While the masses anxiously await the full reveal of the 1,000-horsepower GMC Hummer EV, the Supertruck is just the tip of the iceberg for GM's electrified future. As part of the automaker's commitment to electrification, GM has promised to bring at least 20 new electric vehicles to market by 2023. In addition to an all-electric Chevy Silverado and the Hummer EV truck and SUV, GM has teased an electric Cadillac LYRIQ crossover which will be revealed later this week. To support these future EVs, GM is working on fast-charging infrastructure through a partnership with charging company EVgo.
GMC Hummer EV Teaser
GMC has just announced that the new Hummer EV will be revealed this fall with production to begin in the fall of 2021. In the meantime, we get an additional teaser video that reveals the side profile of the truck and SUV along with other clues like the mysterious "crab mode" and "adrenaline mode" hinting at the vehicle's off-road and performance capabilities.
So, why did GM choose to electrify a resurrected version of what was one of the least fuel-efficient vehicles on the road? In GM's latest sustainability report, CEO Mary Barra addresses the company's dedication to building electric vehicles like the new Hummer: "Transitioning to all-electric vehicles is central to a zero-emissions future, Our new, flexible platform and Ultium battery system will help us build EVs across all our brands. By mid-decade, we expect to sell a million EVs a year across our global markets."
GM's Ultium technology offers battery capacities that range from 50.0 kWh to a whopping 200.0 kWh. In comparison, Tesla's biggest battery which is used in the Model S and X is only 100.0 kWh. GM's largest 200.0 kWh battery will power trucks like the Hummer EV and the future Chevy Silverado EV. According to Car and Driver, the estimated range for the largest Ultium battery will be 400 miles or more.
Cadillac LYRIQ Teaser
As we sit on the edge of our seats awaiting the Hummer reveal, GM has a more imminent reveal up its sleeve - this time from Cadillac. The premium brand's first all-electric crossover dubbed 'LYRIQ' will be digitally revealed on August 6th, 2020. The crossover will be the first to use the new Ultium battery architecture and will kick off a series of future EVs for the luxury badge.
In addition to the video, only a few teaser images of the LYRIQ have been shared including a large charging port, light up logo, and striking multi-spoke wheel design. According to the automaker, "Cadillac LYRIQ marks the beginning of a new chapter for the brand – one that is all-electric and redefines the boundaries and limits of mobility and connectivity." The LYRIQ is set to go on sale in late 2022 and will compete with the likes of the Audi e-Tron and Tesla Model X.
Building Out the Infrastructure
One of the biggest hurdles to electric vehicle adoption on a mass scale is infrastructure. Concerns such as convenient access to charging stations and range anxiety hold customers back from purchasing an electric vehicle. In order to clear some of these hurdles and prepare for the growing list of EVs in the next few years, GM has partnered with fast charging company EVgo to add 2,700 new EV charging plugs to cities and suburbs in the next 5 years. Meeting this goal will triple the current size of the largest public fast-charging network.
“We are moving quickly to bring new EVs to market that customers will love,” said Mary Barra. “We know how important the charging ecosystem is for drivers, one that includes access to convenient and reliable public fast charging. Our relationship with EVgo will bolster the public fast charging network available to EV customers ahead of increased market demand and reinforce our commitment to an all-electric, zero-emissions future."
The EVgo stations will be available at high-traffic locations such as grocery stores, retail outlets, and entertainment districts. They will be especially important for EV owners who live in apartments and do not have access to a charging station at their home or place of work. According to GM, the new stations will feature charging technology with 100-350-kilowatt capabilities to meet the needs of an increasingly powerful set of EVs coming to market. We won't be surprised to see the new Hummer truck charging in the Whole Foods parking lot soon.