of the company change across the globe as Shell converts or adds to their existing gas stations in turning them into energy Hubs.

Shell has committed to 500,000 charge points by 2025 globally in addition to the various charging companies they have bought across Europe, Asia and the US. Shell just launched in May their first Mobility Hub in Central Paris as the launch of Shell Recharge. Expect this to become common across the globe as Shell installs and expands their Mobility Hub Shell Recharge stations.

Part of the Shell push into the Green energy production business also starts the close on a past chapter as Shell divest itself of refineries such as the Anacortes, Washington refinery and the Mobile, Alabama refinery. The funds from these sales will be invested into green energy production, home and retail energy charging solutions. Shell estimates there are 1 billion ICE auto's on the road today and forecast 300-400 million EVs on the road out of the estimated 2 billion EVs by 2040 and plans to be the leader in offering global charging for them.

gm and Shell see a BRIGHT future in green energy for their customers.

gm has also this month joined the University of Washington's Urban Freight Lab, City of Seattle and Tech Startups in launching sustainable Last-Mile delivery hub in Seattle. The following start-ups AxleHire, Coaster Cycles and REEF are the nations first zero operating-emissions, last-mile neighborhood delivery hubs. These companies are working with BrightDrop / gm, the UW and the City to transition 30% of goods delivered to zero operating emissions solutions.

From food to parcel deliveries, BrightDrop electric pallets and electric solutions for bikes BrightDrop is helping to build a smarter, safer way to deliver goods and services the last-mile.

gm is not ignoring their leading edge technology to just the auto industry or the last-mile delivery business. On June 17th 2021 gm and Liebheer Aerospace joined forces in taking gm HYDROTEC fuel cell technology from the auto to the aircraft.

gm and Liebherr will co-develop a hydrogen fuel cell power generation system for aircraft. The precisely crafted fuel cells, HYDROTEC power cube and fuel cell systems along with gm's controls and software models will be used to develop an aerospace power train system. Liebherr-Aerospace is one of the industry leading aerospace on-board aircraft system suppliers and believes with gm hydrogen technology that they can deliver a power train solution that will lower emissions, lower aircraft noise and improve quality of life for humanity.

gm through it's relationship with Honda, is one of the world's most advanced fuel cell developers in many industrial fields and looks to expand that into the aeronautics field. gm's fuel cell business benefits from decades of investment in engineering and manufacturing expertise in high volume processes that can bring economy of scale to fuel cell production.

To quote Global HYDROTEC gm Executive Director Charlie Freese, Aircraft are a great litmus test for the strength and versatility of our HYDROTEC fuel cells. The HYDROTEC technology can be used to address a wide range of uses in reducing a key issue, CO2 on land, sea, air or rail. The collaboration with Liebherr will open up new possibilities for aircraft.

General Motors and Shell Offer Renewable Energy Solutions to U.S. Homeowners, EV Owners and Suppliers (gm.com)

BrightDrop Joins University of Washington's Urban Freight Lab, Tech Startups to Launch Sustainable Last-Mile Delivery Hub in Seattle (gm.com)

GM and Liebherr-Aerospace to Collaborate on HYDROTEC Hydrogen Fuel Cell-Based Power Systems for Aircraft

Liebherr and GM to develop HYDROTEC fuel cell-based electrical power generation system for aerospace application - Liebherr

GM, Shell Offer Renewable Energy Solutions for Homes, EVs, Suppliers | Shell United States

Shell launches its first European EV Mobility Hub in Paris | Shell Global

Cleaner Transport | Shell United Kingdom

Shell sells Alabama refinery to Vertex Energy | Shell United States

Shell Sells Washington Puget Sound Refinery to Hollyfrontier | Shell United States

Electric Vehicle Charging | Shell Global

On Tuesday June 15th 2021, GM and Wabtec announced their partnership to take the Locomotive, the backbone of America and the world for moving freight into the 21st century with the FLXdrive Locomotive and what the future holds.

The rail industry for over a century has depended on the carbon heavy diesel technology to serve companies in delivering products all over North America and the World. In the last few decades, Locomotive's have been moving from pure diesel to an electric driven powertrain using diesel generators to provide electricity to the powertrain in moving freight. 

Customers have more and more asked for green Locomotive solutions that replaced the use of Diesel with an alternative solution. Today Wabtec is pleased to introduce the battery electric FLXdrive Locomotive. This is the worlds first 100% Ultium battery powered locomotive that has proven to slash carbon emissions by 30% when operating at 6 MWh.

Wabtec took the time in 2020 to look at what GM had built so far with their Ultium Battery cells and the Hydrotec fuel cell systems. With this they built the FLXdrive Locomotive, a pure Ultium battery pack Locomotive to work with Diesel Hybrid Locomotives in testing and came away with amazing noticeable results.

The Ultium based heavy-haul freight locomotive uses 18,000 Ultium cells in the FLXdrive locomotive. This locomotive in a traditional heavy-haul train with diesel locomotives proved to reduce fuel consumption by 11% and greenhouse gas emissions by 30% resulting in a reduction of 6,200 gallons of diesel fuel saves and a reduction of 69 tons of CO2 not created. This pilot was over a three-month period with BNSF railways covering 13,320 miles of hilly terrain in Dan Joaguin Valley, California. This is an area that is classified as a non-attainment area, where the air quality is worse than the National Ambient Air Quality Standards.

The 430,000 pound FLXdrive locomotive was charged overnight in the railyard and then with connection to the Diesel Hybrid Locomotives and via regenerative braking was able to optimize battery pack levels throughout the day and still have deep reserves to add additional torque / power when needed in moving freight especially up hills at a much faster rate with an average train length of 1 mile hauling several thousand tons of freight.

FLXdrive also introduced Wabtec's next generation of Trip Optimizer system, an A.I. based intelligent cruise control system programmed to respond to every twist and grade of the track to optimize the most energy-efficient way in moving freight as fast as possible.

This technology would not have been possible without the advanced R&D gm had done with BEVs and is coming in the all new Hummer line and future products from gm.

Wabtec has now moved forward with moving into production the FLXdrive locomotive a second generation of the FLXdrive which will also have options for battery packs that have more than 6 MWhs in size. Yet Wabtec is not stopping there, customers across North America from both Locomotive companies such as BNSF here and in other places like Europe have asked for a way to replace the diesel generation component and with that is where gm's HYDROTEC fuel cell technology comes into play which was shown as a successful options for the military in advanced high power, high speed auto's.

Wabtec has two sides of their business, first building and selling new locomotives the second is the repowering of existing locomotives. This second business stream is where Wabtec believes gm's HYDROTEC technology will help them in having a very clear path for the 21st century as they repower existing locomotives with Ultium batteries and Hydrogen generators using HYDROTEC fuel cells.

gm has a very large carbon footprint as does the whole auto industry in how they move new auto's from manufacturing to sales via rail transport with the last mile usually on a semi truck. As such, the ability to improve air quality while reducing greenhouse gas emissions comes via this very important business of repowering existing locomotives and Wabtec's vision for the rail industry see's gm and Wabtec playing a leading role in the clean energy economy and carbon reduced emissions globally by up to 300 tons per year.

Wabtec and GM to Develop Advanced Ultium Battery and HYDROTEC Hydrogen Fuel Cell Solutions for Rail Industry

GM Corporate Newsroom - United States - Home

Wabtec and GM to Develop Advanced Ultium Battery and HYDROTEC Hydrogen Fuel Cell Solutions for Rail Industry | Wabtec Corporation

Locomotive | Wabtec Corporation

Wabtec’s All-Battery Locomotive, FLXdrive, Lowers Freight Train’s Fuel Consumption by More Than 11 Percent in California Pilot | Wabtec Corporation

https://www.wabteccorp.com/locomotive/alternative-fuel-locomotives/flxdrive

Homepage | Wabtec Corporation

EV charging to some is a stressful thing, the ability to drive your EV, knowing you can quickly get a recharge and where should be a simple thing and yet range and charging hit the stress level for current and potential owners of BEV products.

GM is tirelessly working to provide GM EV owners more confidence and convenience when it comes to EV charging. As stated by GM, the customers need a robust charging experience that makes the transition from ICE to EV seamless and helps to drive mass adoption per Travis Hester, GM's chief EV officer. Quote:  “As we launch 30 EVs globally by the end of 2025, Ultium Charge 360 simplifies and improves the at-home charging experience and the public charging experience – whether it’s community-based or road-trip charging.”

GM's Ultium Charge 360 holistic charging experience offers the following:

• Access to Charging: GM will continue to work with a variety of third parties, including charge point operators, electric utilities and government agencies to make home, workplace, public and fleet charging ubiquitous for customers.
• Mobile Apps: GM will continue to update the GM vehicle mobile apps to provide an even more intuitive mobile experience that makes navigating to a charging station, plugging into a charger and paying for charging simple.
• Products and Services: To help ensure the transition to an EV is seamless, GM is working to offer EV owners charging accessories and installation services tailored to their lifestyle. For example, GM will cover standard installation of Level 2 charging capability for eligible customers who purchase or lease a 2022 Bolt EUV or Bolt EV in collaboration with Qmerit.

