General Motors is the latest car company to unveil plans for an emissions-free future. On Monday morning, the US’ largest automaker announced that the next 18 months will see two new electric vehicles join the Bolt EV in showrooms, and 18 more are due by 2023.
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.”
The announcement took place at GM’s Design Dome.
GM also introduced SURUS — the Silent Utility Rover Universal Superstructure — a fuel cell powered (AKA Hydrogen), 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.
The surge in EV development is partly due to the commitments some countries have made to ban the sale of new gas- or diesel-powered vehicles two or three decades from now. Among them is China, which is reportedly looking at banning the sale of fossil fuel vehicles after 2030.
Another factor is the falling cost of EV batteries.
