As General Motors continues to ramp up development efforts in the all-electric vehicle (EV) segment, we are now gaining additional insights into the automaker’s strategy with regard to its next-gen EV platform. Also known as BEV3 (Battery Electric 3, with the “3” added as a reference to the platform’s third-generation status), we have learned which GM electric vehicles the platform will underpin.
Unfortunately, specifics like brands, names, and specs are still under wraps. However, we now know the broad vehicle segments where the BEV3 platform will see use, courtesy of new info provided during the recent GM Capital Markets Day presentations.
The first vehicle to use the BEV3 GM electric vehicle architecture will be a midsize luxury CUV, which is expected to debut in April with a Cadillac badge attached. Sizing will be similar to that of the Cadillac XT5, while the CUV will also carry a non-alphanumeric nameplate.
Following the debut of the midsize Cadillac CUV, a more mainstream compact CUV will follow shortly thereafter.
Once the BEV3 GM electric vehicle architecture is introduced on these two initial CUV’s, the platform will then be used for six subsequent vehicles. These include:
- A compact CUV
- A compact luxury CUV
- The Cruise Origin autonomous taxi
- A Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV)
- A luxury “low-roof” CUV
- A mainstream “low-roof” car
In addition, a large CUV could also be in the cards, although details on this are currently unclear.
To note, the BEV3 GM electric vehicle architecture is separate from the BT1 architecture, which will underpin a number of large SUVs and pickup trucks, including the upcoming GMC Hummer EV. And although BEV3 and BT1 will differ in terms of the way in which the vehicles are built, they will likely share a number of electric powertrain components.
As a modular architecture designed to “facilitate quick and cost-effective segment entries,” BEV3 certainly looks like it has its work cut out for it. Nevertheless, GM is confident that it will provide the right backbone as the automaker dives headfirst into the all-electric segment, as evidenced by GM CEO Mary Barra’s presentation at the recent GM Capital Markets Day event.
“What sets BEV3 architecture apart from our competitors and what gives us confidence is that it’s an integrated approach, and we have significant opportunities for scale,” Barra said. “It maximizes the flexible battery architecture to create multiple entries across brands and across segments.”
Which GM electric vehicle do you want to see the most? Let us know in the comments, and make sure to subscribe to GM Authority for ongoing GM news coverage.
Comments
What’s missing is the performance car. As long as they are bringing back an old brand in Hummer, why can’t we have a new Pontiac Trans Am? Or maybe a Pontiac Grand Prix to take on the Model 3?
Because cars are not a growth segment. Simple as that.
There will be performance variants of most electric models listed here. This will turn out better than most think.
If the new Electric XT5 replacement isn’t rear wheel drive with rear drive proportions….everyone involved should be fired immediately.
Electric drive is not a fwd/rwd thing. There is no large engine, large mechanical transmission, no drive line or differential.
The rendering of the vehicle was released months ago and is available for all to see. Look at it and draw your own conclusions.
That’s true, but GM figured out a way to make the BEV2 platform look like a minivan. The Bolt may be a good car, but it’s extremely dorky looking.
Rear wheel drive isn’t that important for electrical vehicles, since it adds weight when the components are farther apart. Only if every component is close together will a rear wheel drive vehicle work better, such as the new Ford Mustang Mach-E, which is rear wheel drive and has a waterproof “frunk”. I have driven both FWD and RWD and the FWD is more compact and easier to work with. FWD is a huge worldwide success as the majority or cars have it. Maybe you should be fired immediately.
Performance normally isn’t a problem for EVs. Even the Bolt EV does 0-60 in under 6.5 seconds.
What’s a Pontiac ?
GM will abandon the entire plan if the first electric vehicle doesn’t meet an unreasonable sales goal in its first year.
Given the large amounts of money GM is spending, I don’t think they have a choice but to forge ahead. The EV market is small enough that there’s a lot of room for growth even if it takes years before it gains large scale penetration. GM capturing a couple of percent is a couple hundred thousand cars.
They definitely can’t afford not to make a luxury performance EV. This is the future. They need to establish themselves.
And I think Cadillac could honestly beat Tesla on fit/finish and interior trim. If they can keep the performance and range as high as Tesla….they could have an interesting product.
My concern would be the charging network and battery replacement.
The Chevy Volt history has shown that the GM designed battery had less than five replacements for over 100,000 Volts sold. So the battery is more reliable than Tesla’s battery which has suffered many fires, Not one Volt has had any fire!
I can’t believe people are still talking about battery replacement as a factor in purchasing an EV. Did you calculate the added expense of a new engine when your purchased your last ICE? Vehicle life is more-so related to corrosion than powertrain; at least here in Michigan.
They need to play this thing out. They’ve already gambled by committing so much damn money to it, might as well do everything you can to make it a winner.
