General Motors (GM) is going all-electric, but the transition hasn’t happened as quickly as many anticipated. The automaker is overcoming supply chain hurdles as it ramps up EV production. With several high-volume EVs launching, GM’s CEO Mary Barra believes “it will be dramatically different” next year. But will it be enough to surpass Tesla?
In an interview with NBC News’ Rebecca Blumenstein at the Aspen Ideas Festival this week, Barra discussed the automaker’s future as the leader transitions the company to go all-electric by 2035.
Barra said that setting a date to go all-electric (passenger vehicles) stopped the internal debate around when and shifted things to how to get it done. Shortly after, GM’s leader said she was confident the automaker would catch up to and surpass Tesla to become the top EV seller in the US.
After producing just over 39,000 fully electric vehicles last year compared to Tesla’s 1.4 million, GM’s goal seems like it’s getting out of reach.
When asked why production isn’t higher, Barra explained the automaker’s move from the Volt to the second-generation Bolt EV and EUV. Although the Bolt has become a top-selling electric car in the US as one of the most affordable options, it was an ICE vehicle modified to become electric.
2022 Chevy Bolt EV (Source: GM)
In turn, the Bolt’s limited range and performance led GM to develop a dedicated EV platform, Ultium. Despite launching the first Ultium-based vehicle, the Hummer EV pickup, in late 2021, the automaker sold a total of two in the first three months of 2023.
Ramping electric vehicle production
Battery production is currently holding GM back. As Barra explains, the company has plans for four EV battery plants in the US.
The first plant, a 2.8 million sq ft facility in Warren, Ohio, began producing battery cells last September and is now “running really well.” GM’s other three will be in Tennessee, Michigan, and Indiana.
Chevy Silverado EV RST (Source: GM)
The ramp-up is constraining its Ultium-based vehicles, such as Hummer EV and upcoming Silverado EV, Blazer EV, and Equinox EV, all due out by the end of the year.
GM’s leader says as the facilities come online, it will support the automaker’s target of producing 400,000 EVs by the middle of next year and one million in 2025.
Chevy Equinox EV 1LT, starting at an MSRP of around $30k (Source: GM)
GM catching Tesla in sales, potential Bolt EV successor?
When asked if she still believes GM will catch Tesla while maintaining its leadership role in the US auto industry, Barra said the automaker has “sold more vehicles in the US” and knows its customers well and what they are looking for out of an EV.
As part of GM’s “EVs for everyone” strategy, GM is not concerned with replicating its ICE portfolio. Instead, it’s being strategic with affordable options, luxury models, pickups, SUVs, and more.
2024 Cadillac Lyriq models (Source: GM)
After GM announced plans to discontinue the Bolt EV later this year, many wondered what would take its place. Will we see an Utlium-based EV? Barra teased a next-gen model by saying:
It’s a very important vehicle in our lineup, so you will have to wait and see what we end up doing.
This is now the second time Barra has teased the idea of an Ultium-based Bolt EV.
Chevy Blazer 1LT EV (Source: GM)
After adopting Tesla’s NACS connector earlier this month, Barra explained the company wanted to offer customers the best possible experience. GM chose NACS because it provides better durability and reliability at a lower cost, as Barra said:
Anytime you make a decision from a customer perspective and you’re not choosing the most cost-effective, better solution, you do that at your own peril.
Instead of having 13,000 chargers across the US, GM will now have 25,000, which will help support EV adoption.
Barra says she sees Elon Musk as both a partner and competitor after the NACS deal. She said the decision was the right one for everyone as several other OEMs have also moved toward the standard. You can watch the full interview below.
GM Marry Barry interview
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Commute up to 68 miles with exclusive 50% savings on ENGWE’s Engine Pro 2.0 folding e-bike at a new $749.50 low
We’ve secured an exclusive and budget-friendly deal from Wellbots for our readers on the ENGWE Engine PRO 2.0 Folding e-bike at $749.50 shipped, after using the exclusive promo code 9TO5ENGWE50 at checkout for 50% off. This model would normally run you $1,499 here, which we’ve seen discounted as low as $1,149 from the brand over the last year. That price is getting strong-armed out of the way with this exclusive deal that gives you a 50% markdown, putting nearly $750 back into your pocket at the best new price we have tracked.
