GM outlines future EV rollout plans

GENERAL Motors (GM) has announced a plan to proliferate its range with new 20 new electric vehicles (EVs) by 2023, two of which are expected to launch inside the next 18 months.

GM CEO Mary Barra also indicated that the first two new models will use the experience garnered from the Chevrolet Bolt EV and will likely be built on the same architecture as the aforementioned small hatch.

Holden product communications manager Mark Flintoft said GM’s EV rollout is currently focused on North America, but would likely make its way to Australia at a later date.

“They’re targeting the rollout to North America first, the popularity of EVs is more widely accepted over there,” he said.

Mr Flintoft added there was “no word yet” on when, or if, the flood of EVs will come to Australia, and Holden would wait and see what the response to the new models are like in America.

Mr Flintoft said Holden would make their product decisions by monitoring customer focus and listening to the market, while keeping GM’s ‘all-electric future’ goal in mind.

GM executive vice president of product development, purchasing and supply chain Mark Reuss said: “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”.

According to American publication Automotive News, three clay models of the future EVs were previewed, including a Buick crossover, a Cadillac wagon and a pod-looking vehicle etched with “Bolt EV” badging.

The new models are expected to be released in growing segments such as crossovers and SUVs, with five more EV concepts that were kept under sheets taking the shape of what is believed to be high-riding wagons.

Automotive News believes the last hidden prototype will take the form of a new Chevrolet Corvette.

GM says it will take a “two-pronged approach to electrification”, with the second area coming in the form of hydrogen fuel-cell electric power.

The company used the announcement to introduce a prototype named SURUS – standing for Silent Utility Rover Universal Superstructure – a concept vehicle based on a heavy-duty truck frame that employs fuel-cell power, four-wheel steering and propulsion from a pair of electric motors.

GM believes SURUS can be used in such applications as a delivery vehicle, truck or ambulance, and it is not the first time the brand has dabbled in such technology.

Last year it revealed the Chevrolet Colorado ZH2 concept, co-developed with the US Army Tank, Automotive Research and Engineering Center (TARDEC).