GM's continued progress on it's EV infrastructure strategy is as follows:

• GM now has signed agreements with seven major charging providers: Blink Charging, ChargePoint, EV Connect, EVgo, FLO, Greenlots and SemaConnect. Through their GM vehicle mobile apps, EV customers will soon be able to easily see real-time information from nearly 60,000 charging plugs throughout the U.S. and Canada, find stations along a route and initiate and pay for charging.
• The first GM and EVgo sites are now live in Washington, California and Florida, nine months after a commitment to add more than 2,700 fast chargers in cities and suburbs by the end of 2025 was first announced. Each site is capable of delivering up to 350 kilowatts and averages four chargers per site. GM and EVgo are on track to have approximately 500 fast charging stalls live by the end of 2021.

As GM continues to update Ultium Charge 360, they will also be including new elements and collaborations.

GM Ultium Platform is powering the Cadillac LYRIQ, GMC Hummer EVs and the Chevrolet Silverado electric pickup to start with many more models to come. The Ultium Charge 360 will help you optimize the use of your Ultium platform with a GM-estimated range of up to 450 miles on a full charge.

GM's multiple announcements over the last two years shows it's rapid advancement in moving to an all-electric, zero-emissions future making EV ownership easier for all.

• GM revealed its proprietary Ultium Platform that will allow the company to compete for nearly every customer in the market today.
• GM committed more than $27 billion to EV and AV product development through 2025, including $7 billion in 2021, and plans to launch 30 EVs globally by the end of 2025, with more than two-thirds available in North America. Cadillac, GMC, Chevrolet and Buick will all be represented, with EVs at all price points for work, adventure, performance and family use.
• In July 2020, GM and EVgo announced plans to triple the size of the nation’s largest DC fast charging network over the next five years.
• In March 2020, GM announced it is adding 3,500 new EV charging plugs throughout its U.S. and Canadian facilities for employees.
• In February 2020, GM made enhancements to Energy Assist, making it easier for GM EV owners to find an available public charging station and initiate a charging session.
• In August 2019, GM announced a collaboration with Qmerit, which manages a nationwide network of certified EV charger installers, simplifying the home charging experience. In collaboration with Qmerit, Chevrolet will cover standard installation of Level 2 charging capability for eligible customers who purchase or lease a 2022 Bolt EUV or Bolt EV.  

Unlike GM's competition focusing only on select charging companies, GM is taking an all in approach allowing for 60,000 and growing charging points across North America. Working with all companies and the EVgo effort, GM is on track to have 500 fast charging stalls live by the end of 2021 supporting the Ultium 800V 350 kWH battery / Powertrain system.

To Put ‘Everybody In’ an Electric Vehicle, GM Introduces Ultium Charge 360

The Green Drive to one million EV's by 2025 with recognized leadership in North America will happen using gm's new Ultium Platform and Silverado's proven capability. GM confirmed today that the Silverado EV Truck will be built at Factory ZERO with a 400 mile gm-estimated range on full charge.

Today additional confirmation that the Silverado Pickup will come in a full range of Retail and fleet versions as customers have come to expect out of the ice trucks building on 100 years of truck expertise and leadership. This is gm's transiting start to an all-electric future in the light-vehicle space.

Achieving this leadership has been done by multiple teams in gm which has allowed them to reduce vehicle development time by 50 % to a 26 month cycle. To quote gm president Reuss:  “The vehicles coming from Factory ZERO will change the world, and how the world views electric vehicles,” 

Offering more options for customers to tailor the truck to their lifestyles, while encouraging people to forge new paths with zero emissions. Hummer EV Truck model 2022 is the first in a line of many EV options and the Hummer EV SUV 2024 model followed quickly by the Silverado.

This is on top of the Cadillac Lyriq coming first half of 2022, delivering a new standard of Luxury to the world.

Factory ZERO has grown to 4.5 million square feet as it under goes a renovation and retooling, the largest ever of any gm plant. This is the start of the new revolution of personal transportation taking gm into the next century.

Based on the EV Optimism gm stock has hit a 52 week high with an after hours trade today 4/6/2021 of $61.92 per share where one year ago the stock was trading at $19.55 per share. This gives gm a market cap of $89.25 Billion compared to a year ago at $29.7 Billion.

First-Ever Chevrolet Silverado Electric Pickup and GMC HUMMER EV SUV to be Built at GM's Factory ZERO Plant

LYRIQ Show Car Leads Cadillac Into Electric Future

General Motors | GM - Market Capitalization (tradingeconomics.com)

Generation 2 of the Ultium batteries have already undergone 150,000 simulated test miles at the Global Technical Center in Warren Michigan. 

To accelerate the move to an all EV portfolio, gm is working with several innovative companies and making investments in said companies to ramp quickly in scaling battery production. 2015 was the start of working together and gm will now take it to the next level with the next generation of Ultium batteries.

This agreement with SES will include building a manufacturing prototyping line in Woburn Massachusetts for high-capacity, pre-production batteries by 2023.

To quote GM President Reuss: “Affordability and range are two major barriers to mass EV adoption,” said Reuss. “With this next-generation Ultium chemistry, we believe we’re on the cusp of a once-in-a-generation improvement in energy density and cost. There’s even more room to improve in both categories, and we intend to innovate faster than any other company in this space.”

Just one year after the Ultium platform reveal, the rapid technical progress is making it possible to upgrade battery packs as gm has been granted 49 patent and 45 patents pending.

GM Targets Range and Battery Cost Improvements to Accelerate All-Electric Future

While the focus on the electric vehicles have been on the ultra plush and quick models from the likes of Tesla, Audi, and Jaguar, there is a lot of work being done for electric delivery vans. The combination of reduced maintenance, low fuel costs, and an abundance of torque to deal with heavy loads make them a perfect to do deliveries in urban areas. Rivian is the most-well known player here with plans to build out a fleet of electric vans for Amazon. Another player is ready to join the fight.

Reuters reported yesterday that General Motors is working on a electric van for the commercial market. Five sources reveal that the van - codenamed BV1 - is expected to go into production late next year. It is expected to use Ultium battery technology that GM first talked about back in March. Utilizing this could solve one of the big issues with EVs, price. By switching Cobalt (expensive) for Aluminum (less expensive), GM says it will drop the cost of a battery to $100 per kilowatt-hour - making it around the same cost as regular gas powered van. Analysis done last year put the kilowatt-hour cost of a battery at $159. 

One item still being debated internally is whether the van will be sold as Chevrolet, GMC, or a new brand. 

When asked by Reuters, GM said it is “committed to an all-electric future and is implementing a multi-segment, scalable EV strategy to get there. At this time, we do not have any announcements to make regarding electric commercial vehicles.”

GM isn't the only company getting on the electric van train. Ford has announced plans for an electric version of the Transit to launch in 2022, and British startup Arrival which has the backing of Hyundai, currently has an order of 10,000 vans from UPS.

Source: Reuters

General Motors will be bringing back the Hummer name to sell a new electric truck as part of the GMC lineup.

The Wall Street Journal first broke the news yesterday with GM moving forward on plans to bring Hummer back that was first reported back in June. The report also said that the company would tout the return with a Super Bowl ad featuring NBA star LeBron James. GM declined to comment.

The decision is likely due to the planned $3 billion investment for the Detroit-Hamtramck plant that we reported back in October. The investment is to gear up the plant to build an electric pickup for GMC and an electric Cadillac SUV by 2023. But in 2021, the plant will produce a "low volume BT1 pickup" under a different brand. At the time we speculated that it may be Hummer. This seems to lineup with the reporting done by the Wall Street Journal which says the truck will be similar in design to the Jeep Renegade.

Bloomberg adds that there are plans for a large SUV for Hummer if the truck proves successful according to sources. The sources also say that the company is considering selling the new Hummer truck in existing dealers under the name of “Hummer by GMC.”

Source: Wall Street Journal (Subscription Required), Automotive News (Subscription Required)

H/T to @balthazar for alerting us to this story

General Motors and LG Chem are joining forces to invest $2.3 billion in a new battery plant near its old Lordstown Assembly complex in Lordstown, Ohio.  The deal is a 50/50 partnership between GM and LG Chem and will create 1,100 jobs in the area. 

Construction of the plant will begin mid-2020 at a greenfield former manufacturing site. The employees will work for the joint-venture and will not be direct GM employees. Initially, the plant will solely supply batteries for GM vehicles, though with a maximum capacity of 30 gigawatt-hours annually, the company could expand to supply other manufacturers as well.

GM and LG Chem are forming this joint venture in an attempt to bring down the unit cost of batteries for future vehicles. The plant's capacity, once completed, will be among the largest in the world. 

General Motors has said it wants to introduce 20 electric vehicles globally by 2023. 

GM's Lordstown facility has been sold to startup Lordstown Motors.  Lordstown Motors will produce the Workhorse Endurance pickup truck, an all-electric truck, at the site. 

The Endurance has all-wheel drive via 4 motors, one for each wheel.  It also has outlets to allow for the use of power tools. Workhorse is also in the bidding to make plug-in mail trucks for the U.S. Postal Service.  Workhorse has 6,000 orders for a truck based on the W-15 Prototype, and those orders would be moved to Lordstown for production. Workhorse is targeting fleet buyers. With fewer moving parts and lower fuel costs, it could translate to lower cost-to-own for fleet operators. 

Lordstown Motors still needs to go through several more rounds of fund raising in order to continue development, conduct safety testing, and retool the plant for production. 

