General Motors faced a significant array of electric vehicle challenges over the past year, leading to underwhelming sales performance. Despite this, CEO Mary Barra attributes the current bottlenecks to factors stemming from the recent introduction of new models such as the Chevy Equinox, Blazer, and Silverado EVs.
Shifting previous Manufacturing Hell
General Motors fell short of its target to sell 100,000 electric vehicles in the latter half of 2023, ultimately delivering only 75,883 units last year.
The General Motors’ delayed rollouts have been caused by software-related issues, freight transportation setbacks, and other production factors. General Motors’ CEO Mary Barra attributes their success to the following factors: The corporation aims to manufacture 200,000 to 300,000 electric vehicles (EVs) this year, a roughly 20-fold increase from General Motors’ output in 2022.
To meet its ambitious target of achieving 400,000 electric vehicle (EV) gross sales by mid-2024, the company still requires a significant push. General Motors’ Barra labels 2024 as the “12-month window for execution,” suggesting a renewed focus on getting back on track.
Various executives, alongside CFO Paul Jacobson, have repeatedly voiced similar sentiments. In a previous speech, Jacobson noted that the company faced challenges in scaling up operations last year, but expressed confidence that “most” of those issues have been resolved.
General Motors acquired fewer than 14,000 Ultium-based electric vehicles last year, a stark contrast to the 62,045 units produced for Bolt EV and EUV models, which were impacted by the company’s own “Manufacturing Hell,” reminiscent of Tesla’s notorious production challenges.
Are General Motors’ electric vehicle (EV) challenges holding them back?
Notwithstanding recent efforts to revamp its hybrid offerings, General Motors is poised to unveil a slew of crucial all-electric models throughout the year.
Barra has confirmed in a recent interview that the battery cell concerns are firmly behind us.
However, Barra clarified that the issue is not yet resolved. As we move forward, we will need to adapt and evolve to meet growing demands. Here are the manufacturing facilities in operation: Manufacturing Facility Zero, Spring Hill, and Ramos have launched.
Following the discontinuation of the Chevy Blazer EV in March, General Motors successfully implemented a range of cost-saving measures. The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV, in its 2LT AWD trim, debuts with a starting price of $50,195, representing a decrease of $6,520 from the previous base price of $56,715.
| 2024 Blazer EV trim | Outdated MSRP | New beginning worth | Distinction | EPA Vary | Starting with a $7,500 tax credit. |
| 2LT AWD | $56,715 | $50,195 | -$6,520 | 279 | $42,695 |
| RS AWD | $60,215 | $54,595 | -$5,620 | 279 | $47,095 |
| RS RWD | $61,790 | $56,170 | -$5,620 | 320 (GM-est) |
$48,670 |
At a price of just $42,695 – inclusive of the $7,500 federal EV tax credit – the electric Blazer is an affordable option for those looking to go green. The fuel economy for this 2LT AWD model is estimated to reach up to 24 highway miles per gallon, providing a total driving range of approximately 279 miles.
General Motors reveals that a more affordable Blazer EV model is set to launch later this year, with starting prices under $50,000. The General Motors’ newly launched Blazer EV is set to compete directly with Tesla’s top-selling Model Y when it hits the market at around $42,500, starting at a price point slightly lower than the Model Y’s base price of $43,990, which offers an estimated range of 260 miles.
The Bolt EUV and EUVL are already on the market, offering affordable electric vehicles to consumers. Chevrolet has started delivering its first all-electric vehicles, the Equinox EV, in the last week of [month]. The corporate touts the brand-new Equinox as the “most affordable EV” in its class, boasting an impressive range of over 300 miles.
The base model, a bottom-of-the-line 1LT, is set to arrive in the market by the end of this year with a starting price tag of $35,000. At a starting price of $43,295, the base model (2LT FWD) is currently offered.
| 1LT FWD | $34,995 |
| 2LT FWD | $43,295 |
| 2RS FWD | $44,795 |
| 3LT FWD | $45,295 |
| 3RS FWD | $46,795 |
With the tax credit score factored in, costs drop to a minimum of $35,795. As the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox LT hits the market, its starting price is expected to be around $27,495, making it a budget-friendly option that’s poised to disrupt the affordable SUV segment, according to Scott Bell, vice president of Chevrolet.
Chevrolet has unveiled specifications for its high-performance Silverado EV RST First Edition. Chevrolet’s latest electric pickup boasts an impressive 440 miles of range and a potent 754 horsepower, setting the stage for a thrilling competition against the likes of Ford’s F-150 Lightning, Rivian’s R1T, and Tesla’s Cybertruck.
