Based off what GM has learned from the Chevrolet Bolt EV, the company is planning to release two more electric vehicles within the next 18 months. After that, they are planning “at least 20 new all-electric vehicles” that will launch in the next 5 years!
It isn’t anything new to hear an automaker make bold claims about future EV offerings, but once the curtain has been pealed back the offerings have included everything from mild plug-in hybrid vehicles to even hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. However, GM’s announcement is specific to all-electric vehicles, not just simply ‘electrified’ vehicles. And yet, confusingly, the press release says that a “zero emissions future will require more than just battery electric technology”.
Perhaps out of habit, or more skepticism than I want to admit I have, the LA Times headline for this press release reads “GM promises more than 20 electric or hydrogen fuel cell vehicles by 2023”.
General Motors is moving ahead towards their vision of a world with no crashes and no emissions, which was announced by the company’s CEO Mary Barra.
Full press release
General Motors announced today how it is executing on a major element of its vision of a world with zero crashes, zero emissions and zero congestion, recently announced by GM Chairman and CEO Mary Barra.
“General Motors believes in an all-electric future,” said Mark Reuss, General Motors executive vice president of Product Development, Purchasing and Supply Chain. “Although that future won’t happen overnight, GM is committed to driving increased usage and acceptance of electric vehicles through no-compromise solutions that meet our customers’ needs.”
In the next 18 months, GM will introduce two new all-electric vehicles based off learnings from the Chevrolet Bolt EV. They will be the first of at least 20 new all-electric vehicles that will launch by 2023.
Given customers’ various needs, getting to a zero emissions future will require more than just battery electric technology. It will require a two-pronged approach to electrification — battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell electric depending on the unique requirements.
GM also introduced SURUS — the Silent Utility Rover Universal Superstructure — a fuel cell powered, four-wheel steer concept vehicle on a heavy-duty truck frame that’s driven by two electric motors. With its capability and flexible architecture, SURUS could be used as a delivery vehicle, truck or even an ambulance — all emissions free.
Have had my 2017 BOLT only one week. Every time I use it, I am positively impressed! Eat your heart out, Tesla!
Living in Minnesota, we are wondering how our brutal winter will impact the Bolt. Will it take less of a charge in the cold, use a disproportionate amount of the battery charge for heat and less for mileage? Any experience with this?
Mary, your Bolt will take about the same amount of charge, but it will use much more of it for heat, and range will also be reduced because of reduced battery efficiency in the cold. Expect a range reduction of up to one third in extremely cold conditions. Remember that the seat and steering wheel heaters use very little power compared to the cabin heater, and adjust your usage accordingly, if necessary.
I am seeing a 30% reduction in range during December in Ontario Canada. Very cold winters. Still great range and love the car.
I purchased my Bolt this passed April. I was disappointed that it didn’t have Adaptive Cruise Control and Native GPS Navigation. I purchased because it had been reported that CEO Mary Barra had said an upgrade would be available by the end of the year. Dealer confirmed that they had heard the same at the Detroit auto show.
Cruise Control button is small and crowded with other buttons requiring you to glance down to select the button. A lever like you find on most cars would have been saver and easier to use.
Overal, the BOLT is a great vehicle. But if GM doesn’t provide the upgrades, I won’t be buying another vehicle based on promises.
I have a 2017 bolt.had a flat and towed to dealer and was gone for 2 days. Is there a sparetire for it, such as the one available on the volt.?
Purchased our Bolt in Novemenber 2017 and love it. Wondering from others how much cold affected their range? Charge when warmer here on Colo. will go as high as 290 miles for range on full charge whereas when cold(15 degrees) charge range may only be 200 miles? When driving when cold with cabin heater going range doesn’t drop as fast—maybe antifreeze warms and heats batteries?
Really like the car here on the front range in Colorado as round trips to front range cities do not require a charge .
The Bolt is absolutely amazing. I find myself driving a little too fast out of the gate, however. This car will blow the doors off of most gas-powered cars on the road. I didn’t buy it for that, but it has come in handy (just need to control my newly-developed “need for speed”). I also love not having to ever stop for gas. Gas stations are one of those places that everyone and anyone can stop at and you just don’t know what you’re going to get. I prefer to avoid those places, if at all possible.
You just can’t know what it’s like to own and drive an EV until you finally do. Driving a vehicle that requires you to fill it with fossil fuels prior to driving seems so… primitive now.
Love my Bolt that I leased in June 2017. Have had it 7 months now, and it is amazing. The acceleration off the dime is superior. GM should make an all wheel drive version because it is just too much torque for the front wheels alone to handle.
In Mary Barra and Pam Fletcher we trust! What an incredible story! GM bet the farm and has won! GM has beaten Elon Musk to the mass consumer marketplace with the Bolt EV and the proposed SUV / CUV electric (based on Bolt EV logistics). Woe be to Musk and his late and lackluster Model 3 with it’s horrible ergonomics and driver interface controls and indicators–namely that thing in the center you are supposed to use to turn on wipers, ligts, A/C climate controls etc. Bolt is nicer—I like the seats because I don’t weigh as much as the battery! I use it as a commuter and fill it for free. Next is the cross country from NorCal to SoCal.
Just got the 2018 Bolt EV.. Disappointed that with less than 100 miles in the car, I cannot charge the advertised 238 miles. Maximum charge is only 188 miles. The dealers explanation was inadequate and not believable. General Motors should be honest when promoting the Bolt and should state that the range is only 188 miles fully charged.