GM is delaying another major EV initiative

In its newest setback, GM is delaying the launch of EV drive manufacturing at its Toledo Propulsion Programs plant in Ohio. The corporate will now start constructing electrical drives on the finish of 2024.

GM delaying one other key EV funding

At a gathering Wednesday, staff on the Toledo plant discovered that GM is delaying EV drive unit manufacturing by 9 months.

The plant was anticipated to start constructing the items in Q1 2024, however that’s being pushed again till the fourth quarter. UAW Native 14 President Tony Totty, who represents employees on the facility, mentioned the plan impacts about 75 temp employees.

GM shut down its 6-speed transmission line in April, with round 100 temps being laid off. About 25 of them earned everlasting positions underneath the brand new UAW labor agreement.

In an announcement Wednesday, GM confirmed the information. The automaker mentioned it’s going to “retime the launch of Electrical Drive Unit on the plant to This autumn 2024 in an effort to higher align with Orion Meeting’s deliberate manufacturing schedule.”

GM revealed a $760 million investment to organize the plant to construct the primary electrical drive items for its EVs within the US.

The information comes after GM introduced it was delaying production of its electrical vehicles, together with the Silverado RST and GMC Sierra Denali EVs, till late 2025 in October.

GM’s electrical vehicles will probably be constructed at its Orion meeting plant in Michigan, the place the present Bolt EV is produced. The corporate reaffirmed it’s going to “retime the conversion of Orion to EV truck manufacturing to late 2025 to raised handle capital funding whereas aligning with evolving EV demand.”

Electrek’s Take

Regardless of some automakers doubling down on EVs within the US, like Volvo and Hyundai, GM continues to fall additional behind.

Hyundai (and Kia) topped GM’s Chevy in US EV registrations within the third quarter, putting second solely to Tesla.

Whereas GM is phasing out its least expensive EV, the Bolt, on the finish of the 12 months, a number of new reasonably priced fashions will hit the market.

Volvo’s EX30, beginning at underneath $35K, will start rolling out early subsequent 12 months. In the meantime, Hyundai launched the brand new 2024 Kona electrical with beginning costs underneath $33K. The brand new electrical SUV is greater, higher, and smarter in each approach. It additionally consists of extra vary and quicker charging.

GM delaying EV truck manufacturing may also be a serious setback. Tesla launched its extremely anticipated Cybertruck whereas others, together with Rivian, proceed ramping up output.

The delay is one other setback in GM’s plans to supply “EVs for everybody.”

Supply: Toledo Blade