The race for the top-performing EV platform is taking some interesting turns. While drivers expect to see electric sedans and hatchbacks, upcoming vehicles like the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 EV are pushing the limits of what an electric vehicle can do.
Automakers like Tesla may have been the top names for eco-friendly travel, but GM is making a run to become the top dog.
The History Of This Competition
There are some who think that Tesla has such a head start that it is untouchable. These people probably aren’t considering Tesla’s $5 billion in losses over the last five years compared to GM’s $50 billion in net income over the same time period. Of course, GM is a much larger company with a huge lineup of vehicles across various brands.
Chevy has actually been producing electric vehicles since 1996, when the EV1 hit the market. The Volt plug-in hybrid made its way on the road in 2010. Tesla didn’t come on the scene until 2012, when the Model S became available. Unfortunately for Chevy, the Model S took off and gave Tesla the edge on EVs.
Current sales still show Tesla at the front of the race, with about 368,000 EVs sold last year. These sales numbers are exponentially higher than other EV manufacturers, but that could soon change.
Investing In The Future
General Motors Co. recently announced a huge commitment to bringing new EVs to market. This promise includes up to 20 new EVs by 2023 across GM’s various vehicle production names.
Many of these new vehicles have already been announced. You’ll see the return of popular EVs like the Chevy Bolt, along with electric versions of iconic nameplates like the Chevrolet Silverado 1500; many drivers are also excited to see the return of some old but updated favorites like the upcoming GMC Hummer EV. Of course, some completely new cars, like the Cadillac Lyriq, are set to make a splash in the near future as well.
It’s All About The Battery
The single element that seems to make or break an EV is the battery. The mere cost of a powerful battery can put the new Chevrolet Silverado 1500 out of reach for many consumers. If the battery doesn’t offer enough range, it won’t be seen as a serious competitor.
GM is working hard to both bring down the overall cost of these batteries while increasing their overall efficiency and range. Instead of using the cylindrical battery cells found in Tesla’s battery packs, GM is focusing on flat cells that dissipate heat more efficiently. This design also gives GM the ability to stack battery cells. Vehicles like the Chevy Silverado 1500 could have electric ranges of close to 400 miles, which would leave Tesla far into the rearview mirror.
Tesla may have an edge right now, but GM is putting in the time and effort to be competitive. Keep an eye on your favorite GM brands at your Chevy dealer and beyond, because there are some powerful EVs coming your way.
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