Ford GM Following China- Going Electric

The automakers announced this week they would accelerate their move toward producing electric vehicles over gasoline-powered ones.

WARREN, Mich. October 4, 2017; “General Motors believes in an all-electric future,” announced Mark Reuss, GM’s chief of global product development, this week during a media event to discuss the changes, the Washington Post reports. GM has found success with its Chevrolt Bolt’s 240-mile battery range on a single charge and lower price point.

The automobile manufacturer will release two new electric cars in 2018, with an additional 18 slated to come online by 2023. “Although that future won’t happen overnight, GM is committed to driving increased usage and acceptance of electric vehicles,” Reuss said.

Reuss sidestepped sounding the actual death keel for the company’s diesel and gasoline line, pointing out that GM has many irons in the fire. Last year, the company ranked as the third-largest automobile seller in the world with 10 million vehicles sales.

To achieve a “zero emissions future,” GM will have a twofold method of hydrogen fuel cell electric and battery electric vehicles. The Monday event showcased three concepts: a sporty crossover, a larger wagon or SUV and a tall, boxy pod car that looked like a people-mover for cities. The company also debuted a fuel-cell-powered heavy duty with dual electric motors called Surus (silent utility rover universal superstructure).

This week, Ford also unveiled its plans to create “Team Edison” to work on fully electric cars, with 13 slated to come online within five years. “We see an inflection point in the major markets toward battery electric vehicles,” Sherif Marakby, who heads electrification and autonomous vehicles for Ford, said. “We feel it’s important to have a cross-functional team all the way from defining the strategy plans and implementation to advanced marketing.”