Clean mobility advocates, the Electric Vehicle Association initiated an online petition, “EV Affordability Starts With You, GM,” on the first day of the 2023 Detroit Auto Show.
They demand General Motors to live up to its slogan “EVs for Everyone” by offering at least one affordable model, the $30k Chevrolet Equinox.
Petition highlights
The Association launched the online petition on September 9 to urge GM to launch its promised Chevrolet Equinox EV that would cost “around $30,000,” InsideEVs reported.
The petition indicated GM’s recent move to cancel the 1LT base variant of the Blazer EV that it claimed to sell at about $45,000.
“If GM is going to lead America in the EV transition, that cannot happen to the Equinox.”
EV Affordability Starts With You, GM petition
The Electric Vehicles Association President also emphasized the need for more affordable models in GM’s lineup as it aims to be an all-electric brand by 2035.
“Despite a commitment to go 100% electric by 2035, GM’s EV strategy has focused on building bigger, more expensive electric trucks and SUVs that cost $50,000 or more – a price point that excludes most working people and keeps more Americans behind the wheel of a gas-powered car.”
Elaine Borseth, Electric Vehicles Association President
As of today, GM has only one offering below $56,000, which is the Chevy Bolt. However, the petition noted that the brand plans to halt the model’s production in December.
GM also did not announce the exact timeline for the arrival of the Chevy Bolt’s successor that would ride on the Ultium platform.
Affordability concerns
The high price of electric vehicles has long been among the top issues hindering customers from joining the shift to e-mobility.
According to the petition, approximately four out of ten Americans are willing to adopt EVs. However, more than 50% of potential buyers refuse to spend $50,000 for a battery-electric vehicle.
That said, the Association believes that the Equinox EV can play a significant role in urging these price-conscious buyers to make the purchase.
“The Equinox EV is the answer for the millions of American drivers who want to go electric but need something their families can afford.”
Elaine Borseth, Electric Vehicles Association President
The petition concluded with a final call for GM to confirm the launch of the Equinox EV while urging Americans to sign.
“GM: stay true to your word. Keep the Equinox EV around $30,000, and do not eliminate the lowest trim level. We believe in an all-electric future and we are counting on GM to help us get there.
Make your voice heard!”
EV Affordability Starts With You, GM petition
Chevrolet Equinox key details
Consumer Reports indicated that the 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV will have a maximum output of 210 horsepower and up to 300-mile driving range in FWD configuration. Meanwhile, the AWD variant can generate a maximum of 290 horsepower and a 280-mile driving range.
It will have a price range of $30,000 to $48,000, with an estimated market launch in Fall 2023.
See Also:
- Chevrolet announces 2024 Blazer EV’s key details as customer deliveries near
- Production-Ready first-ever Chevrolet Blazer EV spotted
- Chevrolet Bolt EUV is KBB’s EV under $35,000 Best Buy of 2023
- 1950s Chevrolet 3100 trucks undergone an electric makeover
- Chevrolet updates Silverado EV specifications to complement the GMC Sierra
The Electric Vehicle Association’s online petition would remain open for people’s signatures until the conclusion of the Detroit Auto Show. Interested customers can sign the petition here.
