Transforming mobility in a changing world: General Motors commitment to a Zero Emissions tomorrow

The COVID-19 pandemic has rocked almost every aspect of our ‘normal’ lives and industries. The mobility sector is no exception, and with market shifts and production changes to prioritize safety, there has been speculation not only on recovery but what impact this will have on future mobility. General Motors is always ready to challenge the norm. 

Over these unprecedented months, the world over has witnessed how quickly the environment can heal from the damage we’ve historically inflicted upon it, compounding both the need and the benefits of introducing cleaner transport onto the roads. General Motors believes in a future of Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions and Zero Congestion, a vision we’re working to achieve every day, across every market we operate in. Though faced with a “new abnormal”, General Motors’ strategy has remained on track for a brighter, greener future. In fact, product development work on GM’s future electric vehicles and autonomous vehicles has continued to progress at a rapid pace.

GM affirmed its future outlook for Zero Emissions during its EV Week in March. At the core if this exciting strategy is our technological innovation. GM’s global research and development teams are always-on; identifying cleaner, faster and more efficient means for a smart, safe and green vehicle line-up as diverse as our audiences. 

We’ve already seen the technological advancements with the expanded range of the 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV, with an extra +45km, equivalent to an extra day of commuting on a single charge, and even more innovative impact with the next-generation platform. 

The flexible third-generation global EV platform is powered by GM’s proprietary Ultium batteries, allowing GM to compete in every EV sector, powering everything from affordable transportation, luxury vehicles, work trucks and high-performance machines. This range of internal-combustion vehicles is already offered across Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC and, globally, we are working towards providing the same breadth in EVs.

From extensive choice to range freedom, the vehicles built on this all-new modular platform will offer a GM-estimated driving range of up to 600 KM or more on a full charge. With capacity comes capability, as they can deliver blistering performance with 0 to 100 KMPH acceleration in as little as 3.0 seconds – a figure, previously, reserved for super cars. 

Another way that the Ultium batteries are improving GM’s EVs is the way they are built into the vehicle. Previously, the batteries have compromised cabin space, however the new rectangular, pouch-style battery packs are simple, lightweight and space-efficient, unlocking more space for passengers and cargo.

This new battery packing also addresses a common criticism of EVs, which is their weight distribution and handling dynamics. GM’s new battery pack configuration allows engineers to deliver vehicles with optimized weight distribution and a lower center of gravity to improve ride and handling. 

Flexible, powerful and versatile, GM is using this base to bring EVs that can serve on track, on road and on dunes, without any emissions. 

GM’s technological expertise, matched with over 25 years of EV design experience will result in a new family of EVs, boasting segment-leading efficiency, power delivery and torque density alongside seamless customer experience in and out of the vehicle. This portfolio will allow GM to compete for almost every EV customer on the market.

We already see Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC bring this to life. Cadillac began the decade as a brand only offering internal combustion vehicles but is on track to close the decade as an EV brand. The first instance of this is the recently unveiled Cadillac LYRIQ SUV, which redefines the boundaries of mobility and connectivity. The propulsion system and supporting technologies in the LYRIQ position Cadillac as a leader in electrification, connectivity and automated driving, all delivered with thrilling performance and a new threshold in technology integration.

Likewise, GMC is bringing back a beloved and powerful nameplate with the GMC Hummer EV; the first electric pick-up truck from the brand will add a new arm to our offering and attract a whole new customer base.  

Chevrolet, which already offers the Bolt EV, will continue to democratize this technology, providing accessible EVs across the region. 

The Middle East has always been, and continues to be, a priority market for General Motors, given the visionary leadership that makes it a prime market for innovation and technological advancements Of course, it takes more than ready technology to start driving clean vehicles. Zooming out to take in the holistic ecosystem, General Motors Africa and Middle East (AMEO) is also working with regional governments on legislation and regulations to support new technology, while also supporting in consumer awareness and familiarity. Alongside the legislation and education, GM AMEO is working with strategic partners and local city planners to build the infrastructure necessary to power future mobility. 

Any industry as dynamic as mobility will always face both challenges and fierce competition, however GM is constantly innovating to deliver unprecedented technology and future mobility solutions to meet the needs of customers across the board. From family cars to performance vehicles there will soon be a Cadillac, Chevrolet or GMC EV for everyone. Watch this space.