So, What Exactly Is GM's EV Plan?

Steph Willems
by Steph Willems

General Motors’ pledge to introduce 20 electric vehicles by 2023 sounded great to tech-obsessed investors and granola types, but the exact nature of these products, for the most part, remained hazy.

Sure, the Hummer name’s coming back, attached to a massive (and massively powerful) GMC pickup, and the Chevrolet Bolt’s getting a sibling, but what about the rest? Well, there’s news on that front.

In its annual sustainability report, GM sheds some light on these upcoming products. You already know about the Cadillac Lyriq and its very special (precious?) name, but you probably didn’t know the General’s premium brand plans to roll out a “globally-sized” three-row, midsize EV crossover, as well. Or a luxury full-size SUV that’s free of internal combustion.

Escalade twin? It seems so. GM says the big model “builds on the DNA” of that very model.

If this all sounds too tony and high-end, the brand also has an “attainable luxury” model in the works, aimed at buyers shopping in the compact XT4 section. And the Celestique halo car, well, that hand-built product earns the title of “Cadillac Celestiq Statement Vehicle” in the report, with the division mentioning a build rate of 1.2 vehicles per day.

Exclusive!

Less exclusive will be the aforementioned Bolt EUV, a small CUV that joins the Chevrolet lineup next year (that holds the distinction of being the first non-Cadillac offered with Super Cruise hands-off driver-assist). It’ll soon have company, with the Chevrolet brand planning to add a midsize EV crossover for those who like that sort of thing. And it seems the GMC Hummer will have a bowtie sibling/rival in the form of what GM currently refers to as a “Chevrolet BET Truck” — full-size product boasting a maximum driving range of 400 miles. Just like the Hummer.

For Buick, GM’s electrified ambitions spells two upcoming products: a conventionally proportioned crossover and a second utility vehicle boasting a “more expressive proportion with a greater emphasis on form and athletic fashion.” Is it possible we’ve already seen this particular vehicle?

At GM’s truck division, the near future holds the Hummer EV, but GMC plans to turn that vehicle into an “off-road-capable” SUV that retains the Hummer model name.

Lots of green on the way.

[Images: General Motors]

Steph Willems
Steph Willems

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  • SCE to AUX SCE to AUX on Jul 16, 2020

    "the Celestique halo car, well, that hand-built product earns the title of “Cadillac Celestiq Statement Vehicle” in the report, with the division mentioning a build rate of 1.2 vehicles per day" They're insane.

    • See 1 previous
    • Inside Looking Out Inside Looking Out on Jul 16, 2020

      Could you predict cult status of Escalade in 1998? If you told me back then that Escalade will be one of the most desirable luxury vehicles in USA I would think that you are insane.

  • Hurricanehole Hurricanehole on Jul 17, 2020

    Really. Granola types, is it still the 60/70’s? What do u call a person who likes eggs and bacon for breakfast a real man? Update your stereotypes.

  • Slavuta Motor Trend"Although the interior appears more upscale, sit in it a while and you notice the grainy plastics and conventional design. The doors sound tinny, the small strip of buttons in the center stack flexes, and the rear seats are on the firm side (but we dig the ability to recline). Most frustrating were the repeated Apple CarPlay glitches that seemed to slow down the apps running through it."
  • Brandon I would vote for my 23 Escape ST-Line with the 2.0L turbo and a normal 8 speed transmission instead of CVT. 250 HP, I average 28 MPG and get much higher on trips and get a nice 13" sync4 touchscreen. It leaves these 2 in my dust literally
  • JLGOLDEN When this and Hornet were revealed, I expected BOTH to quickly become best-sellers for their brands. They look great, and seem like interesting and fun alternatives in a crowded market. Alas, ambitious pricing is a bridge too far...
  • Zerofoo Modifications are funny things. I like the smoked side marker look - however having seen too many cars with butchered wire harnesses, I don't buy cars with ANY modifications. Pro-tip - put the car back to stock before you try and sell it.
  • JLGOLDEN I disagree with the author's comment on the current Murano's "annoying CVT". Murano's CVT does not fake shifts like some CVTs attempt, therefore does not cause shift shock or driveline harshness while fumbling between set ratios. Murano's CVT feels genuinely smooth and lets the (great-sounding V6) engine sing and zing along pleasantly.
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