Future GM EVs, Cadillac Lyriq, GMC Hummer EV On Track Despite COVID-19
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During the first-quarter 2020 earnings call today, GM CEO Mary Barra told analysts that future GM EVs are on track, despite disruptions brought about by the COVID-19 virus.
“Our EV and AV work continues uninterrupted, even as many of our engineers work remotely,” Barra stated. “That means that production timing of key entires, such as the GMC Hummer EV, the Cadillac Lyriq crossover EV, and the Cruise Origin AV remain fully on track,” she added.
A teaser of the upcoming GMC Hummer EV
The upcoming onslaught of GM EVs will see the Detroit-based automaker introduce “at least” 20 all-new battery-electric models by the 2023 calendar year. The GMC Hummer EV and Cadillac Lyriq will be the first two models to come to market. Other models will following including another Cadillac crossover smaller than the Lyriq, an electric version of the Cadillac Escalade, the Chevrolet Bolt EUV, two Buick crossover models, a light commercial van, and at least two Chevrolet crossovers. All of these models except the Bolt EUV will utilize the new GM Ultium batteries and ride on two architectures – BEV3 and BT1.
A teaser of the upcoming Cadillac Lyriq EV
It’s worth noting that, while development of future GM EVs will not be impacted by COVID-19-related disruptions, the introductions of the Cadillac Lyriq and GMC Hummer EV have been postponed. GM originally planned to debut the Lyriq in April (at least in concept form) and the Hummer – along with its 1,000 pound-feet of earth-moving torque – was originally planned to debut in May.
The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse refresh has been pushed back to the 2022 model year
Later in the call, Barra added that refreshes of some GM vehicles have been delayed by the virus. Though the CEO did not specify which vehicle refreshes are being delayed, GM Authority has previously reported that these include the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox and Traverse, 2021 Buick Enclave as well as the 2021 GMC Terrain. All of these models are now expected to launch for the 2022 model year.
GM is also planning to refresh the existing Chevrolet Bolt EV for the 2021 model year. At this point, it’s unclear whether it will join the aforementioned models in seeing a delay.
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Any commitment from GM on Cellestiq? It’s notable for its absence from the list. GM tends to make grandiose promises of flagship Cadillacs that are later axed as soon as money gets tight.
I think it was Reuss who said the Celestiq was a vehicle they were actually going to build. No commitment like that was ever made with the Ciel, Elmiraj or Escala – in fact, I’m pretty sure it was the opposite. Cadillac made it a point from the very beginning to say the Escala was simply a concept showcasing their future design language, and not a production car.
Anyone with two functioning brain cells to rub together knows that Cadillac desperately needs an ultra-luxury flagship to set the tone for their EV reboot, and that’s why Reuss said it was coming to market. They need an image-bearer, desperately. It’s now or never.
G8,
I wasn’t thinking about Ciel/Elmira/Escala. You’re right, GM never intimated that those concepts would reach production. Rather I’m thinking of the Zeta Caddy that was long promised and reported on, then shelved. Also there was the CT8 that was supposedly in development and, if I recall correctly, there was going to be a model above CT8 that would’ve been a super-Cadillac. I believe Johan referenced it a number of times. All that was later announced to have been canceled.
When Ruess talks of a new electric flagship for Cadillac, I know they need it, and I do hope they get it, but based on their track record i wonder if GM’s Board going to fund it with little assurance it’ll sell now that the money situation may be tightening.
Ci2Eye,
Sorry, my mistake, I see your point now. Yes, I remember those potential models as well. It is sad thinking of the models in JDN’s plan that we’ll never have. Can you imagine a CT8 S-Class fighter? V8 engines, incredible luxury, etc? Seems GM had two options: JDN’s strategy with RWD high-luxury gas sedans and crossovers, or high-luxury electric vehicles. And then chose the latter. It remains to be seen if they have jumped the gun with electric vehicles…time will tell.
