Though short on specifics, General Motors sees a future where its product offerings are all electric a top official said in a brief statement issued in Detroit. “General Motors believes in an all-electric future,” said Mark Reuss, General Motors executive vice president of Product Development, Purchasing and Supply Chain. “Although that future won’t happen overnight, GM is committed to driving increased usage and acceptance of electric vehicles through no-compromise solutions that meet our customers’ needs.”
He did say that the company will introduce two new all-electric vehicles over the next 18 months based on GM’s experience with the Chevrolet Bolt and that by 2023, will have at least 20 EV models in its portfolio. Reuss said GM is pursuing a two-prong strategy in developing both battery and fuel cell powered electric vehicles.
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GM also introduced SURUS—the Silent Utility Rover Universal Superstructure—a fuel cell powered, four-wheel steer concept vehicle on a heavy-duty truck frame that’s driven by two electric motors. With its capability and flexible architecture, SURUS could be used as a delivery vehicle, truck or even an ambulance—all emissions free.
This strategy is viewed as a pre-emptive move as countries like China, Norway, France and others are looking to ban internal combustion vehicles in the 2030-2040 timeframe. California is also considering a measure to end sales of gasoline and diesel powered vehicles by 2040.
