So... now I can say that GM's 3rd gen modular battery architecture is pretty impressive. Uses an NCMA chemistry pouch cell from it's new LG Chem join venture plant, 80%pack wiring reduction vs the Chevy Bolt. RWD, AWD, FWD, compacts to big trucks, everything
Here's my quick news hit @TechCrunch, more to come! techcrunch.com/2020/03/04/gm-…
For now, let me just say: the Cadillac Celestiq is the flagship fans have been waiting decades for. Massive. Stunning. Hand-built. Think a Lucid Air only bigger and more... Cadillac.
We also saw a pair of Buick electric CUVs that highlighted the brand's new styling direction, and it is clearly very Tesla-inspired. Smooth, organic, handsome... the only real complaint could be that it's a bit vanilla (like the Model S).
In case it's not already clear, I am terrible at describing design/styling. Apologies to anyone reading these tweets, and especially to the designers whose visions I am butchering with my ham-handed descriptions.
We saw two versions of the GMC HUMMER: a long wheel base truck and a short wheel base SUV. They look very much like Hummers (with a touch of FJ Cruiser?), the truck has a real bed and both have removable targa tops. Red State Rivian.
There's also a pair of new Cadillac electric SUVs: the midsizeish Lyriq, which will be shown publicly this spring, and a much larger unnamed beast. The Lyriq is a "production intent concept" that debuts a 34" wraparound IP screen that will become a Cadillac signature.
If this lineup sounds premium-heavy... it is. The only exceptions were the refreshed Bolt, a new Bolt EUV with 3 extra inches of wheelbase and rear legroom (plus SuperCruise!) and an unnamed Chevy mid/compact CUV. So, basically all CUVs/SUVs. Only sedan is the Caddy flagship.
Bolt EUV is possibly harder to distinguish from the Bolt than the Model Y is from Model 3. Turns out that's possible! Rear seat will be better for ride hailing, while SuperCruise and sunroof options add margin. Very subtle differences, basically what the Bolt should have been.
My takeaway is that GM is taking a quite different approach than VW, clearing focusing on large premium EVs to boost margins at the sharp end of the adoption curve and then rolling in more affordable options as scale builds. Potentially a less risky strategy than MEB.
The new modular architecture is an impressive foundation upon which to build this strategy. Works with pouch and prismatic, can stack cells multiple ways, can single or double-stack & can even run different chemistries in each module. Possibly the most flexible EV platform yet?
Ultium will also underpin the Cruise Origin robotaxi, so it will have to be extremely durable for that high-mileage, high-utilization application. I get the impression that half a million miles per drivetrain is the minimum acceptable benchmark, and more is hoped for.