Based on the past history of the GM corporate bean-counters, NOTHING is ever a certainty with this company. And that is what frustrates me the most about GM. They’ve designed the Celestiq, they’ve shown it off to high praise, now they need to have the stones to build it. They’ve needed something like the Celestiq for YEARS. And as much as I would have loved the JDN strategy, moving into electric vehicles grants Cadillac the incredible opportunity to wipe the slate clean and go back to their roots: big, luxurious, stunning cars with no compromises. Set the tone for your brand! They could conceivably become the standard of a potential ultra-luxury electric car segment, somewhere even RR doesn’t play.
I think the Celestiq has some built it benefits other high end Cadillacs shown in the past didn’t have. One – it’s electric – they don’t have to spend crazy amounts of money to make it fast, quiet or powerful. In the past it would have had some special engine/transmission combination that would have had to be unique for one off vehicles. In this case they can use the same motors, inverters, and batteries they are going to use in their other EV’s. Two – it’s going to be hand built. This means they don’t have to setup a complex assembly line. Parts of the chassis might roll down part of the assembly line, but the interior will probably all be hand done to customers orders.
I see this vehicle as no incremental cost for them to build since the customer is going to be paying for the time and labor involved. And from a design standpoint it’s going to use the underlying technology from GM’s other higher volume EVs, just with a prettier face and inside.
theflew – they don’t have to spend crazy amounts of money – problem with that is they’re saying its a $200K. GM doesn’t know HOW to make a $200K vehicle only to price one there.
That said the Lysol is coming soon, at what price and then what for Cadillac? With the CelestiKon at $200K there’s the Escalade, the XT6 but from a “car” perspective there’ll be the CT5. That is a huge hole in the line up… its disjointed at best and screams “confusion”.
The people making decisions must be doing 3 martini lunches as this is a messed up strategy… Then of course in 4-5 years the CT4/5 are gone…
VW didn’t know how to do $1mil Bugattis until they did. I don’t get this cheap asz middle-America mentally that luxury must be affordable or/and fwd. It’s supposed to be a showcase of what GM is capable of let them do it. I’d go on a limb and say a true CT6 replacement is on the way below Celestiq.
interesting you state “cheap ass middle America” thinking, which is exactly where GM is located.
So out of no where GM is capable of fabulous? Why not show us that now? They do nothing except mediocre at best right now. Why would anyone spend $200K on a GM product at any time? They launch the finest product they’ve ever made the CT6 w/a mediocre interior and a 4 Cyl. Once they get the power train right they kill it, meanwhile Audi, Mercedes, Bentley, Rolls, BMW and even Genesis are committed to the full size lux sedan with new generations being launched even as we speak.
VW IMO is different the Germans build precision and Bugatti couldn’t be a Passat w/a new grille and dashboard like the Escalade is a Suburban. They did it right as they do Audi, Bentley and Porsche. What confidence does GM inspire except taking a Volt, give it a cool body then charge $75K for it as an ELR? I mean seriously???
Again what wonderful vehicles did VW have before Bugatti?, most of Audi is stylish VWs, Genesis still isn’t there yet.
And since fly-over states love to save a buck or two wouldn’t a 4-banger CT6 worked? It didn’t slow it’s sales down regardless. The CT6 was only 2nd to S-Class for sales beating other luxury sedans out there.
If they’d given it a world class interior and the V8 (any V8) right off it would have launched better. If it was #2 to the S Class I cant imagine they would have tossed it on the trash heap, which is exactly what they did. They finally got it right and buh bye.
Funny is guestt YOU don’t like to save money? Fly over states? Where are you NY or Left Coast? Nothing but weirdos and freak commie libs there. Middle America is where the “people” are, you know of the people, by the people, for the people… None of this matters, GM brings something out 1/2 assed, it doesn’t sell, they kill it. The list is endless.
VW simply did it right and has done it right ever since, which is why GM was the largest auto maker on the planet 30 years ago and VW is now.
VW CEO pulled the trigger on the Bugatti and it even cought VW engineers off-guard but they got it done and GM is capable of doing the same with the Celestiq. A V8 from the start CT6 still it would had been killed as said it may not been capable of upgrades like VSS-R and/or the economy predictions.
