Joining the electric powered cars bandwagon, General Motors reveals its next project: a full-size electric pickup truck to join the company's "all-electric future."
Proud of its higher-than-expected first-quarter profit, CEO Mary Barra looks positively at the company's future with electrification on its roadmap.
The project was first rumored to be in the works last January when a GMC executive was heard saying that the automaker was "considering" an electrified pickup or SUV.
"GM has an industry-leading truck franchise and industry-leading electrification capabilities," Barra said, "I assure you we will not cede our leadership on either front. We intend to create an all-electric future that includes a complete range of EVs, including full-size pickups."
The electric truck is a step forward for GM which has a strong empire of electrified vehicles including the reinvigorated Cadillac which is groomed to be the company's lead electric vehicle brand. GM is particularly innovating a battery electric vehicle architecture that will advance its line of profitable EVs.
Also in the family is the all-electric Chevy Bolt, a small hatchback that is also utilized by its self-driving automobile unit GM Cruise, reports Tech Crunch.
Many remain curious whether GM will take on the electric pickup project on its own or collaborate with a partner like Rivian. Barra is also mum on their timelines, saying the company will disclose the info "when competitively appropriate."
Moreover, the company cites effective cost cutting and successful sales of expensive trucks and SUVs as keys to it's latest achievement. GM also made some money from its stake in ride-hailing company Lyft and French carmaker PSA Group.
GM has been streamlining over the past five years, ditching costly programs like the Opel brand in Europe, and putting more resources into electrification and smart vehicle technology.
Last November, the company closed several facilities in North America and dissolved mid-priced car models as it began focusing on high-margin SUVs, trucks, and crossovers.
Meanwhile, other mass-market automakers also electrifying larger vehicles. Ram has come up with a mild-hybrid variant of the 1500 pickup.
Ford's is working on hybrid and EV variants of the F-Series pickup, reports CNET.
Even smaller companies are working on their own electric-powered pickup trucks. Rivian's R1T electric truck came out of nowhere and impressed the audience right away with its handsome style and breakthrough interior tech.
Altis Motor Vehicles is also busy developing an EV pickup truck with a 500-mile range and 35,000 pounds towing capacity.
