GMC Electric Vehicle Update & Further Plans

As we inch closer to the advent of eco-friendly electric vehicles (EVs), more and more automakers are beginning to dedicate resources to make them a reality. And as emission norms become more stringent, General Motors (GM) is leading the charge among its peers and taking strides in ensuring that its focus on eco-friendly technology will reach greater heights.

General Motors has recently made major announcements concerning its EV plans and strategy, most notably Ultium’s EV architecture. Ultium’s platform is a significant step for the company in its rich history of producing reliable, innovative, and efficient vehicles. It’ll bring more technology to the cabin and bring forth a new era of electrified vehicles.

GM plans to transition its entire lineup from gas-powered vehicles to electric, and it is well on its way to making this a reality. It plans to launch several EV models over the next few years and has a production target of about 30 EVs by 2025. Here’s your inside scoop on what GM has in store for future EVs.

The Ultium Battery System

Ultium is a cutting-edge technology that will be used in GM’s upcoming EVs. It consists of large-format pouch-style cells that can be arranged in various modules depending on the vehicle’s needs. And owing to its modularity, it allows for more design flexibility and scalability. The battery setup is paired with GM’s Ultifi software operating system and Vehicle Intelligence Platform electrical architecture, enabling advanced safety features and improved performance capabilities. Here’s what the Ultium battery offers:

• Increased Range: GM’s 24-cell Ultium battery module has a total capacity of 8.9 kWh, so a six-module pack will offer 50-kWh usable capacity for the lightest EVs. This translates to a maximum range of up to 400 miles on a single charge. And with its 200-kWh battery pack, GM’s upcoming GMC Hummer EV will have an EPA-estimated range of 329 miles on a single charge.
• Cost Efficiency: Ultium batteries are smartly designed and use state-of-the-art Nickel Cobalt Manganese Aluminum (NCMA) chemistry, which is cheaper than the traditional Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) lithium-ion battery cells. This means that GM’s EVs will have a lower cost of ownership than their gas-powered counterparts. In fact, GM has dropped pack-level costs to nearly $100/kWh, which is a significant step in making Ultium products profitable.
• Unique Cell design: Ultium uses large 23 by 4 by 0.4-inch pouch-type cells, which can be arranged vertically or horizontally, depending on the vehicle design and application needs, allowing for more energy to be stored more densely in less space. This will also allow GM to create EV models with unique body shapes and sizes.
• Wireless Battery Management: The Ultium battery system also features Wireless Battery Management capabilities, which allow for improved diagnostics and communication between the battery and the vehicle. This technology uses Bluetooth-like 2.4-GHz spectrum to monitor the battery’s health, temperature, and state of charge. This technology also helps reduce costs, reduce weight, and make the system less complex.
• High Charging Speeds: Ultium allows for higher charging speeds than traditional lithium-ion batteries, capable of DC fast charging up to 250 kW. The cell design also allows battery modules to be wired in series, which helps enable it to emulate 800-volt systems when needed. This, in turn, allows 100 miles of range to be replenished in just 10 minutes of charging.

EV Products in the Pipeline

GMC is already leading the charge in EVs with its Bolt EV, continuing to expand its lineup with more EVs. GM has set an ambitious goal of selling one million EVs a year by 2025, and it’s looking to achieve this with its upcoming fleet of EVs. GMC’s upcoming HUMMER EV pickup and SUV will offer an exceptional balance of zero emissions, performance, and capability.

GM is also set to release the Cadillac LYRIQ soon, the company’s first all-electric premium luxury SUV. It’ll be built on the Ultium platform and feature up to 300 miles of range, GM’s Super Cruise driver assist system, and a host of cutting-edge technology. The LYRIQ will also be built on a modular platform, which means it can easily be adapted to other vehicle types, such as sedans and crossovers.

Charging Infrastructure

GM’s plans also include a major focus on improving charging infrastructure both at home and publicly. GM has partnered with EVgo to create America’s world’s largest public fast-charging network. This includes more than 2,700 DC fast chargers that can charge up to 350 kW of power, which is twice as much as current DC fast chargers. This will allow drivers to charge their EVs faster and go further on a single charge.

GM is also building up its own Level 2 charging network at home and in the workplace, allowing drivers to charge their EVs from anywhere. Qmerit, a service provider in the automotive industry, has been tapped to install new charging solutions for GM’s EVs and ensure that drivers have access to charging points from convenient locations.

What the Future Holds

GM is set on leading the EV revolution and has made significant research and development investments. It will continue to invest in developing new battery technologies and further improving its E-Flex platform, which is the foundation of many of its future EVs. GM’s goal is to have 20+ new EVs announced by 2023, and it’s on track to meet that goal.

With GM’s focus on EV technology and infrastructure, other automakers are sure to follow suit in the near future. This means that the world of transportation will be revolutionized — for the better. Faster charging times, improved range, and lower prices will make EVs a much more attractive option for drivers. The future of transportation is here — and GM is leading the way.

GM’s EV efforts constitute a significant step in the right direction, and we can look forward to more exciting developments soon. With its Ultium battery system and comprehensive charging infrastructure, GM is paving the way for a greener future. These efforts will help reduce emissions, improve air quality, and drive down costs while simultaneously creating an enjoyable experience for drivers. It’s never been easier to go electric with GM.

Meadowland GMC is proud to offer GM’s entire lineup of EVs. We’re also your go-to source for new and pre-owned vehicles and assistance with auto financing, service, and repair. Contact us or visit us today to learn more about our EV offerings and find the perfect option for you. Together, we can make a difference.

Photo Credit: Image via GMC.com

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