General Motors announces substantial investments for EV production in American manufacturing, including potential new models and retooling efforts.
Nearly $2 billion allocated for future EV production across U.S. facilities.
Over $13 billion earmarked for expanding U.S. manufacturing to include affordable and premium electric vehicles.
Speculations on next-generation Chevrolet Bolt and other EVs, along with a transition strategy for existing vehicle lines.
According to Automotive News, General Motors is charting a bold course into the electric vehicle market with significant financial commitments and strategic investments in its U.S. manufacturing plants. GM has outlined nearly $2 billion for EV production in a preliminary agreement with the United Auto Workers (UAW), with intentions to inject a total of $13.3 billion into American manufacturing infrastructure.
2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV Photo: Chevrolet
Specifically, GM is contemplating the manufacture of a more budget-friendly iteration of the Chevrolet Bolt at its Fairfax plant in Kansas. Additionally, the company has plans for a series of upscale electric vehicles for Cadillac and Chevrolet, with production poised to take place in Michigan. The proposed financial outlay includes $1.25 billion for the Lansing Grand River assembly plant in Michigan, and smaller investments of $391 million and $300 million at the Fairfax Assembly in Kansas and an engine plant in New York, respectively.
While GM has refrained from disclosing detailed product plans, sources indicate that the Fairfax facility might start producing a lower-cost version of the Bolt by 2025, and premium electric vehicles, including an electric model under the Corvette marque, could commence production in Lansing by 2027. Notably, GM’s existing Lansing plant is home to the Cadillac CT4 and CT5, as well as the Chevrolet Camaro, while the Fairfax plant currently produces the Chevrolet Malibu and Cadillac XT4.
The transition towards EVs also includes GM’s decision to stop the production of the current Bolt EV and EUV by the year’s end to repurpose the Orion Assembly plant for electric truck manufacturing by late 2025. Amidst this shift, GM is also preparing to accommodate market demands for both EVs and traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. The UAW has secured the right to strike to ensure GM honors its commitments, an agreement that will be in effect until April 2028 if ratified by GM’s UAW-represented workforce.
