General Motors to Build 20 New Electric Vehicles by 2023

author: Mia Bevacqua   

Miracles do happen. General Motors, once a top purveyor of bus-sized SUVs, has gone green. The company plans to pump out 20 new battery-electric and fuel-cell vehicles by 2023. Two of which should debut in the next 18 months.

A wide range of electric vehicles

The first two vehicles will be built on the current Bolt platform. According to Charged EV Magazine, the rest of the cars will be fresh from the ground up. They will feature an innovative battery system with two different cell heights. Having two different heights allows for additional packing and performance options. 

At a recent press conference, GM gave reporters a glimpse of the electrified future. The General presented three different EV concept cars, including an SUV and a wagon. The third vehicle was an alien-looking pod, fit for a Sci-fi Movie. GM teased the crowd by keeping another six vehicles under drapes. 

Forbes says GM's EV lineup will focus mostly on crossovers and SUVs. Apparently, with a space-aged capsule thrown in for good measure. 

Cutting-edge fuel-cell vehicles

As for fuel-cell vehicles, GM plans to expand on its current joint venture with Honda. The two companies previously banded together to research and develop fuel-cell vehicles. GM also recently revealed its heavy-duty truck, fuel-cell concept vehicle. The rig is call the Silent Utility Rover Universal Superstructure (SURUS). Not a very friendly name, but SURUS has got it where it counts. Key features include two electric motors, autonomous capability and portable power.

The military is also testing a fuel-cell powered Chevrolet Colorado. Troops say they love it because it's both fast and quiet. GM plans to have its first commercial fuel cell vehicle available by 2020. 

Moving towards an all-electric future

Many companies refrain from building EVs because they're afraid to lose money. General Motors itself lost big on the Chevy Volt. This time around though, GM says the EVs will be profitable. 

To complement its stable of new electric cars, GM plans to expand its collection of charging stations. The company already has 1,100 in place and it hopes to have many more soon. 

Does this mean GM is shelving their gas-guzzling Suburbans and Tahoes? Not yet, but the company does say is plans to put emphasis on an electrified future. From heavy-duty trucks to electric pods – soon GM will have it all. 

Mia Bevacqua

Mia is an ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician, L1, L2 and L3 Advanced Level Specialist. She has over 12 years of experience in the automotive industry and a bachelor’s degree in automotive technology. These skills have been applied toward content writing, technical writing, inspections, consulting, automotive software engineering.