General Motors' lost $2.9 billion in profit due to the strike according to the company's Q3 earnings report released Tuesday.  That number exceeded analyst estimates by $900 million. In the final two weeks of the strike, as further plants had to be shut down due to parts shortages, the company lost $750 million.  The total loss is about $2.00 per share. The stock is up 4.71 percent over Monday's close at the time of this writing.

The strike hit 31 factories and 21 other facilities including plants in Canada and Mexico which build the Chevrolet Equinox and Chevrolet Blazer respectively. Both plants were forced to shut down due to parts shortages caused by striking workers in the U.S.

The UAW has announced that their membership has ratified the new 4-year contract deal with General Motors 23,389 to 17,501.  Roughly 46,000 union members will receive an $11,000 ratification bonus while temporary workers will get $4,500. 

According to GM, work is to resume Monday with the first shift, however GM was attempting to get volunteers to start production earlier on Saturday and Sunday at Flint Assembly and Fort Wayne Assembly where the GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado are built. 

The strike, which lasted roughly 6 weeks, cost the company $450 million per week. 

The new agreement includes:

• No increase in healthcare contribution, retaining the current 3% rate
• 3% wage increases or 4% lump sum payments each of the 4 years of the contract
• $11,000 signing bonus to union employees, $4,500 for temporary employees
• $7.7 billion in investments in U.S. manufacturing plants, including Detroit-Hamtramck, a plant originally slated for closure
• Enhanced employee profit sharing with no cap
• A clear path for temporary employees to become permanent after three years of service beginning January 2020.

As part of General Motors' tentative agreement with the United Auto Workers, there is a planned $3 billion investment into the Detroit-Hamtramck plant to make electric trucks, SUVs, and vans. The program, called BT1 is part of a larger $7.7 billion investment in GM's plants over the next four years. 

The BT1 program includes an electric truck for GMC and an electric SUV for Cadillac for the 2023 model year. But before that happens, in 2021 a low volume BT1 pickup will start production under a different brand while a performance truck follows in 2022, and then an electric SUV in 2023.  Rumor has it that these low volume BT1 vehicles could be sold under the Hummer brand, not used since 2010, but that decision has not been finalized.

If GM did bring the Hummer brand back as an EV brand, it would have instant name brand recognition and a leg up on rival startup Rivian who has a truck due out in 2020. GM would not need to spend as much money to market the brand.

The vehicles on the new BT1 platform would use a "skateboard" architecture that bundles the batteries and electric motor together. The architecture is highly flexible allowing GM to build vehicles in front, rear, or all-wheel drive configurations. 

The UAW has been striking against General Motors for 31 days, the longest work stoppage since the 1970s.  Now news comes that GM and the Union have reached a tentative agreement and the union council will vote today on whether to end the walkout of 46,000 workers or wait until the agreement is ratified by union members. The Union and GM plan to discuss the deal after the vote has taken place.

We will update this article as more news comes. 

Update 1:20 pm:

• Healthcare remains as-is.
• Temporary employees have a path to full employment
• All current hourly workers will receive raises to at least $32.32 by the end of the contract term
• Wages subject to increases of 3% a year
• New hires reach full pay in 4-years instead of the current 8-years
• $11,000 signing bonus for full-time hourly workers
• Detroit-Hamtramck (Cadillac CT6, Chevrolet Impala) remains open.
• Lordstown and two transmission plants in Maryland and Michigan remain closed. 
• Employees from closed plants can retire early or opt for a $75,000 buyout.
• Workers who retire early will receive a $60,000 bonus and start collecting pension in January or February.

Negotiators have been meeting daily since the UAW went on strike on September 16th and according to sources, the two sides are nearing a deal as talks have intensified over the last 48 hours. All of the issues have reached the "Main Table" and are out of subcommittee which is a sign that a deal is imminent.

The initial offer from GM included $7 billion in investments in eight of its US facilities, while also adding 5,400 new jobs.  The UAW rejected the initial offer saying that it wasn't enough in terms of pay raises, healthcare, and tenure requirements. GM also offered an $8,000 signing bonus per member to accept the deal. 

The primary issues are GM's use of temporary workers and the slated closure of a number of plants.  

If a proposal is reached, the union has to take the proposal to the GM-UAW council and then to team members to approve.  It usually takes two weeks for that process, but could be expedited if the UAW decides to keep striking during the voting process. 

This is the first national strike against GM since 2007 and the longest since the 1970s. The strike is estimated to be costing General Motors $50 million a day. 

Lordstown Motors, the outfit affiliated with the hybrid truck manufacturer Workhorse is still aiming to buy the Lordstown assembly facility from General Motors. They have been in talks with GM since the summer and are aiming to build their headquarters in Lordstown because of the availability of the workforce. It would not just include manufacturing, but sales, human resources, and engineering positions would be there too. 

The plant would be a hub for electric vehicle manufacturing.  They want to design and supply EV components not just to GM, but to many manufacturers. Wiring harnesses, electric motors, and other components would all be manufactured at the plant alongside the trucks they intend to build. Along with the workers, LM says that the existing GM supply chain is an advantage as well. 

Hyperion, a company preparing hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, has signed on as a partner. They are preparing their prototypes and will likely be shown to the public sometime next year. 

One hiccup now is the talks between the UAW and General Motors. As part of the deal in the works, GM would re-open Lordstown as a battery plant. If that happens, Lordstown Motors would need to find another local facility to locate themselves. 

The UAW declared a national strike against General Motors, a first since 2007, after GM failed to reach a deal with union leaders over wages and benefits.  A union spokesman said it was a unanimous vote to strike and that the status of the negotiations are unclear. 

General Motors said that its offer to the UAW included more than $7 billion in U.S. investments, jobs, higher pay, and improved benefits.  It included an offer for more than 5,400 jobs, the majority of which would be new.  The offer would allocated an electric truck to Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant and Lordstown would be reopened as a battery assembly plant. 

The UAW's previous contract with General Motors expired on Saturday at midnight, but workers were told to continue to show up to work under the terms of the prior contract while negotiations were ongoing.  Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and Ford Motor Company have extended their current contracts while the GM talks are happening.

General Motors announced a recall Wednesday of 3.46 million GM trucks and SUVs for a braking issue that has been linked to 113 accidents and 13 injuries.  The problem arises from a vacuum pump issue where the pump make less vacuum over time, thereby increasing the braking effort. The pump is lubricated by engine oil and can accumulate debris and oil sludge lessening the pump's effectiveness.

The recall covered model years 2014 - 2018 of Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Silverado, Suburban, and Tahoe, and GMC Sierra and Yukon. 

GM told the NHTSA that the pump design was only used during those years of manufacture. 

In a smaller recall, GM is recalling 177,000 2018 Chevrolet Malibus with the 1.5-liter Turbo engine where an error in the engine control computer could disable the fuel injectors. 

General Motors will be using Google Software for its embedded infotainment systems starting in 2021. This is in contrast to the Amazon Alexa capability found in some new Ford vehicles starting this year.

The systems from GM will offer Google assistant, Google Maps, and certain other applications that are available in the Google Play app store in all of its brands except those in China.

GM and other automakers have resisted demands by consumers for this type of software built in out of a fear of losing control of data and the possibility that the Silicon Valley brands eclipse their own. Consumer demand has forced the manufacturers’ hands however.

Google will not have access to any of the data regarding driving style or vehicle maintenance needs, so consumers need not fear tracking or monetization by Google based on vehicular data.

Through Google Assistant, GM hopes to offer additional services such as scheduling service appointments. Some of the services Google Assistant supplies are duplicates of offerings by GM’s own OnStar service. However, OnStar still is able to respond to an accident whereas Google Assistant cannot. Furthermore, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay will continue to be offered.

Expect the Google Assistant packages to be an additional cost item, and prices will be released closer to launch date. The agreement with Google allows for the installation in up to 3.6 million vehicles annually, the number of vehicles sold outside of China last year.

Other manufacturers using Google’s systems are Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi and Volvo.

Back in early May, we reported that electric truck maker Workhorse was in talks with General Motors to buy the shuttered Lordstown Assembly plant that formerly built the Chevrolet Cruze.  The plan seemed founded more on hopes and dreams rather than actual financial reality.  Workhorse's only model, the W-15 is a truck with an 80 mile range and a built in range extender, has not exactly been climbing the sales charts.   In fact, the company booked only $6,000 in sales in the 2nd quarter of 2019, roughly $70 per day.  Following that report, the company's stock plunged 35%. Deliveries of the truck are currently on hold and will resume in the 4th quarter this year. There is currently a $70 Million backlog of orders to fill.

Hopes of a solution for Lordstown coming from Workhorse are dim, but there is one thing that could save the deal: a $6.3 Billion contract from the US Postal Service to build the next generation of mail trucks, though Tom Colton, a spokesman for Workhorse said that the Lordstown deal isn't contingent on the contract from the USPS. 

Under the proposed Lordstown deal, a new company would be formed called Lordstown Motors Corp. which would license the Workhorse technology to produce vehicles based on the W-15 model.  Workhorse itself would own a minority stake in the company. 

The UAW is still in talks with General Motors to reopen the plant and assign new product to it.

There will be one less engine option for the Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain come the 2020 model year. The Car Connection first reported the news on the Equinox yesterday morning, while Autoblog followed with the Terrain news later in the day. Both stories reported the same reason for cancellation, they didn't sell.