A great alternative option for riders who want a reliable means to get through their commutes without shelling out $1,000 or more on other brands, the ENGWE Engine Pro 2.0 e-bike is a folding model that saves on space while also providing some significant travel support. The 750W rear hub motor peaks at 1,200W and comes paired with a removable 16Ah battery for up to 68 miles of pedal-assisted travel (five levels supported by a torque sensor) at up to 20 to 28 MPH top speeds, depending on what your local laws allow. Of course, you’ll have the option for pure electric travel via the throttle, though keep in mind this reduces the mileage to around 30 miles on one full charge.
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For the low price you’re getting on ENGWE’s Engine Pro 2.0, you’ll be scoring some solid features, including hydraulic disc brakes for greater stopping power, puncture-resistant all-terrain fat tires so you don’t have to fear what you may ride over, and an 8-speed Shimano derailleur for versatile pedaling options. That’s not all, as you’ll also be getting a rear cargo rack, a full suspension system, and a smart LCD screen for performance data and setting adjustments – plus, the whole thing weighs in at 70 pounds, so it’s manageable regardless of your rural/suburban/urban environment.
Upgrade your home security with Anker’s solar-powered eufy SoloCam S220 camera at $65
Anker is offering its eufy SoloCam S220 Solar Security Camera at $64.99 shipped, after using the on-page promo code at checkout for $35 off the price, which is beating out Amazon’s pricing by $5. Coming down off its $100 full price tag while the savings last, this model has been regularly seen dropping to $70 and more recently going lower to $65 over the last handful of months, only beaten out by the $62 low we first saw appearing during Prime Day at the top of the month. You’re looking at 35% markdown while the savings last, giving you the second-best price we have tracked if you missed out on the one-time Prime Day low. You’ll also find the camera’s multi-pack options starting from $129.99 shipped here.
Save up to 34% on multi-packs of Linkind’s Smart Solar Spotlights starting from $23
By way of its official Amazon storefront, Linkind is offering its Smart Solar Spotlights starting at $22.99 shipped for a 2-pack. The price is coming down from its $35 tag, with them having spent a significant portion of recent months at $24, with some falls to $23 (including during Prime Day) and one earlier drop to the $21 low back in April. You’re looking at a 34% markdown here that cuts $12 off the tag for the second-best price we have tracked, landing just $2 above the all-time low. You’ll also find its larger bundles benefitting from discounts, with the 4-pack down at its second-best price of $48.99 shipped, after clipping the on-page 30% off coupon, while its 8-pack is down at a $90.98 low.
Pick up the Worx GT Revolution 20V 12-inch string trimmer/edger/mini-mower with spare parts at $83 (2025 low)
Amazon is offering the Worx GT Revolution 20V 12-inch String Trimmer/Edger/Mini-Mower kit that comes with a 2.0Ah battery, 2A charger, three replacement spools, a spool holder, and replacement edger wheels for $82.99 shipped. The combination of the tool and battery alone goes for $130 at full price directly from the brand’s website, where it’s currently priced, but we’ve been seeing this larger bundle package keep down to $100 for much of the time since late March. While we have seen it drop lower in the past, the additional $17 savings from its recent going rate is the best price we have tracked over the last 12 months, even beating out its Prime Day pricing by $2.
Clear out your yard with up to 610 CFM air flow through this 60V Greenworks cordless leaf blower at $142
Amazon is offering the Greenworks 60V 610 CFM Cordless Leaf Blower at $142.49 shipped. Normally fetching $200 directly from the brand’s website, where this model is priced $8 higher, we’ve been seeing it keep to $180 in full at Amazon since March, with discounts dropping costs lower between $160 and $140 on average. The lowest we’ve seen this model fall was to a $135 rate on the last of Prime Day’s 4-day event, with the deal today matching the event’s first three days of pricing. You’re looking at the third-lowest price we have tracked, saving you $58 off the MSRP and landing just $7 above the all-time low.
