General Motors Chief Executive Mary Barra warned in an interview with NBC News that the American automaker’s 100% electric vehicle transition will take “decades” rather than years due to the slower-than-expected uptake worldwide.
However, a spokesperson contradicted that remark later in the same day by saying that GM still maintains its original target of becoming an all-electric brand by 2035.
CEO downplays speed of EV shift, but 2035 target stands
In hindsight, GM announced plans in 2018 to phase out its internal combustion engine-powered offerings to focus on battery-electric vehicles.
In 2020, it even released the tagline “Our electric future is now” with a 2035 deadline. However, the GM boss’ recent remarks hinted at a new, stronger focus on ICE-powered models.
“I wouldn’t say we’re recommitting. You know, we said back in 2018 that we’re committed to an all-electric future. But as we make this transformation, it’s going to happen over decades. And that’s why I couldn’t be more proud of our gas-powered fleet as well.”
General Motors CEO Mary Barra
While CEO Barra verified that the company will maintain its diversified portfolio, one of the legacy automaker’s spokesperson clarified that the 2035 all-electric target still stands.
GM’s EV developments
CEO Mary Barra pledged to launch a new sub-$35,000 electric vehicle model due later this year.
“Everyone has been talking about to really drive EV adoption, we’ve got to get to EVs that are affordable.”
General Motors CEO Mary Barra
According to March registration data, the market has slowed since hitting a record 53% growth in 2023 CY. Tesla remains at the top spot with more than 50% market share, while GM brands only account for just below 5%.
Despite CEO Barra’s recent intriguing remarks, she still emphasized that politics would not influence GM’s electric vehicle plans.
“We will be just committed because we think in the long term [EVs are] better. And even right now — I mean, get in an EV and drive it. It’s instant torque. You never have to go to the gas station, especially if you have at your home or where you live, whether it’s an apartment or your house, you have accessibility charging. I think over the long term when we have a very robust charging infrastructure, people are going to choose EVs, because they’re better.”
General Motors CEO Mary Barra
The contradicting statements of the GM boss and spokesperson caused confusion, prompting multiple news outlets to modify their headlines to try to make sense of the situation. It would be interesting to see how GM will clarify these perplexities in its electrification timeline.