"We did discontinue the diesel engine option in the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox due to low demand," said Chevrolet spokesman Kevin Kelly.

The news doesn't come as a shock to us. Diesel engines have gotten a bad rap since the Volkswagen diesel emission scandal came to light, causing sales to drop. The value argument was also tough for both models. A diesel Equinox started at $30,795. But only for $100 more, you could have gotten into the 2.0L turbo-four that offered better performance. Over at the Terrain, the diesel cost around $2,000 more than the 2.0 turbo-four. Diesel fuel is more expensive than its gas counterpart as well.

That will leave the upcoming Mazda CX-5 Skyactiv-D as the only diesel option in the compact crossover class. But as we have noted previously, the diesel option is quite expensive (begins at $42,045) and fuel economy figures are disappointing (27 City/30 Highway/28 Combined).

Source: The Car Connection, Autoblog

General Motors and Bechtel are teaming up to form a new company to deploy a widespread fast-charging network. Neither company plans to put any money into the project, outside investors are being solicited.  The network will help General Motors, which plans to introduce 20 new EVs by 2023.  It will also help other manufacturers of EVs. 

General Motors will provide data to help decide where to locate the EV charging stations and Bechtel will use its own experts for the engineering and building of the stations. Much of the data will come from GM's OnStar system to help learn where people tend to park.  Data from both electric and gasoline powered vehicles will be used.

Additional fast-charging infrastructure is seen as a requirement to increasing electric vehicle sales. According to a survey by AAA, one of the biggest concerns Americans have about EVs is having enough locations to charge them.  

The network built by Bechtel and GM will not be limited to interstate highways where most fast charging stations have been located so far.  The company will also locate chargers in urban areas targeting apartments and condos where drivers cannot have a home charger of their own. 

The new venture joins major initiatives from Electrify America, a Volkswagen funded EV station program, and Tesla with Supercharging, to build out a nationwide network of charging stations. 

GM is delaying the launch of the new inline-6 diesel engine bound for the GMC Sierra 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado 1500.  No longer available for ordering on the 2019s, GM has pushed the availability into the 2020 model year. 

According the GM, the emissions certification process on the engine is taking longer than normal.   Customers who ordered a 2019 Silverado or Sierra with the diesel engine will have their orders canceled and will need to resubmit the order for a 2020 model year vehicle once they become available for order.  GM has yet to open orders for 2020 truck models with the diesel engine, but a GM spokesperson said that it will be "soon".

Assuming the current pricing holds, the 3.0 liter Duramax diesel will be priced $2,495 over a 5.3 liter V8 and $2,890 over the 4-cylinder 2.7-liter turbo. 

Meanwhile for 2020, GM is expanding the availability of adaptive cruise control and the 10-speed automatic across the lineup.  At Chevy, the Silverado will now have the optional 6.2 liter V8 on five out of the eight trim levels.  The 6.2 V8 will be paired with the 10-speed automatic and available on the Custom Trail Boss, RST, LT Trail Box, LTZ, and High Country. At GMC, the CarbonPro box will be available at no additional cost when paired with certain other packages on the Sierra AT4 and Sierra Denali, while the double cab Sierra Elevation Trim will now also be available in a crew cab. 

Maven, General Motors' car-sharing service launched in 2016 will be ceasing operation in several cities in the U.S.

The news was first broken by the Wall Street Journal on Monday and has been confirmed by a GM spokeswoman. Eight out of the seventeen markets that the service operates including Boston and Chicago will be closed down within the next few months. According to the spokeswoman, the shutdown is due to GM wanting to "concentrate on markets in which we have the strongest current demand and growth potential." Those markets in question include Detroit, Los Angeles, and Toronto.

Another possible reason is the lack of awareness of Maven in the eight markets being shut down. There isn't enough demand for people wanting to use car-sharing or wanting to allow the use of their vehicles.

Source: Wall Street Journal (Subscription Required), Automotive News (Subscription Required)

Among General Motor's restructuring and cost slashing activities of 2018, GM was apparently in talks to sell their headquarters in Detroit.  GM bought the Renaissance Center in 1996 for $70 million and has made substantial renovations over the years.   The RenCen, as it is also known, was originally built by Ford in 1971 who later sold it in the 1980s.

The potential buyer was billionaire Dan Gilbert.  Talks fell through rather early because the aging structure requires expensive upgrades to its heating and air conditioning systems along with other renovations. There does not appear to be another buyer in talks with GM at this time.

News of the potential sale follow a year of cost cutting measures by the company that include closing five North American plants and cutting up to 14,000 jobs.  The company hopes to have $6 Billion in annual savings by 2020. 

 “General Motors has developed an all-new digital vehicle platform necessary for its next-generation of vehicles, EVs, active safety, infotainment and connectivity features, and the evolution of the Super Cruise driver assistance feature.” To quote their press release.

We have heard that GM has their next EV platform that will cover multiple new auto’s and that GM has their global ICE auto platform. The one thing that no one has talked about is the nervous system that is underneath these new autos.

Tesla has proven that technology can sell and that the younger generation is wanting an auto to stay current much like their smartphone and yet not be a challenge to upgrade such as some OEMs have done with requiring you to come in and get them to flash the Powertrain with a USB thumb drive or the NAV system with a new expensive DVD update.

GM has their mission and vision for a world with zero crashes, zero emissions and zero congestion. To achieve this in both auto’s meant GM needed a new electronic platform.

The 2020 Cadillac CT5 will be the start of the Generals 3 year roll out to have all GM built global autos on a single new powerful electric platform. This new platform is not a thing that dealerships will be selling as most people will not care about the fact that starting with the CT5 this car will be capable of processing 4.5 Terabytes of data per hour, a five-fold increase over GM’s current electrical architecture. Depending on the system in the auto, every auto will have 100Mbs, 1Gbps and 10Gbps ethernet connections both internally and externally.

With this new electric platform, GM has also built in an encrypted Cybersecurity as a key pillar of this new architecture. The Cybersecurity has multiple protective features at both hardware and software levels reflecting GM’s push for safe and secure autos.

GM is among the first automakers with a dedicated and integrated Product Cybersecurity organization. This group is focused on insuring that every new auto GM puts out will be protected against unauthorized access to the vehicle and customer data.

GM is also chairing the Auto-ISAC (Automotive Information Sharing & Analysis Center), a public and private-sector of partners that share and analyzes intelligence about emerging cybersecurity risks for the auto industry.

GM like the Smartphone industry will make standard all software updates for their auto’s over the air enabling adoption of functionality upgrades throughout the lifespan of the vehicle with no need to come to the dealership to get them.

GM autos will have a new Nervous system, a new electric system that for some would could cause concern that things would get overly complicated. This is where GM empowered the new engineering team to think outside the box and clean sheet what it would take to for the long future road of auto tech.

According to the magazine Wired, after GM press announcement on their new electric platform, GM’s director of electrical components and subsystems Al Adams talked with Wired. Mr. Adams says this is the little-appreciated, tucked-away guts of an auto that is not noticed till it does not work. This new electrical system will roll out over the next 36 months to standardize GM’s 56 models across four brands

Mr. Adams says this is equal to having an original iPhone and trading it in for an iPhone 7 in terms of the power it will add to the autos.  This will allow a standardization of Super Cruise and other safety features to be rolled out throughout the whole global product lines.

The biggest benefit that Mr. Adams says this will do is to simplify the auto’s which today have 30 to 40 separate computers controlling a wide range of feature / functions. This is double what it was only 10 years ago. This new electronic platform will bring it back to a single enterprise multi-core computer running the whole auto. This new platform ended up reducing the amount of multiple wire strands being run reducing a noticeable amount of weight in the autos.

300 electrical engineers and computer scientist filed more than 100 patents and benchmarked the new auto cybersecurity system against defense and aviation systems with a focus on message authentication. This allows the cruise control system to know that the radar is really talking to it when it says the road is clear ahead and not some external source. Millions of miles of testing have gone into this new robust platform to ensure that the auto’s being built will last for decades through any type of weather.

To quote Mr. Adams, “Software is the Next Battleground!” in the auto war.

When General Motors announced that it would be potentially selling its Lordstown plant to electric car start-up Workhorse Group Inc, there was a fair amount of head-scratching. The company is best for their W-15 range-extended pickup (which has been delayed) and electric vans. They are also known for the Surefly octocopter drone their former CEO Steve Burns is trying to sell.

Why the skepticism? Workhorse isn't looking so good on the financial sheets. Back in March, Trucks.com published a report talking about the various financial setbacks the company has been facing. From their story,

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Workhorse has almost no revenue, posting just $21,000 for the last three months of 2018, down from $5.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2017. The quarterly loss was $17.7 million, compared to a loss of $11.7 million a year earlier.

For all of 2018, sales were $763,000, compared to $10 million in 2017. The company lost $36.5 million last year, compared with a $41.2 million loss in 2017.

Workhorse reduced its loss by spending less on research and development for Surefly and an electric mail delivery van that it would build in partnership with V.T. Hackney. The two companies are one of five teams competing to build the next-generation delivery truck for the U.S. Postal Service.

With practically no cash to buy parts, Workhorse pledged all of its assets at the end of the year to get a $35 million loan from Marathon Asset Management, a New York-based hedge fund. Workhorse spent most of the first $10 million to unwind a loan deal it signed last July with Arosa Capital. The remaining $25 million can be drawn down as needed, but not for everything.