Also I live on the best coast since fly-overs don’t have jobs anymore they’ll look like the Aussie Outback on Mad-Max soon, if I drive through there I’ll have a Weiand S/C sticking out my car to outrun the Right-wing bandits in their pickups 😉…
Normally the cost in expensive vehicles is the materials used. I’m sure GM’s designers can design with the best of them. When you’re building a $35k car you have to make decisions on where you’re going to save cost. Assuming you don’t want to make cheap engines/transmissions that could be warranty issues it means you have to save on materials used. When you look at vehicles like Mazda, Nissan, etc… the interiors look nice initially, but 3-4 years down the road they look worn before their time.
I agree with you and GM’s EV future is probably going to 1 platform that is flexible to size’s and ranges. So perhaps 90% of all future GM’s are on the 1 platform. Which says the CeletiKon, it needs to be better than the new Bentley Flying Spur which just launched (ICE) but at over $200K the interior, quality, innovation, and beauty are simply off current charts. For GM to just ‘enter’ that realm , I just don’t see it… I’d rather have a Bentley…
I think that they are jumping the gun with electric vehicles. I believe that they have clearly overestimated interest and demand in these vehicles even at the upper end. Internal combustion engines are not dead and other manufacturers will continue to build them. I see internal combustion engines being around another 15 to 20 years.
@Rakesh Chugh
This is just my opinion and I am not in the Auto Sector just a huge fan of everything Automotive. And especially a GM fan.
Electric cars will be just like when Apple released the iPhone. Nobody was asking for it as everyone had what they needed and that was a Cell phone that can make and receive Phone Calls. Once the public purchased the iPhone and they got to see how it will revolutionize the way they live, it obviously changed a whole Sector. The so Called Legacy Phone makers that didn’t believe and didn’t want to adapt were left so far behind that kids these days have no clue what those companies were. Remember it started with the iPhone and then once others joined the party, smartphones went on the S Curve and left behind (for the most part) regular cell phones and landlines.
So when Tesla started with their vehicles it is the same thing. Once one person showed their Tesla to someone else they then were hooked and so on and so on. So now if the Legacy Auto Makers do not follow, the same fate is waiting for them like say Nokia. Once every Auto Maker shifts to Electric and most not All customers realize what an EV will do for them, EV’s will also hit that S curve and never look back.
That is my opinion as it always happens with Technology that disrupts. And I personally want GM to succeed no matter the propulsion system.
I sense a VW Phaeton moment incoming shortly
Ci2Eye – no other GM EVs were mentioned except for the Lyriq and Hummer EV. Those are the models that will be first in the pipeline to be launched (as well as the Bolt EUV), while the Celestiq is further out.
Is an all-electric version of the new T1XX platform Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe in development as well since they both share the same underpinnings as the Escalade?
I am sure they will make an EV Escalade first to judge Public Demand as they can charge a much higher price and then trickle down to Tahoe and Yukon would be my guess.
If Price is somewhat reasonable, I think an EV Tahoe will revolutionize that Segment. Imagine the savings alone this will offer their owners.
GM must electrify the heavy SUVs because Ford will do it, too.
Mr. Pink – just for you:
BT1 platform to underpin full-size electric vehicles:
https://gmauthority.com/blog/gm/gm-platforms/bt1/
Escalade EV:
https://gmauthority.com/blog/2019/07/future-cadillac-escalade-ev-to-offer-400-miles-of-range/
Also, the GMC Hummer EV will likely have an SUV variant, as well.
Rarely do people talk about it, but is anyone really striving to own a Buick? They look nice but the advertising still depicts them as “surprising customers” as if they are suppose to assume they aren’t good products, the entire lineup is soon to be all crossovers, and they really are filling the gap left in crossover options that GMC doesn’t offer. Yeah they sell but is the brand really succeeding to its full potential??
Buick sold 4x as many in China than they did in the US last year, close to a million vehicles.
I’m talking about America though not China. China its a runaway success obviously.
