GM Invests in an EV Future: $449 Million to go Towards Electric Vehicles

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Are electric vehicles the future of personal transportation?

GM seems to think so with its latest round of investments into the EV market. While the company has seen only tepid sales for its Chevy Volt, GM will be hunkering down and making some major investments in electric vehicles over the coming years. It seems one of the world’s largest automakers does not want to be left behind when it comes to EVs.

At the Automotive Press Association the other day, GM announced an investment of $449 million into advanced technology. $384 million will be going to GM’s Detroit-Hamtramck facility, the plant which makes the Chevy Volt, while the remaining $65 million will go to the Brownstone Battery Assembly facility, where all the company’s lithium-ion batteries are made.

The investments come just ahead of the release of the next generation Chevy Volt, which has an anticipated release date of 2015 or 2016. Although the company is remaining quiet about the forthcoming Volt, some speculate it could feature an all-electric range of 50 miles and a much smaller range-extending engine.

Don’t forget GM is also planning to release the first affordable 200 mile range all-electric vehicle. One of the sticking points is creating an affordable battery with that range, but the company is confident it can be accomplished in the near future. Such a vehicle would be a direct competitor with Tesla’s upcoming Model E, which will be geared more towards the average American.

GM has invested nearly $1 billion in EV technology, suggesting the company takes its electric vehicles seriously. It has just released the Cadillac ELR, to compete on the luxury EV stage and is now looking for new opportunities in the growing EV market. It will be interesting to see how GMs EV investments will pay off down the road.

Joseph Tohill is a freelance writer and online communications specialist for organizations in the sustainability sector. He has a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of British Columbia and spent most of his academic career studying sustainable urban development; namely the interdisciplinary relationship between built form and natural environment.

Evs by The Numbers: A Closer Look At Electric Vehicle Growth Since 2011

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If one were to look at the EV market as a proportion of the total global automobile market, one would be looking at a very small number indeed. Of the estimated billion cars on the road, only 400,000 would be classified as an electric vehicle. 

However, EVs have only really been on the mainstream market since 2011, so their numbers are expected to be small. Where EVs really shine is in their growth over the past few years.

According to the Center for Solar and Hydrogen Energy Research in Germany, the number of EVs on the road in 2012 was 100,000. In 2013 the number of EVs totalled 200,000, and in 2014 the number has reached 400,000. This is a clear doubling trend since 2012 and leaves a lot to be optimistic about in the coming years.

In fact, for a sector that is still only a few years old, EVs have been performing exceptionally well. For example, EVs are being adopted much faster than when hybrids were released. In only 3 years, EVs have achieved the same number of sales that hybrids took 6 years to achieve.

The top three markets for EVs include the US (174,000 vehicles), Japan (68,000 vehicles), and China (45,000 vehicles).

A closer look at particular car manufacturers reveals growing competition to capitalize on rising interest in EVs. Interestingly, car manufacturers have realized that specialization is key when it comes to attracting customers. For years Tesla has been the “go-to” luxury EV, with its Model S boasting over 200 miles of range and high consumer ratings (it was voted the best overall car in 2014). However BMW and Cadillac have now decided to cater to the luxury EV market with the release of the i3 and ELR respectively.  

For cars more within the price range of the average American, the logical choices include the Chevy Volt and the Nissan Leaf. While the Volt has sold roughly 58,200 units in the US to date, the Leaf is rapidly catching up with 47,300 units sold. If March’s numbers are any indication, Leaf sales could outpace Volt sales by the end of the year.

It’s an exciting time to be a part of the growing EV market. Even retailers and commercial real estate developers are noticing numerous benefits by tapping into the EV economy. With all the EVs hitting the road over the next few years, more and more drivers will be seeking out EV charging stations. 

This provides a unique opportunity to provide a valuable EV amenity for the growing EV market, while improving a company’s corporate image and generating some additional revenue.

