GM CEO says EV shift will happen ‘decades from now’, spokesman says 2035 target remains

As electric car sales continue to slow in the US, General Motors CEO Marry Barra had tempered expectations, claiming the company’s transition to electric cars will take “decades” rather than years. It comes amid a decline in EV sales growth in the US and GM’s strategic pivot to its new Ultium EV platform.

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Read: GM’s American plug-in hybrids won’t hit the market until 2027

Later in the day, however, a GM spokesperson clarified that the company remains committed to its original goal of phasing out the ICE offering from its lineup by 2035. Understandably, the conflicting comments have left a trail of confusion, with multiple outlets changing their headlines. try to understand the situation.

Confusion

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In 2018, GM announced it would be eliminating gas options in favor of battery-powered cars. It was strongly suggested that GM was moving forward with new technology, with the company’s slogan in 2020 being “Our electric future is now”, with a 2035 deadline for all offers to be electric.

However, Barra’s latest statement drew attention to the company’s combustion engine offering, with the CEO praising their diverse offering. Speak with NBC NewsBara said: “You know, we said in 2018 that we were committed to an all-electric future. But as we make this transformation, it will happen over decades. And that’s why I couldn’t be more proud of our gas fleet.”

Barra emphasized that GM will continue to offer a wide range of vehicles to meet consumer preferences, both gas and electric. This inclusive approach aims to meet different lifestyle needs while gradually encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles. The company has seen notable success with its Cadillac brand, especially the Lyriq crossover, which has contributed significantly to EV sales growth.

Other EV developments for GM

Barra has committed to introducing a new EV under $35,000, due later this year. “Everyone has been talking about really driving the adoption of electric cars. We need to get to electric cars that are affordable,” she said.

Registration data released for March shows the EV market has cooled since posting a 52 percent gain in the 2023 calendar year. Tesla still leads the way, with more than 50 percent of the EV market, while GM brands make up just under 5 percent.

Meanwhile, when asked about a possible return of Donald Trump to the US presidency, Bara said the political landscape would not change GM’s EV roadmap. “We will only engage because we think electric cars are better in the long run,” she said.

“And even now – I mean, get in an electric car and drive it. It’s instant torque. You never have to go to the gas station, especially if you have accessible charging at home or where you live, whether it’s an apartment or your house,” Barra added.

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