General Motors Chief Executive Mary Barra said in an interview with NBC News that the automaker's plan to convert its fleet to 100% electric will take place over the next few decades. The company's intentions are to phase out gasoline-powered cars, but that takes time.
GM remains committed to an all-electric future
Barra stressed that GM remains committed to its vision announced in 2018 of an all-electric future: โI wouldn't say we're going back on our commitment. We said in 2018 that we were committed to an all-electric future. But as this transformation takes place, it will happen over decades. ยป
She also expressed pride in GM's gasoline engines, which will remain in the lineup during this transition.
Ambitions revised downwards
In its initial communication more than 6 years ago, GM nevertheless spoke of a more ambitious timetable. A spokesperson has since clarified that the company is in fact working to sell exclusively electric vehicles by 2035.
The American electric market shows signs of weakness
In the United States, electric vehicle sales saw their first quarterly decline since the pandemic in Q1 2024, increasing only 3% year-over-year according to Cox Automotive.
The market is โworriedโ about these figures which do not support the idea of โโa rapid transition to electric cars, pushing certain brands to review their plans.
GM bets on a new platform
At GM, the majority of EV sales were based on the Chevrolet Bolt, the discontinuation of which was announced last year in favor of a new platform called Ultium, capable of equipping the entire electric range.
Barra wants customers to โchoose an electric vehicle because they love every aspect of it. And if that doesnโt fit their lifestyle, we have great gas vehicles in the same showroom that will meet their needs.โ
The trend is towards high-end models
According to Cox, the trend is rather towards increasing sales of more expensive models. Cadillac, for example, recorded growth of around 500% year-on-year, driven by the Lyriq SUV priced between $58,000 and $63,000.
Despite the stated ambitions and technological progress, the massive switch to electric cars still seems to come up against economic and political obstacles. Historic manufacturers like General Motors are forced to have it both ways, focusing on the gradual electrification of their range while continuing to offer popular thermal models. A transition that promises to be long-term.
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