The electric revolution has begun, and it seems General Motors is getting on board — to the tune of US$760 million. The automaker announced that it would be investing the sum into its Toledo, Ohio, plant to prepare for the production of GM EV trucks in the very near future.
According to GM’s CFO, the company is hitting an “infliction point” as it looks to scale EV production and, at the same time, become an industry leader in battery cell production. Leveraging its partnership with LG Energy, GM’s Ultium Cells venture reportedly has four battery cell plants coming down the pipeline, with one facility opening per year.
2024 Silverado EV RST
The Ultium-based EVs slated for production at the Ohio plant include the Chevrolet Silverado EV, GMC Sierra EV and GMC HUMMER EVs. Notably, the Toledo Propulsion Systems, which spans 2.8 million square feet, will be GM’s first U.S. powertrain or propulsion-related manufacturing facility transformed for EV-related production.
“Once the plant is converted, it will produce GM’s family of EV drive units, which convert electric power from the battery pack to mechanical motion at the wheels,” read the official press release. “GM’s EV drive units will cover front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive propulsion combinations, including high-performance and off-road capabilities.” This development, in addition to its half a billion investment into its Indiana stamping facility, gives merit to GM’s pledge to provide EVs for everyone, including SUVs, crossovers, luxury, pickups, and more.
“Our Toledo team has a long, proud history of building great products and they have worked hard to earn this investment,” said Gerald Johnson, GM executive vice president of Global Manufacturing and Sustainability. “This investment helps build job security for our Toledo team for years to come and is the next step on our journey to an all-electric future.”
Johnson went on to note that the Toledo team will split its efforts between the development of transmissions for GM’s iconic, fan-favourite models, as well as its highly anticipated, EV models. “Our Toledo team will continue to play a key role as we work to strengthen our current truck and SUV dominance, while also playing an important role in our EV growth transition,” he shared.
