QOTD: Filling Electric White Space?

Shedding models is a hot pastime at General Motors these days. As the automaker embarks on an electric product push, it was CEO Mary Barra’s axe that cleared the way… by chopping waning ICE-powered nameplates. With the recent loss of the Chevrolet Impala and Cadillac CT6, it seems the cull is nearly complete.

Lineup pared, GM now promises electric models in every segment and at every price point — a strategy made possible (and more importantly, profitable) by a modular electric vehicle platform juiced by cutting-edge Ultium battery tech.

With economies of scale supposedly on its side, which corner of the market should GM not ignore?

To illustrate the flexibility of its new architecture, GM issued a video showcasing potential showroom silhouettes. Crossovers, crossover coupes, sedans, pickups, and cube-like vans are all possible, with the platform allowing for rear-, front-, or all-wheel drive.

Battery size can be whatever GM wants.

While high-end buyers will be able to purchase a poorly named six-figure Cadillac sedan underpinned by this architecture, what about those looking for a bit of fun on the low end? Surely there’s room for a model GM beancounters would normally deep-six due to limited projected demand.

You author would like to see the new platform/battery combo finds its way into an electric version of the 2012 Chevrolet Code 130R concept vehicle — a sporty, low-end, rear-drive vaporware coupe that went absolutely nowhere, as per GM tradition.

Enliven that rear axle with a single motor and slot a modestly sized battery underneath. Market to Millennials who aren’t likely to ever have kids. Boom.

A pipe dream? Maybe. But this is an exercise in dreams. In your view, which bodystyle/layout/segment needs a spot in GM’s electrified lineup?

[Images: General Motors]