The news hasn't gotten any better in 2019. Their most recent financial statement to the SEC reveals the company has $2,847,936 of on-hand cash at the end of March. They also reported a net loss of $6,264,172.

"Workhorse appears to be a very slow-moving venture that has a lot of risk, and no massive amount of funding. Lordstown is a massive facility, and despite some investments over the years, I don't believe it would be easily converted to build electric pickups without substantial investment," said Jeff Schuster, an industry analyst for LMC Automotive to The Detroit News.

But Workhorse has a plan for this. Both the News and Trucks.com report that “newly formed entity” would be created and Workhorse would be a minority stakeholder. The entity "would own Lordstown and use Workhorse technology and intellectual property to build a vehicle." Where would the business get the capital to this is unclear. Workhorse spokesman Tom Colton declined to comment when asked about possible funding sources.

“There’s got to be some big contract behind this because Workhorse’s financials and forecasts just don’t merit a plant that makes 450,000 units a year,” said Kristin Dziczek, director of the labor and industry group for the Center for Automotive Research.

There is also the issue of utilizing all of that space that Lordstown offers - 6.2 million square feet. Analysis done by LMC says Workhorse would need to produce 410,000 trucks and vans per year to reach full capacity. At the moment, LMC forecasts Workhorse producing between 5,000 to 10,000 vehicles.

Again, Workhorse may have a solution. Here is GM Spokesman Jim Cain speaking to The Detroit News,

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"There was also once a little start-up called Tesla building a couple-hundred electric vehicles at a huge plant in Fremont, California," GM spokesman Jim Cain said, referring to Elon Musk's Tesla Inc. operating out of a plant once jointly operated by GM and Toyota Motor Corp. "Workhorse has defined a similar niche in (electric) commercial vehicles; they're one of the finalists to build new trucks for the U.S. Postal Service — there is some substance there."

As mentioned earlier, Workhorse is one of the five finalists on building new trucks for the U.S. Postal Service. They are teamed up with VT Hackney - a company that builds specialized bodies for work trucks - Emergency services and Beverage trucks to give some examples. The contract is worth $6.3 billion. But Jalopnik reported yesterday that the post office truck would not be built in Lordstown.

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Tom Colton, who is representing Workhorse in the potential deal, told me last week that they’re not looking to build that USPS vehicle in Lordstown, should they win the contract. He made clear the two are completely separate ventures.

As it stands, there are a lot of questions and unknowns about this possible deal.

Source: The Detroit News, Trucks.com

In a series of tweets today, Trump announced that General Motors will be selling their Lordstown plant to electric truck maker Workhorse.  Lordstown was shut down in March of this year and formerly built the Chevrolet Cruze.  The details of the plant sale have not yet been announced.

Workhorse is a Cincinnati based company who builds EV pickups with a built in range extender, similar in concept to the Chevrolet Volt.  Workhorse's sole model is the W-15, capable of driving up to 80 miles on a charge before a gasoline powered range extender kicks in. It uses two motors to provide all-wheel drive. The only configuration available is an extended cab with 6.5 foot bed. They can tow up to 5,000 lbs and have a payload of 2,200 lbs.  Pricing starts at $54,500 before tax credits. 

Workhorse intends to start production for the retail market sometime in 2019.  Fleet orders have already started. 

GM is not denying any of the information in the tweets from Trump. 

Update: General Motors has confirmed that talks are ongoing.

Fresh on the news that Ford invested $500 million into electric truck startup Rivian in order to gain access to the startup's EV platform, General Motors CE) Mary Barra confirmed that General Motors is working on an EV pickup of their own.

This was during an investors earnings call when Barra said GM has "an industry-leading truck franchise as well as EV capability" and that the company "would not cede our leadership on either front".

Talks between Rivian and GM were rumored to have broken down over GM's insistence that they have exclusive access to the platform.  If that is the case, then there is a possibility that Ford may not be the only manufacturer other than Rivian to use the skateboard platform.

Any EV from GM will likely use GM's new BEV3 platform that it plans to unveil in 2021.  GM plans for at least 20 all-electric or fuel-cell vehicles by 2023.

The GMC Build and Price tool has let the details slip on the power ratings of the upcoming inline-6 diesel due to be released in the Sierra and Silverado in a few weeks.  The 3.0 liter turbo diesel will produce 277 hp at 3,750 rpm and 460 lb-ft at a mere 1,500 rpm. The only transmission choice will be the 10-speed automatic. These numbers are SAE certified and verified by GM. The diesel motor will be available on LT and above trims on the Chevy and on all GMC trims except the base.

These numbers make the GM six more powerful than Ford's V6 Powerstroke diesel which runs at 250 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque.  The New Ram 1500 still hasn't gotten a diesel unit, but it will probably be the same rating as the 260 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque in the Jeep Gladiator.

One area still unknown on the GM unit is fuel economy. The Ford F-150 Powerstroke is EPA estimated for 30 mpg highway/25 combined/22 city. 

The GM diesels 1500 trucks will be at dealerships this summer. 

Related:

GM Announced this morning that the company will be investing $300 million and adding 400 jobs at its Orion Township, Michigan assembly plant.  The investment will go towards facilities to produce a new electric vehicle for the Chevrolet brand.

The new vehicle will be the second such vehicle, after the Cadillac EV Crossover, to be built on GM's new BEV3 platform, an advance version of the same platform that underpins the Chevrolet Bolt EV.  

The Orion plant currently builds the Chevrolet Sonic, Chevrolet Bolt EV, and the Cruise AV test vehicles. There are about 880 hourly and 130 salary employees working there.

Along with the investment announcement for Orion, GM is announcing another $1.8 billion in U.S. manufacturing. This comes on the heels of the closure of the Lordstown assembly plant in Eastern Ohio.  The plant was the subject of a series of tweets by the President in an attempt to get GM to either sell the plant or quickly reopen it.  GM has said that it has 2,700 job openings available for the 2,800 employees that have been displaced by the recent idling of 5 of its facilities. 

Trump posted multiple tweets regarding the closure of GM's Lordstown Ohio plant today.  In those tweets he says he has spoken to GM CEO Mary Barra about his displeasure over the closing of the facility.  He said he demanded swift action on either the selling of the plant or reopening it.   He further stated the Ms. Barra blamed the UAW for the closure.

In a further series of tweets, Trump mentioned that GM and the UAW will be starting talks in September of this year, but that he is impatient with that timeline.  Claiming that we have one of the best economies in history, he wants to see the plant opened or sold to another car company.  While Lordstown has shuttered on reality, on paper it still needs to negotiate its closure with the UAW during contract negotiations later this year. 

In a report last week, it appears that General Motors has something in the works for the Lordstown plant that Governor DeWine said could be a possible sale of Lordstown. 

Some have pondered why Trump is focusing on the Lordstown facility out of all 5 GM plant closures and the answer seems to be in Ohio's status as a presidential election swing state. 

UAW 1112 President David Green has sent multiple letters to Trump asking for his assistance to help save the facility, but at last report has not heard back from the administration.

After announcing the closure of 5 plants back in November, General Motors ended production of the Chevrolet Cruze at the Lordstown Ohio assembly plant last week.  Now, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has said that in his discussions with General Motors, that the company has plans to make an announcement in about 4 to 6 weeks.  DeWine said that it is his understanding that GM is looking to sell the plant, but that he doesn't know who GM is talking to. 

While he reiterated his uncertainty, he said

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"It’s clear to me that they’re looking at not putting a new line of General Motors in there. They’re looking at something else. What that else is, I don’t know. But it’s clear from our discussions that there is something actively going on."

The governor stated he or his office is in contact with GM at least twice a week. 

The Buick LaCrosse and Chevrolet Volt have entered that great used car lot in the sky as of February 15th according to a GM announcement.  The Cadillac CT6 and Chevrolet Impala were originally scheduled to end production in June of 2019 but have now had their production schedules extended until January 2020. GM states that the reason for the extension is to allow for continued availability of the CT6-V, Blackwing Twin-Turbo V8, and Super Cruise. The Cadillac CT6 is also built in Jinqiao, China.

GM had announced the closure of 5 plants back in November, including Hamtramck.  Lordstown Ohio will be the first plant to be unallocated with production stopping March 1st.  GM has stated that this restructuring would boost company cash flow by $6B by the end of 2020. 

GM has announced total investments of $56M for capacity expansion to be spread over two of its existing manufacturing plants GM said in a press statement.  

$20M will be going to its Romulus Michigan propulsion plant to expand capacity of 10-speed transmission manufacturing. The investment will be used to purchase additional machining equipment.  GM 10-speed is used in their full-size rear-wheel drive SUVs and trucks. The Romulus plant currently employs about 1,350 people and also builds V6 engines. Expansion of the Romulus plant implies GM is preparing to expand the transmission to more models. 

An additional $36M in investment will go into its Lansing Delta Township plant to expand production and get ready for the refreshed Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enclave crossovers. Built in 2006, Lansing Delta Township is GM's newest manufacturing facility. 

General Motors is launching a new brand to sell electric bikes in Europe. The brand, ARĪV (pronounced Arrive) will launch first in German, Belgium, and the Netherlands, countries where lithium-ion powered bikes are already popular.

