GM Plans to Expand Production of the Chevrolet Bolt and Other EVs
Just a year after a massive recall that impacted tens of thousands of Chevrolet Bolt EVs, General Motors is expanding production of the electric hatchback and other models. The Bolt and Bolt EUV saw record-high sales through the third quarter, but the rising tide of GM’s production boost will lift several other models, too.
GM slashed the Bolt’s MSRP to spur interest in the EV following an impactful recall over the increased risk of battery fires. The strategy worked, and Chevy sold almost 15,000 units of the Bolt and Bolt EUV in the third quarter. GM’s plans include boosting production for international markets by more than 80 percent.
At the same time, the Detroit auto giant’s Factory Zero is going offline for weeks to prepare for Silverado EV production next year and to boost production capacity for the GMC Hummer EV. GM also plans to throw more resources behind Cadillac Lyriq production and will add shifts for Hummer EV production.
General Motors may grow its production capabilities, but plans for additional manufacturing depend heavily on the already taxed supply chain. GM had to shutter factories several times over the last few years as a chip shortage and a global pandemic wreaked havoc on production capabilities.
[Image: Chevrolet]
Become a TTAC insider. Get the latest news, features, TTAC takes, and everything else that gets to The Truth About Cars first by subscribing to our newsletter.
Chris grew up in, under, and around cars, but took the long way around to becoming an automotive writer. After a career in technology consulting and a trip through business school, Chris began writing about the automotive industry as a way to reconnect with his passion and get behind the wheel of a new car every week. He focuses on taking complex industry stories and making them digestible by any reader. Just don’t expect him to stay away from high-mileage Porsches.
More by Chris Teague
Comments
Join the conversation
With this headlong rush to EVs, my concern is the emerging understanding of the relatively short life span of current LI batteries due to internal chemical reactions that degrade their life span, regardless of how many miles they are driven. The recent report of a 2012 Chevy Volt requiring a new battery pack at a $20 thousand plus cost, due to the unavailability of the now-obsolete pack, is disturbing. If this turns out to be a real problem long-term for EVs with Li batteries, I for one have a real problem thinking of buying an EV today. We are retired and presently drive about three thousand miles a year. What good is an EV for us if, after ten years and only thirty thousand miles, we essentially have a four-wheeled paper weight? Are governments that are mandating 100% sales of EVs within the next ten years considering this? My thought is that the new solid state batteries about to leave laboratories for scaled-up manufacturing and EV utilization won't have this built-in "best before" date flaw that present LI batteries may have. My thinking is that, if LI batteries degrade as has been reported, one would be unwise to buy an EV today - especially if you drive few miles annually - unless you're ready to cough up tens of thousands for a new battery pack after ten years. Heck, you can get a complete rebuild of a Chevy small block for a small fraction of the costs quoted for these replacement packs ten years down the road. All to say, the truth about the longevity of EV batteries is still a story in progress.
A lot to unpack here, Islander. But a few corrections, FYI:
1. Those Volt owners could have spent 5 minutes on the internet and found a replacement battery for $3K.
2. The Volt isn’t an EV.
3. There is no mandate for consumers to buy EVs, not in any country or state. That’s made up.
4. The batteries in modern EVs last every bit as long as ICE drivetrains. I’ve driven one for 50K miles, with zero degradation, and just $90 in drivetrain maintenance costs.
5. You might want to reconsider your choice in news sources if they are leaving you this misinformed.
6. Enjoy retirement!
"There is no mandate for consumers to buy EVs, not in any country or state. That’s made up."
Right. And you are not mandated to purchase a toilet that only uses 1.6 gallons/flush. You could choose to not have a toilet--just go in the woods, like the bears do.
Yeah, no one wants to hear about your bathroom habits. But if you do find a government mandate for consumers to buy EVs, you let us know.