On a related note, I have to say it’s been a blast perusing the EV forums, watching their reactions to and comments about the Hummer. These forums are completely dominated by Tesla fanatics who worship Elon Musk, and these people love to trash any competition to their beloved Tesla, especially to the CyberDoorStop.
However, I’ve noticed, weirdly, that the Hummer has started to split their ranks. Half of them think that their sworn mortal enemy returning as an EV is the only shot at getting the biggest ICE people to even consider an EV (which may be true), and the others just spew the same old stereotypical crap circa 2006, “Hummer owners are just d-bags desperate for attention, they’re compensating for something, they’re dude-bros, they have fragile masculinity,” etc. (have they SEEN the Cybertruck? Talk about irony and double standards lol). It gets heated all the time. Very, very entertaining, to say the least.
Can’t wait for the Hummer to return!!
@G8Burnout
This is what I have been saying here as soon as the Rumor started about a year ago. Genius move by GM to bring back the Hummer Brand as an EV. GM couldn’t pay enough money in advertising for anything else. The Hummer EV will be just like Tesla. Almost zero money on advertising as this will get Free Buzz everywhere.
Also as an Elon Musk and Tesla fan, I welcome all EV competition. If you trully consider yourself an Elon fan, thenm you would know that he doesn’t want all EV’s to be Teslas he just wants all Legacy Auto Makers to become EV makers. I really like the Rivian as well. I am hopeful that the Hummer will be as Luxurious and more capable off road. I honestly cannot wait for the new Hummer to be shown.
Also, do I get any props for Predicting on the Site that Tesla will not be able to make Cybertrucks fast enough? HAHA
I mean there are like 5 – 8 States desperately trying to get him to build the Cybertruck Gigafactory in their State.
@Momolos
Credit where it’s due, I remember you saying that, and you were dead on lol. Also, you are right about Musk; while sometimes I really wonder if he has severe, undiagnosed mental issues (see: his new kid’s name), he’s gone on the record as saying exactly what you said. I don’t hate Tesla or Musk, either…I just hope the Hummer blows that Cybertruck thing out of the sky haha.
As far as Hummer goes, this is how I see it:
1.) Instant name recognition. You truly don’t even need to advertise the thing, any time even minor info comes out on it, ALL the car publications cover it, and many “mainstream” sources (FOX, CNN, Reuters, WSJ, Forbes, etc). Everyone knows what Hummers are.
2.) Electrification. Now I admit this could be an issue on the baddest trails (and you run low on juice), but making Hummers an electric truck? Really smart. Plus giving it insane performance numbers (and hopefully off-road capability) really gave a lot of people who loved the gas Hummers but really don’t like EVs a reason to like this. 1,000 hp?? In a sweet-looking, badass truck? Sign me up. Plus…talk about a middle finger to the Hummer haters lol, what are you going to trash it for now? No emissions!
3.) Branding and selling. Making it a GMC was the brilliant, if not obvious, choice to make. Not only does GMC have a terrific reputation (really the best of all GM brands), but now, you don’t need to bring back Hummer dealers. So if the Hummer flops, you just kill the model and move on. No need to spend hundreds of millions on a dealership network that would lead to even more expenses and lawsuits if you need to shut Hummer down again.
4.) Offroad vehicles. An EXTREMELY hot segment right now. Take a look at Wrangler/Gladiator sales, it’s insane. Plus you have the Bronco and Defender coming back. Hummer returning now makes perfect sense.
5.) Nostalgia. Hummers were cool vehicles, and despite what some say, they’re still popular. Look at what they’re going for online today, its ridiculous. In fact, Hummer resale values have gone up more than any brand in the last few years, and by a huge margin. People are ready to get it back.
6.) Business strategy. Selling the big, expensive, low-volume, high-profit EVs is without question the best way to approach EVs. Save up some cash, trickle down some of the tech to the Silverado EV a few years later.
Can’t wait until the reveal. I hope it succeeds, sells well, and becomes something that stays around, not fades away.
@G8Burnout
I totally agree with you. I think Elon is a very smart individual and I too hope he’s not going through some Howard Hughes thing.