GM has a real chance to totally reinvent themselves here. Assuming for the sake of time that EVs do take off (a MAJOR question, and something I’m very skeptical of), this is the chance for GM to move beyond the mistakes of the past. The novelty and newness of EVs provide GM an actual clean slate unlike they’ve ever had, and a chance to repair their old reputation.
All this to say…YOU CAN”T CUT CORNERS. PERIOD. The old bean-counter GM ways need to die before they can ruin the EVs. GM needs to follow the Lutz model and spare no expense making their EVs the best on the market. No less. The BEST. You’ve already committed, allocated or used billions to start this whole thing up; there’s no going back now, so get it RIGHT, the first time.
They do this, provide truly exceptional electrical products (again, assuming EVs even take hold in the market), and GM has a golden opportunity for a Renaissance unlike they’ve seen in 60 years. But if the bean-counters screw this up like everything else, nothing will ever change at GM. Their chance right now is immense, and its extremely fragile.
Will there be a supercharger network for the new Cadillac?
That is never needed, and it is an oversell for Tesla, since most Tesla Model S and 3 owners charge at their homes. GM uses the SAE J1772 standard since the 2010 Chevy Volt, as will 90% of all EV manufacturers (only Tesla and Nissan are different), so there will be plenty of charge stations available. But going out for a charge is just as bad as going out for gasoline. If you plan your trips well, you will never need any “supercharger” or external charging when you can do it safely at your home overnight while you sleep.
Doesn’t matter how well you plan a 500 mile trip when your car has a 300 mile range….
This is a concern of mine. A BEV is apparently not for road trips. I guess we have to keep Avis on speed dial for that.
Still, this applies to Tesla as well and it hasn’t seemed to have dimmed its prospects.
Folks who make comments like this are obviously not “ in tune” with BEVs and charging infrastructure today. Spend a little time on You Tube and you will find folks making long distance trips with not only Teslas but other EVs like the Bolt granted, its not as fast as getting gas, but a half hour to 45 minute stop every 200 miles isn’t a big deal.
A “half hour to 45 minute stop every 200 miles” is ridiculously absurd.
I have a Chevrolet Volt and love it. Absolutely no range anxiety. I’m sorry, but stopping every 200 – 300 miles for a half hour to 45 minute break is a big deal when traveling cross-country to a destination.
I drive my mom back n forth from NJ to Florida EVERY year. That’s FOUR 1,000+ mile trips a year. Includes 15 min gas up “rest stop” in Richmond VA area; 15 min gas up/stretch in South Carolina & 15 min gas up south of Jacksonville. Now you want me to stop 30-45 in DC swamp area; 30-45 in NC; 30-45 in SC; 30-45 in Georgia & 30-45 in FL somewhere just short of my destination. Adding 2-3 hours to a 17 hour drive time. 🙄🤬😵👎
Every car is not perfect for every person’s needs. If an EV is not a fit for you at this time, that is fine too.
But I sure don’t need a 3/4 ton 4 x 4 long bed extended cab truck either…..
», you will never need any “supercharger” or external charging when you can do it safely at your home overnight while you sleep«
only if you do have a home with your own garage or driveway.
No New Yorker should apply, except a few
I am a New Yorker, born in Manhattan at the Park East Hospital (which was demolished many years ago), and lived in the Lower East Side, between Grand and Water Street (south of Delancey and the Williamsburg Bridge). But now I have my own home and I have a JuiceBox Level 2 EVSe that I built myself. So, why must a New Yorker such as myself not apply? And I don’t drive much, about 300 miles a month, so one charge can last me over a week.
Teslas have charging station locations imbedded into the Navigation system for trip planning. I expect GM/Cadillac will do something similar. New or moved station locations would be updated OTA.
I recently saw a Youtube video of a guy who drove coast-to-coast in his Model 3.
Is there really a need for a Full size truck and Large SUV based on BEV3 when they already have BT1 ? Is there a future plan to integrate both platforms into one at some point ?
Take note of the models identified as “Low Roof”. Could that be the beginning of a trend back toward lower, more attractive vehicles? (and DON”T call them ‘station wagons’).
I don’t knowbif it’s reflecting a trend as such, but it’s nice to know that not ALL vehicles will be have the upright, square-ish proportions of so many today.
A convertible.
I see everything but a real timeline.
When will GM have something new to sell?
GM sold me on driving electric vehicles.
But they will lose me as a customer if they don’t stop talking and produce some new vehicles! It really is that simple.
Well the Cadillac pictured is scheduled to start production in about 18-20 months time. A smaller version about a year after that. As for the other brands, I don’t lnow. I’m sure if you did a quick Google on the subject you could learn.
The plan for GM is to offer both EV and ICE vehicles, and let the collective sales guide GM’s future production strategy.
They need a 2 door coupe and not like the 4 door “coupe” models the industry is calling a coupe.