Joseph Tohill is a freelance writer and online communications specialist for organizations in the sustainability sector. He has a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of British Columbia and spent most of his academic career studying sustainable urban development; namely the interdisciplinary relationship between built form and natural environment.

BMW i3 Review: A Step in EV Innovation

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The race is now on to see which automobile maker will produce the best luxury EV in 2014. So far we’ve looked at the Cadillac ELR, which shows some promise in the North American Market despite a few nagging drawbacks. But now it’s time to go across the ocean and check the latest EV offering from one of the world’s most esteemed automobile innovators: BMW.

The BMW i3 is one of the latest luxury EVs to head into production, and so far this vehicle has set the bar pretty high when it comes to achieving an innovative, beautiful, and functional EV.

Rather than try to adapt a previous design for use with an EV motor, BMW has decided to construct its new EV from the ground up. The company analyzed every facet of the new i3 design, paying particular attention to weight, aerodynamics, aesthetics, and functionality. In this BMW i3 review, I’ll take a look at exactly why this car is so innovative and what it means for the EV market going forward.

It’s All About Design

The BMW i3 is designed to maximize the output and efficiency of its electric motor. Achieving top points in this regard means developing a car that is light and ultra-aerodynamic. And reviewing the design specs of the BMW i3 suggests that the German automaker did just that.

To keep the weight down, BMW made use of a “skateboard platform” design. This resulted in a car that was divided into carbon-fibre “life module” deployed onto an aluminium “drive module”. The carbon-fibre BMW used was relatively cheap and light-weight, thus ensuring the total weight of the car came in at 2900 pounds, which is about 450 pounds lighter than the Nissan Leaf.

As a result of its aerodynamic, light-weight design, the BMW boasts a range of between 80-100 miles on its 22 kWh lithium-ion battery. And with its high-torque 170 bph motor and power flow which is uninterrupted by changing gears, you can go from 0-62 mph in 7.2 seconds.

If range anxiety is you’re concern, you can upgrade to an optional range-extending gas motor for an additional 300 miles of range.

Regenerative Breaking & Smart Technology on the BMW i3

The BMW i3 features regenerative breaking – a feature that is quickly becoming a staple on EVs. The system is initiated by releasing one’s foot off the accelerator which engages a special breaking system that both slows down the car and charges the battery. Some reviewers have noted that regenerative breaking on the BMW i3 is so effective that one can drive around the city without using the brake pedal at all.

In terms of electronics, the BMW i3 makes use of the standard iDrive computer system. Important information such as battery power and range are displayed prominently on the interface, as well as a number of other features such as Eco or Eco Pro driving modes. One reviewer even noted how the BMW i3 is able to point you towards the nearest free charging station when your car starts to run out of juice.

When it comes to technology, the BMW i3 is clearly leading the way among luxury EVs.

How does the BMW i3 compare to other luxury EVs?

By now BMW has to contend with the numerous luxury EVs on the market (or coming soon to the market). There’s the Tesla Model S, the Cadillac ELR, and the forthcoming Mercedez-Benz B-Class electric drive. With so many options to choose from, drivers of luxury EVs will be looking closely to the specs of each of the cars to see which one is best suited for their needs.

BMW has set the bar high early in the game, with the release of its new i3. Its innovative design, great range capabilities, and smart technology make it a logical choice for the typical urban commuter. But as technology improves and EVs get even better, we could be seeing some truly remarkable cars in the EV market in the years to come.



Joseph Tohill is a freelance writer and online communications specialist for organizations in the sustainability sector. He has a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of British Columbia and spent most of his academic career studying sustainable urban development; namely the interdisciplinary relationship between built form and natural environment.

The New Cadillac ELR: Cadillac’s Answer to the Emerging EV Market

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Cadillac’s entry into the EV market is already popping up in dealerships all over the country and its sophisticated design and unique features are sure to turn some heads. The Cadillac ELR is a plug-in hybrid that offers 250 horsepower, Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV) technology, regenerative breaking, and a stitched leather and carbon fibre interior. Much like the Chevy Volt, the Cadillac ELR uses electricity virtually all the time, but with an internal combustion engine to keep the lithium-ion battery charged up.