Two models will be offered, the Meld at 2,800€ and the foldable Merge (shown above) at 3,400€.  

Both bikes include Bluetooth technology for riders to track metrics such as speed, distance, battery level, and more. A USB port is included to help charge riders phones while underway.

GM's experience in automotive EV technology was used for developing the powertrain on these bikes. The motor provides top of the segment torque for its size and enables speeds of up to 25 kph. The ARĪV battery charges from empty in about 3 1/2 hours with up to a 40-mile range on a single charge.

Shipments of the bikes are scheduled to begin in Q2 of 2019.

Today is not a pleasant day if you're a white collar employee at General Motors. Last Friday, reports came out that GM would begin significant layoffs on their white-collar workforce. 

Back in November, GM announced that it would be slashing 8,000 white-collar workers as part of plans to reduce costs. Already, 2,250 workers have agreed to voluntary buyouts. This leaves 5,750 workers waiting to be cut. But a GM spokesman Pat Morrissey said the number of people being laid off will be roughly around 4,000 people. Morrissey also confirmed that the layoffs will take around two weeks to complete.

"This will be implemented staff-by-staff and location-by-location over the next couple of weeks. We’re not going to get into which departments and when and where it’s happening. Some staffs have already implemented this over the last few weeks, but there’s more of it this week and next week," said Morrissey to the Detroit Free Press.

Various unnamed GM employees have told the Free Press they have been told about the cuts either by leadership or through email. One unnamed employee said the cuts were to begin at 9:30 A.M. and continue till 6:30 P.M.

The severance package being offered to workers will depend on how long they worked at GM. According to Automotive News, those who have worked at the company for 12 or more years will get a similar package to those who took the voluntary buyouts late last year - executives got a full- year of pay, while non-executives got six months. Health care benefits would be continued as part of the package.

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required), Detroit Free Press

"Yesterday, General Motors met with representatives with Canadian union Unifor - the second in less in two weeks. Talks centered around Oshawa with Unifor pleading to reconsider plans of phasing out products at the plant to keep 3,000 jobs. But those talks went nowhere as GM is moving forward with their restructuring plans.

"Unfortunately, all Unifor’s proposals would involve substantial incremental costs and a further deterioration of GM’s competitive position. Having completed an analysis of Unifor’s proposals, GM has determined that it cannot pursue them because they would not combat the declining economic and market factors that must be addressed," wrote GM's vice president of manufacturing and labor relations Gerald Johnson and president of GM Canada Travis Hester to Unifor president Jerry Dias in a letter.

Unifor had proposed a number of ideas to GM keep Oshawa open including "continuing production of older trucks while the company looks for a longer-term option," according to The Detroit News. GM said no to the various ideas, but will support "retraining opportunities for Oshawa employees and working with businesses in the region to help facilitate relocation when the plant phases out production."

Dias wasn't too happy with the result of talks, saying at a press conference yesterday that GM leaders "in my opinion haven’t reached deep enough or far enough to find a solution. We are not accepting the closure of our Oshawa facilities under any circumstance."

Workers at Oshawa's afternoon shift staged a sit-down protest yesterday starting around 5:00 P.M. and lasting till 9:45 when GM decided to send them home. Photos and videos posted to Unifor Canada show workers sitting at their stations and buzzers sounding off. Automotive News reports that a second sit-down protest took place this morning for 90 minutes at 8:00 A.M.

“We understand our union’s frustration but need to now work together to deliver support, transition and training for our employees for new opportunities over the coming year,” GM Canada spokeswoman Jennifer Wright.

It is unclear if the protests will continue or how much production was lost. What is certain is that Unifor will hold a mass rally in Windsor on Friday.

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required), The Detroit News

We've known for some time that both Tesla and General Motors would soon be reaching the 200,000 sales mark for electrics, meaning that $7,500 tax credit would begin phasing out. Yesterday, we reported Tesla cut prices on their 2019 model year vehicles to soften the blow. But what about GM?

A source told Reuters that GM hit the 200,000 model milestone during the fourth quarter of last year - most likely happening in December. This begins the 15-month phase-out which will see the credit drop to $3,750 in April, $1,875 in October, and then disappear next April. GM declined to comment about this, but we're likely to find out later this morning as the company will be announcing fourth-quarter sales.

Source: Reuters

General Motors got a rude awakening if they picked up a copy of the Detroit Free Press or Detroit News. Right on the front page is a large ad by Canadian union Unifor accusing GM executives of having the lack of support toward Canadian and U.S. plant workers after announcing certain products would be "unallocated" and bringing up the possible worry of plant closures.

One ad says, "U.S. and Canadian workers made GM," that follows with the question, "Why should our jobs and our products go to Mexico? Keep our plants open."

Automotive News notes that the ads weren't in any Candian papers. The most likely reason for that is that Unifor officials would be meeting with GM today at the Renaissance Center.

“GM needs to know that we are not accepting their announcement. It is crystal clear to myself and the leadership of the union that GM is leaving Canada. The newspaper ads are to let them know we are dead serious,” said Unifor president Jerry Dias.

Dias said the ads are to show GM that it will have “a real problem” selling new vehicles to consumers on either side of the border starting next year.

“GM has betrayed consumers in Canada and the United States. People are finally saying to GM, ‘You have gone too far.’ This is going on on both sides of the border,” he said.

GM in an emailed statement to Automotive News said, "The GM restructuring decisions are extremely difficult for all of us in Oshawa, but we believe the best approach is to work together to support our employees including support for local training and transition initiatives in the Durham Region. We remain strongly committed to Canada and will continue to engage in dialogue with Unifor."

GM also confirmed the meeting with Unifor but declined to provide any details about it.

Kristin Dziczek, vice president of Industry, Labor & Economics at the Center for Automotive Research said Unifor faces an uphill battle with GM as their negotiations don't till 2020, a year after the UAW does theirs.

"The UAW is going to go after any new product allocations for their two plants that are set to close and others that are underutilized," she said.

"If there's product to be got, the UAW is going to go after it first."

Dziczek also notes that Unifor's ads have "somewhat have a point" regarding GM's plants in Mexico, which are more utilized than many plants in Canada and the U.S.

"They have to look like they're fighting like mad, and there are lots of ways of doing that. This is one way."

We have a picture of the ad from the Detroit Free Press below if you're interested in what it looks like.

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

General Motors' upcoming restructuring plan where more than 10,000 jobs will be cut and five factories losing products has caused many politicians to become very upset. Yesterday, CEO Mary Barra traveled to Capitol Hill to try an mitigate the social damage by this announcement. Those expecting Barra to backpedal or balk under pressure from various lawmakers on moving production of certain vehicles out of Mexico to plants in the U.S. would come away disappointed. 

“I want to make sure that the workforce knows that there are limitations and we do have an overcapacity across the country. I understand this is something that impacts the country and I understand that there is a lot of emotion and concern about it,” Barra told reporters in a press conference after meeting Senators Sherrod Brown (Democrat) and Rob Portman (Republican) of Ohio.

The two senators have been critical about the plan and pushed Barra in their meeting to get a new product in Lordstown, whether that be one of the 20 new EVs GM is planning or move production of the Chevrolet Blazer from Mexico.

“GM says it expects to build 20 new EVs in next five years. We want one or more of those vehicles to be built in Lordstown, Ohio. That’s where it belongs,” said Portman.

Barra said during the meeting she'll "keep an open mind but she doesn't want to raise expectations."

Speaking to Reuters, Barra said it would “very costly” to shift production from Mexico of the Chevrolet Blazer that will begin shortly. But she did mention "GM planned to add other products at U.S. plants next year." Whether that includes Lordstown or not remains to be seen as negotiations with the UAW kick off next year.

President Donald Trump has been very critical of this plan, saying he could eliminate federal subsidies on electric cars - something that would hurt other automakers more than GM as it's close to 200,000 mark where the $7,500 subsidy begins to fade. When asked about this, Barra gave an indirect answer.

“I understand this is something that impacts the country and I understand that there is a lot of emotion and concern about it,” said Barra.

She continued by saying GM wanted to “do the right thing for our employees but also make sure General Motors is strong and lean in the future.”

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required), Detroit Free Press, Reuters

GM Statement: Chairman and CEO Mary Barra on meetings with members of Congress from Ohio and Maryland

“I had very constructive meetings with members of Congress from Ohio and Maryland. I share their concerns about the impact the actions we announced last week will have on our employees, their families and the communities. These were very difficult decisions -- decisions I take very personally. I informed the members that many hourly employees at the impacted U.S. plants will have the opportunity to work at other U.S. GM plants and that we are committed to working with them to minimize the impact on the communities. I also informed them that all salaried GM workers impacted by these actions are being offered outplacement services to help them transition to new jobs.”

General Motors' announcement to idle and possibly close five plants next year comes around the same time that the company begins their negotiations with the United Auto Workers (UAW). Already, the UAW has said they would go "through every legal, contractual and collective bargaining avenue open to our membership," to try and keep the plants.

GM's rationale for the move is to improve profitability and help reduce the underutilization of its plants. As we reported last week, GM represents 1 million of the 3.2 million units of underutilized capacity in the U.S. through October.

We should note that GM did not say they were going to close down the plants. They used the word "unallocated". We'll let The Detroit News explain why.

Quote

But GM was careful last week in its restructuring announcement when it addressed the affected plants, coining a new term: "unallocated."

