GM’s Chevrolet brand was an early proponent of electrified vehicles, introducing the Volt PHEV in 2011, followed by the Bolt EV in 2017. Few other manufacturers outside of Tesla and Nissan have shown such an initial interest in the emerging market.
Fast forward a decade and the landscape has changed dramatically. Tesla sells nearly 1 million EVs annually, upstart EV manufacturers such as Rivian and Lucid are now in the mix, and even hybrid pioneer Toyota has a slew of pure EVs on the way.
GM isn’t sitting still. In fact, the automaker now finds itself playing catchup to the Ford Motor Company as that company’s eponymous brand prepares to release the e-Transit van and F-150 Lightning, following the successful introduction of the Mustang Mach-E in 2021. For its part, GM has its Ultium EV architecture to support its efforts, which include the under-production GMC Hummer EV and the arriving soon Cadillac Lyriq.
Chevrolet itself will see several new EVs. Indeed, GM identified two more at the 2022 CES (Consumer Electronics Show) in Las Vegas. Therefore, we will share what we know about them, including the anticipated arrival dates.
Chevrolet Silverado EV
We have expected an electric version of the Silverado for some time and now we know a few more things about it. Chevrolet’s model will share the underpinnings of the GMC Hummer EV, although there are a few distinctions of note.
The style is unique, offering few commonalities with the standard model, but not much. Indeed, from the front fascia to the tailgate, the Silverado EV offers a futuristic look. Notably, it also brings back the mid-gate design popularized by the now-retired Chevrolet Avalanche pickup truck. With the gate dropped, access from the bed to the cabin becomes a reality, delivering upwards of nine feet of cargo length.
Other features include WT and RST trims, the latter available also as a First Edition RST model for a whopping $105,000, plus the destination charge. But the base WT will retail for just under $40,000 with Trail Boss and other trims to follow. We know that the top-end model will supply 664 horsepower and 780 pound-feet of torque with power routed to all four wheels. A standard 8,000-pound towing capacity reaches 10,000 pounds with the top trim. Further, GM promises that a heavy-duty version with 20,000 pounds of towing capacity will follow. The truck features DC fast charging, which adds upwards of 100 miles of range for every 10 minutes connected. GM claims the Silverado EV will sport a 400-mile range.
Customers may order the First Edition RST model now. The new truck is slated to arrive in Spring 2023 for the 2024 model year.
Chevrolet Blazer EV
The mystery model in the mix is the Blazer EV. While GM went to great lengths to deliver photos and details about the Silverado EV and fresh information about the Equinox EV, the Blazer EV remains a bit of a mystery.
All we know is that the Blazer EV is on its way, a midsize, two-row crossover utility vehicle. We don’t have pictures, sketches, pricing details, or features information. All we know is that it will arrive for the 2024 model year. That said, we believe the priority for GM is to bring the Silverado EV model to the market first, followed by the Blazer EV and the Equinox EV for later in 2023.
Chevrolet Equinox EV
We know a bit more about the compact Equinox EV because GM CEO Mary Barra told us. But that additional information is that the starting price will come in about $30,000, making it an extraordinarily competitive model.
GM, though, can’t tout the $7,500 federal tax credit as buyers of the Volt and Bolt claimed them. That said, Congress is working on legislation to restore and expand the tax credit, which could lower this EV’s cost to the lower $20,000 range. If that happens, it could boost EV ownership tremendously. Expect the Equinox EV to also arrive in late 2023.
GM Electrification Plans
We think GM will eventually retire the Bolt EV once the new models are ready and the outstanding recalls are satisfied. The Bolt EV is underpinned by an entirely different platform anyway, with LG Chem batteries supplying power.
All in all, GM should see a burst of new products by 2024, including a pair of Cadillac EVs, two GMC Hummer EVs, at least three Chevrolet models, and likely one Buick and another GMC model. Lastly, GM’s commercial BrightDrop division claims tens of thousands of orders for its electric models. These efforts should enable GM to quickly boost EV sales, enabling it to battle Ford as both seek to overtake Tesla Motors.
See Also — Electric Chevrolet Silverado Launches in 2023
Photos copyright GM Corp. All rights reserved.