Some would say that the Cadillac ELR epitomizes the company’s design philosophy of “Art and Science”. In this Cadillac ELR review, I’ll take a closer look at Cadillac’s new plug-in hybrid and how it manages to bridge the Art and Science divide with both sophistication and ease.

First Impressions

Cadillac's are easy to identify from afar. Their distinctive design typically features bold angles, an imposing front grill, and a certain audacious yet refined character. And true to form, the new Cadillac ELR boasts an appearance that is distinctly “Cadillac”, though with a slightly futuristic twist.

The hood slopes down dramatically from the windshield to give the low-sitting car a provocative and chiseled look. As is typical of a present-day Cadillac, the front includes a large grill and the back features hockey-stick shaped taillights to reaffirm the “take no guff” attitude the vehicle often projects.

But while older iterations of the Cadillac would often demand authority seemingly through sheer force of will, the new ELR instead attempts to seduce users with its smart technology, vibrant TFT display, a luxurious interior, and of course, its 16.5 kWh lithium-ion battery. It is truly a car made for the 21^st century.

A Look Under the Hood: Cadillac ELR Specs

When it comes to powering the car, the Cadillac ELR takes much inspiration from the Chevy Volt. Like the Volt, the Cadillac features an ELR powertrain that combines both EV and internal-combustion technology. Relying solely on electricity, the user can go 35 miles. Past that and the gas generator kicks to help power the battery, thus giving the car an additional 300 miles of range.

The combined fuel economy of the car’s gas-electric drivetrain offers 33 miles per gallon. When operating it on electric power alone, it boasts an 82 MPG fuel-efficiency rating.

Charging times are similar to that of the Chevy Volt: 4.5 hours on a 240-volt outlet and 7+ hours on a 120 volt home connection. But while some electric cars feature very real range anxiety, the Cadillac ELR’s 345 miles range has the average American covered for most automobile trips.

Smart Technology and the User Experience

Like many EVs, the Cadillac ELR features regenerative breaking capabilities. This basically diverts additional power to the battery when slowing the car down, thus increasing the vehicle total range by a small amount.

In the ELR, the regenerative breaking features are presented in two paddles on either side of the steering wheel. Individuals that are used to shifting paddles in this same location may have to get used to their new function. But all one has to do to engage regenerative breaking is to depress one of the paddles and the car will both slow down and charge the battery at the same time.

Cadillac’s CUE infotainment system features prominently in the ELR, and features new information on charging status and fuel efficiency. The display is both vibrant and easy to use. Plus in order to quell fears over information overload (as is so typical in the digital age) the user has the option to minimize information presented on the display to streamline the user experience.

As is becoming increasingly common, the user can also access the CUE system through a smartphone app, thus giving one access to charging time settings and battery alerts.

Conclusion: Will the Cadillac ELR Compete on the Luxury EV Stage?

While the Cadillac ELR looks stunning and boasts some remarkable specs, the question remains whether or not it will be an effective Luxury EV. With a price tag of $75,000, this car is out of the price range for many Americans. But green minded consumers of luxury vehicles may be inclined to shift easily into Cadillac’s new plug-in hybrid.

Some initial reviews have highlighted the cramped backseats and lacklustre performance of the built-in sound-cancelling technology when the gas engine kicks in. Others suggest these are minor details that won’t sway consumers too much when deciding on the right luxury EV.

What are your thoughts? Would you consider the Cadillac ELR a worthy contender amongst other luxury EVs?

Joseph Tohill is a freelance writer and online communications specialist for organizations in the sustainability sector. He has a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of British Columbia and spent most of his academic career studying sustainable urban development; namely the interdisciplinary relationship between built form and natural environment.