The reason: to avoid the words "idle" or "close," which are explicitly addressed in the 2015 agreement between GM and the UAW. The "Plant Closing and Sale Moratorium," outlined on page 356 of the agreement, states that GM will not will not close or idle "in any form, any plant, asset, or business unit of any type" outside of collective bargaining, with a caveat for extreme market conditions or an "act of God."

1

Emphasis mine. Under the current contract, GM cannot close or idle any plant unless it is done through the collective bargaining process. By not providing any future products, GM may have found a loophole they can use in the negotiations. But it may have opened up a Pandora's box. 

"This was long planned through intentional strategic investment decisions and product movement over our objections. They may have kept the news about it quiet, but this was planned and had to be gradually executed long before sales numbers were known,” the UAW said in a statement to the News.

"GM and the UAW will talk about numerous topics that affect our employees and our business during 2019 negotiations. As always, our intent is to work with the UAW constructively to address our business challenges in a way that keeps the company competitive in these changing market conditions," GM said in a statement.

Source: The Detroit News

General Motors took a page out Fiat Chrysler Automobiles' playbook by continuing the build the outgoing-generation Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra alongside the next-generation models in an effort to keep sales up. But sooner or later, the previous-generation models will end production. When is that?

During GM's third-quarter earnings call, CFO Dhivya Suryadevarat said the automaker would begin winding down production the K2 crew cab models early next year, followed by double cab and regular cab models beginning in "the early second half of next year." 

GM's Oshawa, Ontario plant has been helping with the production of the outgoing models. According to Automotive News, Oshawa receives unfinished Silverado and Sierra double cab bodies from the Fort Wayne, Indiana plant. Models are painted and undergo final assembly. Known as the "Oshawa shuttle," it started at the beginning of the year and would add heavy-duty pickups and a second production shift in the summer. GM spokeswoman Kim Carpenter told AN the program is expected to "run into late 2019 based on market demand."

Production of the next-generation (T1) pickups began in July at Fort Wayne, followed by double cab models last month. GM's Silao, Mexico plant will begin production of the regular and crew cab models in January. Unlike FCA, which experienced a number of problems with the launch of the next-generation Ram 1500, GM was able to deliver 45,000 next-generation pickups in the third-quarter.

The big question is what happens to the hourly workers building the trucks at Oshawa. GM declined to comment, but AN speculates they could be laid off or moved to other positions.

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

GM reported an income of $2.5 Billion for the third quarter of 2018 today with strong showings in North America, China, and GM Financial.  Automotive operating cash flow was up by $1.3 billion to $2.5 billion. Overall earnings per share diluted was $1.75.

In North America, margin is up to 10.2% driven mostly by sales of all-new full-size trucks and continued good sales of crossovers, China reported equity income of $0.5 billion, while GM Financial reported revenues of $0.5 billion. 

During the period, GM delivered nearly 700,000 vehicles in the US with average transaction prices of $36,000.  In China, sales were up 10% year to date to nearly 836,000 vehicles. In China, Cadillac continues to do well, up 4% year over year and up 20% year to date.  Bolt EV production is being increased by 20% to meet growing demand.

Source:  General-Motors-Q3-2018-Earnings-Press-Release.pdf

By the end of next year, GM's self-driving car unit was planning to have a fleet of self-driving taxis available those in San Fransisco, California. But a new report from Reuters casts some serious doubts on this goal.

Speaking to a number of current and former GM and Cruise Automation employees, and autonomous vehicle technology experts, Reuters' report paints a picture of various issues that could derail Cruise's goal.

• The driverless Cruise vehicles (Chevrolet Bolt EVs) have struggled to determine whether objects on the road are moving or stationary. Example: Vehicles have stopped or hesitated when driving past a group of parked bicycles or motorcycles.
• Software has failed to identify pedestrians, "and has mistakenly seen phantom bicycles, causing the cars to brake erratically"
• Sources claim that software also slows the messages between the car’s sensors and computers
• Cruise doesn't have a data-sharing collaboration with the San Francisco Fire Department - necessary to train the cars when a fire truck is responding to an emergency.
• Numerous milestones have been missed such as logging a million miles a month by early 2018.

Cruise is aware of the various issues. CEO Kyle Vogt told Reuters said the next-generation of hardware and software would solve various issues. 

General Motors' President Dan Ammann said that the 2019 goal would only move forward "if the Cruise system achieves the safety standards the automaker has established, and shown to regulators."

At the current moment, that goal seems quite far away.

Source: Reuters

General Motors is recalling 1,015,918 pickup trucks from the 2015 model year due to a problem with the electric power steering (EPS) system. In a letter published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration yesterday, the EPS may momentarily lose assist before regaining it.

"If EPS assist is lost and then suddenly returns, the driver may have difficulty steering the vehicle, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash," wrote NHTSA.

The models affected include,

• Cadillac Escalade
• Chevrolet Silverado
• Chevrolet Suburban
• Chevrolet Tahoe
• GMC Sierra
• GMC Yukon

The fix is simple as dealers will update the EPS software. No word on when GM will begin the recall.

GM issued a similar recall for about 700,000 Chevrolet and GMC trucks in the US last year.

Source: NHTSA (PDF)
Pic Credit: William Maley for Cheers & Gears

Yesterday, we brought forth some spy photos of a new GMC subcompact crossover. At the time, we couldn't be certain to this as the two mules caught were under a lot of camouflage. But today we are confident in this as a fresh set of spy photos have come in revealing next Buick Encore and Chevrolet Trax.

Both of the mules seen in the photos were caught testing on General Motors' proving grounds outside of Detroit. The Encore appears to be taking the evolutionary approach with its redesign. There is still the rounded shape and rising glass on the rear doors. A similar grille design to the Regal is up front. Chevrolet is taking a more drastic approach with the next Trax. The frumpy styling of the current model is out and a design inspired by the new Blazer is in. We can make out the split headlight arrangement and a large grille for the front. Other details that jump out include a wide hood and sharp corners.

Its unclear whether or not both models will still use Gamma-2 or transition to the VSS-S architecture.

Source: Autoblog, Motor1

When General Motors decided to study the Ford F-150 to help make the next-generation Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra, they sent engineers to the front door of where the F-150 is built. 

According to Reuters, engineers went on a public factory tour of Ford's Dearborn truck plant to study how Ford was building them. Special attention was paid to workers attaching aluminum body panels to the trucks. After watching and timing the fitment of parts with stopwatches, GM engineers found some problems.

“They had a real hard time getting those doors to fit,” said Tim Herrick, executive chief engineer for GM truck programs.

Focusing on the doors, engineers bought F-150 doors as parts and took them apart. What they realized is that they could cut weight in their trucks with a combination of aluminum and thinner high strength steel for a lower cost. 

GM could have gone all-aluminum with their trucks. Herrick said the debate at the company “was a really hotly contested item for us.” But at the end of the day, the decision to use mixed metals will allow for a larger profit on the trucks.

“We think we have thousands of dollars advantage (over Ford) just in the aluminum costs. It’s big,” said Herrick.

Source: Reuters

Tripower is one of General Motors' most revered names. Used on Pontiac V8 engines from 1957-1966, Tripower referred to the use of three two-barrel carburetors on top of the engine. GM is bringing back the name for the next-generation Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra. But in this case, Tripower carries a very different meaning.

At the CAR Management Briefing Seminars yesterday, Mike Anderson, GM's executive director of global transmission and electrification hardware engineering said Tripower will now "refer to a suite of technologies that boosts horsepower and fuel economy" for the new 2.7L turbo-four. According to Automotive News, Tripower will include cylinder deactivation, intake valve lift control, and active thermal management.

The new engine is expected launch sometime after the new trucks begin arriving at dealers this fall.

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

It has been a tense couple of months at GM Korea. Back in February, the company announced a restructuring plan for the division which included the closure of the Gunsan plant (one of the four plants operating in South Korea), and voluntary redundancies for 2,600 workers to stem the hemorrhaging of cash. Recently, GM has been pushing its workers’ union for concessions that would total $80 million. This is part of an effort to get a $500 million injection from the South Korean government to pay suppliers and workers. The workers union weren't buying, threatening to strike and trashing company executive offices earlier this month. Then GM threw down the gauntlet, either agree to the concessions by April 20th or we begin bankruptcy proceedings.

“Without concessions from the labor union and clear resolution from stakeholders, the company has no choice but to go ahead with rehabilitation proceedings,” said GM Korea executive Kaher Kazem in an email to employees.

Unfortunately, the date passed with no agreement and it seemed bankruptcy was on the horizon. But both GM and union rep would continue to talk over the weekend to see if a deal could be reached. At the 11th hour, an agreement was reached.

“Through the latest agreement, GM Korea will be a competitive manufacturing company,” said Kazem in a statement today.

According to Reuters who got to see the deal, the union agreed to freeze base wages, skip bonuses for this year, and cut back on benefits.

“The labor union made huge concessions to save the company,” said Hong Young-pyo, a lawmaker of the ruling Democratic Party who worked on the mediation between the two groups.

A union spokesman declined to comment when contacted by Reuters, only saying that workers will vote on the agreement later this week.

