Could anyone explain to me why they are doing this.
Whether we like it or not, electric vehicles (EVs) represent the future. It would be a major mistake for any car company not to invest in them.
Internal combustion engines (ICE) have maxed out their potential in terms of economic feasibility, while EV technology is still developing. As advancements continue, batteries will become smaller, lighter, faster-charging, and more energy-efficient. Additionally, the infrastructure for EV charging will keep improving and expanding.
EVs offer numerous benefits over ICE vehicles. The arguments for sticking with ICE vehicles are reminiscent of the objections people had to the advent of the combustion engine—such as not needing to refuel a horse, horses being able to pull more, and their reliability and range.
While ICE engines may still be better in some respects and will likely remain so for a while, for most drivers who use their vehicles for daily commuting, EVs are or will soon be superior to comparable ICE cars.
Embrace change—there’s no need to worry about losing what you’re accustomed to.
The most straightforward answer is: GM has some seriously impressive EVs.
Realistically, moving forward with EVs is simply the best path. GM genuinely has a chance to succeed in the EV market. Every EV they offer right now stands out in its price range, especially for those who aren’t fans of Tesla.
While Tesla will remain the market leader, GM’s strong EV lineup could definitely start chipping away at Tesla’s market share.
The non-Tesla EV market is substantial, so GM’s goal should be to lead in this segment and offer the best alternative to Tesla. And from personal experience: I let two family members, who both own Model Ys, try my Equinox EV, and now they’re in the process of trading in their Model Ys for an Equinox EV.
Governments are banning internal combustion engines (ICE) and compelling companies to invest in electric vehicles (EVs).
EVs are the present and future—they’re here to stay, and they now have solid consumer support. I love my ICE vehicles; there’s something tangible and nostalgic about them, maybe even rooted in childhood. That said, this little Bolt EV is pretty impressive and certainly doesn’t cause any issues. It seems pointless to argue against it.
I personally believe that the push toward EVs was significantly influenced by Tesla’s stock performance during and after the pandemic, along with their impressive sales numbers. It seems like many thought investing in EVs would boost their share prices.
From my experience in automotive emissions testing, it appears that CARB/EPA, by extension, is pushing towards the elimination of hybrid powertrains. They find hybrids more challenging to regulate, so instead of developing more rigorous testing standards, they’re opting to phase them out. I think hybrid drivetrains are a viable solution moving forward, especially given the high volume and long distances driven by Americans.