Electrification is no longer a future concept. It’s already here and it’s here to stay. At CES 2021, this notion was clear right from the start.
During General Motors’ Keynote presentation, the company addressed their commitment for an all-electric future. With many technology advancements, such as Ultium Drive, they are not wasting any time to make their goal a reality.
According to GM, their next-generation EVs will be powered by a family of five interchangeable drive units and three motors - known as Ultium Drive - to help the company transition its current portfolio to a fully electric lineup. In doing so, the three motors are expected to offer industry-leading torque and power density across the different vehicle types.
GM also dropped teasers on upcoming EV launches, including:
- Cadillac Celestiq – a low-profile, all-wheel drive electric sedan featuring an electrochromic glass roof that is sectioned off in quadrants, allowing each occupant to pick how much light they want to come through from above.
- Chevrolet Bolt EUV – electric crossover looking to debut February 2021. It will feature GM’s Super Cruise driver-assistance system.
- GMC Hummer EV – an all-electric supertruck featuring Terrain mode to handle low speeds for rock climbing and crawling, as well as Watts to Freedom mode to go from 0 to 60 mph in 3 seconds.
GM is just one of many vehicle manufacturers looking to ramp up EV production in the coming years. Even though electrification continues to evolve and gain momentum, there are still many unknowns.
Through various panelists discussions, industry experts reaffirmed not to worry and that “the time is now.”
As mentioned during the Automotive Transformation: EVs and Connectivity session, it’s a great economic opportunity to create jobs. Additionally, EVs offer financial incentives.
From a cost of ownership standpoint, many consumers primarily focus on the upfront cost of a vehicle. While that is still important, most maintenance cost comes from the second half of the life of the vehicle. With EVs, there are fewer parts and more over-the-air updates.
“We’re able to update software within the electronic control units in the vehicle, which improves the performance of that vehicle and hopefully cuts down on the repair expenses for its lifetime,” says Scott Beutler, vice president and head of VNI North America at Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
There is no doubt that moving towards an all-electric future will be a lifestyle change. However, with the number of EVs on the road today, the transformation is already under way.