The deal now allows the Korean government to fund Korea Development Bank (KDB) - the second largest shareholder in GM Korea - to provide support. It also allows GM to allocate two new models for the region. But some analysts are still uncertain as to the future of GM Korea. Labor costs, poor sales, and expensive export costs have some wondering if GM is in it for the long run or are planning an exit strategy.

“GM has extended the lifeline of GM Korea, but not sure how long it will last,” said Lee Hang-koo, a senior research fellow at Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade.

Source: Reuters

If you happen to be an owner of a General Motors vehicle and are looking to earn some cash, then a new pilot program might be of interest. Bloomberg has learned from sources that GM is planning to launch a program where owners can rent out their vehicles when they aren't driving them - think AirBnb for cars. This will be launch through GM's Maven car-sharing service sometime this summer. A GM spokesman declined to comment.

This appears to be another part of GM's plan to transition from manufacturer to mobility provider. GM already has their car-sharing service Maven and invested $500 million into ride-hailing service Lyft.

This idea of allowing owners to rent out their vehicles isn't new. Companies like Turo and Getaround have been doing the same thing for a number of years. But Alexandre Marian, a director in the automotive and industrial practice at consultant AlixPartners LLP said GM could have one big advantage, having a huge network of vehicle owners that could be part of the service.

But there is a big risk for owners who decide to offer their vehicles up for rent, what happens if they get into an accident? Maven provides liability coverage for its renters. If you offer your vehicle through Turo have the choice of adding commercial coverage through their own insurance or one of the insurance companies that have partnered with the service. We're expecting GM to have some solution in place if they decide to go forward with this program.

Source: Bloomberg

This past year has seen General Motors not be shy with scaling back operations in various international markets. The company sold off Opel/Vauxhall to PSA Group, ended sales of Chevrolet vehicles in India, and closed down their operations in South Africa. Now, GM's Korea operations are on the chopping block.

Last week, GM CEO Mary Barra revealed that company officials were in discussion with minority owners and union officials that could lead to "some rationalization actions or restructuring."

"We're going to have to take actions going forward to have a viable business," said Barra during a conference call talking about GM's 2017 financial results.

Sales of GM vehicles in Korea have dropped 20 percent, while manufacturing costs have increased. This has made South Korea a poor place to export vehicles to other markets.

This week, GM announced that it will shutter the Gunsan plant (one of the four plants operating in South Korea). The plant employs 2,000 out of the 16,000 workers employed at GM Korea. GM said the reason for the closure came down to high labor costs and low output. The plant only operated at 20 percent of its capacity last year according to Reuters. Unsurprisingly, the news angered the South Korean government and workers at the plant. 

“The government expresses deep regret over GM’s one-sided decision to suspend and shut down” the plant, the finance ministry said in a statement.

The ministry said it wants to conduct an audit of GM's operations help with the restructuring plan.

As for workers at Gunsan plant, workers staged a protest yesterday, declaring the move a “death sentence”, and threatening a strike.

“Let’s protect our right to live on our own,” said Kim Jae-hong, the leader of the workers’ union at the Gunsan branch.

A GM Korea spokesman said the company "would continue discussions with the union and seek their understanding over the closure plan." Workers though aren't fully buying this.

“We can’t accept this. The company informed us about the closure plan, not asking for our opinion. It was already the end of the discussions,” Dang Sung-geun, a senior official at the union of GM Korea told Reuters.

“This is like a death sentence notice before the Lunar New Year holidays.”

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required), Bloomberg, Reuters (2)

When the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra begin rolling off the assembly line sometime later this year, there will be a larger number of crew cabs.

GM's vice president of global product development, Mark Reuss tells Automotive News that the company has been "constrained' when it comes to the output of their crew cab pickups, a segment that has seen its popularity increase in recent years. Reuss said the company is planning to increase capacity for crew cabs with their next-generation pickups.

A Chevrolet spokesman said that crew cabs have grown from more than 50 percent of GM's truck sales in 2013 to more than 60 percent.

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

Despite General Motors mostly leaving the European market with the sale of Opel and Vauxhall to PSA Group earlier this year, the automaker isn't ruling out a full-scale return.

During a recent meeting of the Automotive Press Association in Detroit, GM CEO Mary Barra said the company would "absolutely" consider a return to the European market, adding that "nothing keeps us from going back." But it will be some time before GM decides to go back. According to Barra, the company would need to build out a lineup of "transformative products" like electric or self-driving vehicles to make it worthwhile.

General Motors does have a small presence in Europe with Cadillacs being sold by 45 dealers - most of them in Germany and Switzerland. The Chevrolet Camaro and Corvette are also sold in small numbers.

Source: Motor1

The 2019 model year looks to be the year of the full-size truck. Alongside a redesigned Ram 1500, General Motors will be launching their next-generation Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups. The new trucks will be bringing a number of improvements such as a lower curb weight thanks to new materials, updated powertrains, and some new tech. But the current-generation pickups will be sticking around for some time.

The Truth About Cars came across GM's 2019 VIN code documents that were submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In them, GM lists the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado Legacy and GMC Sierra Limited. These models will only be offered as a double cab with the 5.3L V8. Trims include base and LT/SLE. Production of these models will take place at GM's Oshawa, Ontario plant.

Source: The Truth About Cars

General Motors has announced plans of moving towards an electrified and self-driving future. But in the foreseeable future, the company's core business model of selling vehicles to drivers will not be going away.

“The owner-driver model will be there for a very long time. So far we see (mobility) as additive, but we see it as having potential to grow and be quite substantial,” said GM CEO Mary Barra during a meeting of the Automotive Press Association.

Most of GM's and other automaker's profits come from crossovers, pickup trucks, and SUVs. But GM is planning for a possible future where the automotive landscape is very different. Back in October, the automaker announced an ambitious plan of launching 20 electric and hydrogen vehicles by 2023 - two of those will launch within the next 18 months. The company is also planning to launch a driverless ride-sharing service in 2019.

Source: The Detroit News

General Motors had a field day when Ford switched from metal to aluminum for their truck beds. The company ran a series of ads showing how their metal beds could stand up to the rigors of a pickup truck's life compared to the Ford's. So it seems slightly ironic that GM is planning to use a lightweight material for their next-generation truck beds.

The Wall Street Journal and Automotive News have learned from sources that GM is planning to use carbon fiber in their full-size pickup beds. According to one source, carbon fiber will be part of a mix of different materials, including aluminum. The move makes sense as stricter fuel economy regulations come into effect. Finding ways to cut down on weight is a good way to boost fuel economy.

There is a big issue with carbon fiber, price. The material is very expensive to produce due to the long, labor-intensive process. The Journal reports that at first, the beds would be used on the premium versions of the trucks (High Country and Denali). It would trickle down to lower trims as "more efficient production processes" come online.

The new beds are expected to debut within the next two years.

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required), Wall Street Journal (Subscription Required)

PSA Group is demanding a refund from General Motors of between $711 million and $948 million stemming from the purchase of Opel by PSA.  PSA is claiming that GM misrepresented Opel's emissions reduction strategy during the due diligence negotiations.  

EU Emissions regulations for 2021 set a target reduction of 130 g/km to 95 g/km.  Regulators can fine manufacturers $113 per vehicle per gram over the limit. Any vehicle at the 130 g/km limit today would see fines of $3,955 per car sold. 

PSA claims that GM's plan for reaching that target relied on unrealistically high sales of the Opel Ampera-E, the European model of the US built Chevrolet Bolt EV, and extra rosy forecasts of diesel sales.  Opel loses $11,850 per Ampera-E sold. PSA has already cut sales of the Ampera-E in Norway and raised its price at least $6,700 for the rest of Europe.  Adding to the trouble are falling diesel sales in Europe as consumers move to less efficient gasoline engines. 

Even during the sale negotiations, PSA was was aware that GM was forecasting Opel to miss the 95 g/km target by 3.7 grams.  Take the Ampera-E forecast of 20,000 vehicles out out of the picture and that number jumps to 6 g/km. Adjusting for falling diesel sales and Opel will miss its target by 10 grams. Such a large miss could result in fines approaching the entire purchase price of Opel ($1.54 billion).

PSA is now speeding into production electric or plug-in hybrid variants of Opel's mainstay cars, with the entire lineup being converted to PSA platform architecture by 2024.

PSA must now go through GM lawyers and arbitration to determine if they will get any refund from GM.

General Motors CEO Mary Barra spoke yesterday at the Barclays Global Automotive Conference in New York. During her talk, Barra said the company expects to make a profit off electric vehicles once they launch their next-generation EV platform.

“We are working to provide desirable, obtainable and profitable vehicles that deliver a range of over 300 miles. There’s a lot of really creative things we’re doing to achieve that profitability point for that new platform,” Barra said to investors.

The next-generation modular platform, due in 2021 will play a pivotal role in GM's plan to launch 20 all-new electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles by 2023. The platform will help drop the total per-unit cost by 30 percent or more. It will be used across a number of GM brands and various segments.

GM is also working on a new battery system that will cut the per-kilowatt-hour from $145 to under $100 by 2021.

Before these two launches, GM will be introducing four new EV and hydrogen vehicles. Two of those will be launch by April 2019 according to a GM spokesman. At least two vehicles will be small crossovers according to Automotive News. It is expected the electric models will use the underpinnings of the Chevrolet Bolt.

The company has a set a goal of a million electric vehicles by 2026 - with most happening in China due to their strict production quotas for EVs. 

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required), Reuters