The savings this week are also continuing to a collection of other markdowns. To the same tune as the offers above, these all help you take a more energy-conscious approach to your routine. Winter means you can lock in even better off-season price cuts on electric tools for the lawn while saving on EVs and tons of other gear.
To celebrate 1.5 million in sales, BYD launched a new Yuan Up “Pilot” EV edition on Thursday with prices now starting at under $10,500.
BYD launches new Yuan Up Pilot with lower prices
The new base model is priced at 74,800 yuan ($11,500), which is about 25% cheaper than the current Yuan Up lineup. Previously, Yuan Up prices ranged from 99,800 yuan ($14,000) to 119,800 yuan ($16,700).
Powered by a 32 kWh BYD Blade battery pack, the new Yuan Up Pilot edition has a CLTC driving range of up to 301 km (187 miles). The other three trims have a range of 401 km (249 miles) from a 45.12 kWh battery.
Given the lower prices, BYD had to cut back somewhere. And it’s not just in range. The lower-priced Yuan Up does not include BYD’s “God’s Eye” smart driving system.
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Earlier this year, BYD upgraded most of its vehicles with the smart driving tech at no extra charge. The other three trims include the “C” version, or the lowest level of autonomy.
BYD launches new lower-priced Yuan Up Pilot edition (Source: BYD)
More expensive vehicles, like those in the BYD Denza and Yangwang series, are equipped with more advanced “A” and “B” systems.
Inside, the cabin appears similar to other models, featuring a 10.1″ floating central infotainment screen and an 8.8″ driver display screen. It still features BYD’s DiLink 50 smart cockpit system, which includes voice control and connectivity support.
BYD Yuan Up EV interior (Source: BYD)
Measuring 4,310 mm in length, 1,830 mm in width, and 1,675 mm in height, the Pilot edition is the same size as other BYD Yuan Up models. That’s about the size of a Hyundai Kona.
BYD launches new lower-priced Yuan Up Pilot edition (Source: BYD)
According to data from CnEVPost, sales of BYD’s Yuan series fell 21% in May (31,711 units) and 29% in June (25,727 units) compared to the same period last year.
Given BYD’s aggressive push for smart tech, the new base Yuan Up could hint that a change in the Chinese automaker’s playbook is in the works. In overseas markets, the Yuan Up is sold as the Atto 2.
Last week, BYD launched its “high-energy super SUV,” the Sealion 06 EV, priced from 139,800 yuan ($21,000).
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However, as it often does with design refreshes, Tesla didn’t launch the performance version of the best-selling electric SUV with the broader refresh.
The automaker stopped taking orders for Model Y Performance, but we have been expecting the variant to make a comeback under the Juniper design by the end of the year.
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While cycling near Tesla’s Palo Alto engineering headquarters, an Electrek reader spotted a Tesla Model Y prototype in camouflage, which we quickly identified as a Model Y Performance with the Juniper design refresh:
What makes us think this is a Model Y Performance? The wheels look like Plaid 20″ wheels, which are generally reserved for performance versions.
If we zoom in, we can also see that the Model Y appears to feature bigger red brake calipers – another feature that Tesla only offers on performance versions of its vehicles.
Before the refresh, the Model Y Performance achieved an EPA-estimated range of 277–285 miles (446-459 km), depending on the wheel configuration.
It accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds.
The new Model Y Performance with the Juniper refresh is expected to slightly improve on those metrics while also bringing some of the other changes introduced in the design refresh, such as a light bar, ambient interior lighting, a rear screen, and more.
Tesla previously sold the Model Y Performance for a base price of $51,500 in the US.
The new version of the vehicle is expected to launch in the coming months.
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