As a GM fan I am so excited for the upcoming Hummer EV. I mean GM couldn’t have picked a better Brand to make their first EV Pickup Truck with. I just hope and pray it is everything we are hearing it is. It needs to be Luxurious, Tech Rich, and amazing Off road. Basically a Modern Day American Land Rover.
I just cannot wait to see it. Glad to hear the Program is still on track too.
With you there all the way, Momolos
The only thing I don’t agree with is it should be luxurious. The interior should fit its role. I don’t think it needs a Cadillac interior, but it should be functional with nice materials.
@theflew
From everything I’ve read, the interior of the Hummer will be technologically advanced, but not particularly luxurious. Materials will be more utilitarian and rugged to suit the nature of the truck. Can’t cite where I read it, but it was from several articles written by people who saw the truck and SUV – they said it looked like a much more modern and more appealing Jeep Wrangler interior. I also think all materials will be 100% recyclable? So no leather, but maybe some kind of vinyl or leatherette substitute for seating. Don’t know for sure.
@theflew & G8Burnout
I can deal with that too. I was hopeful it would be like Rivian where they are going after Land Rover. But modern and rugged will work too.
theflew – they don’t have to spend crazy amounts of money – problem with that is they’re saying its a $200K. GM doesn’t know HOW to make a $200K vehicle only to price one there.
That said the Lysol is coming soon, at what price and then what for Cadillac? With the CelestiKon at $200K there’s the Escalade, the XT6 but from a “car” perspective there’ll be the CT5. That is a huge hole in the line up… its disjointed at best and screams “confusion”.
The people making decisions must be doing 3 martini lunches as this is a messed up strategy… Then of course in 4-5 years the CT4/5 are gone…
I cannot become customer of an EV until the following requirements are met:
Minimum 300 mile range
I’m able to charge it at any gas station
Be able to charge it to 90% within 10 minutes
GM needs to work hard to duplicate the internal combustion experience with EVs
300 mile range isn’t a problem. Charging behavior is very different than filling a gas car. If you’re not traveling more than your 300 range you would only charge at your destination. Even 500 miles (about 7 hours of driving) would only take a 20-30 minute stop. Also charging stations can be at places gas stations cannot be like malls, hotels, downtown, parks, banks, etc…
Every morning my Bolt has a 200+ mile range ready to go. No need to “fill-up” on my way to/from work.
@Rakesh Chugh
I hear you. EV’s as of right now are not for every single customer. The infrastructure is just not built out yet.
I would say if current trends continue, it will probably take up to 10 minutes to fully charge an EV in say 5 – 10 years. I do think Gas Stations will convert to EV Charging Stations in the future as well. They make most of their money from their Stores. So whether they sell you Liquid or electricity they do not care. If anything, it will be much safer for them to sell the later. Once that happens and customers can charge pretty quickly and pretty much anywhere, EV’s will hit the S curve and just take off from there. Dealerships and Service Garages on the other hand will not be very happy.
Dealerships with service garages will still be busy. Gig companies and robotaxie services will need places to charge and maintain their vehicles. You still have road wear and other repairs that need to be done as well. Heck Dealerships may offer more personalization options for the cars.
@Nebula1701
That is a great idea and point. I can totally see that shift happening.
https://www.motortrend.com/news/2022-2023-cadillac-celestiq-ev-flagship-sedan/
Still don’t understand the gaping front mouth, its electric it doesn’t need a black mass there… it would be nice if it looked more like the El Miraj up front.
For a render, that’s not too bad. They say it looks like a bigger Escala with a revised front end and bigger C pillars, so that could be somewhat close. MT saw it too. Thanks for the link!
Here’s something that will help the electric vehicle market, the addition of Tellunium to the Lithium Ion battery will increase storage capacity 4X meaning a Chevrolet Bolt could have a battery only a third of it’s current size which will lower the cost of EV; but they may want to push the introduction date of the Cadillac Lyriq and GMC Hummer a year especially if this means a battery that is two-thirds smaller and cheaper.