General Motors Commits Models to Factory ZERO as Granholm Highlights EVs in Biden’s Infrastructure Plan

General Motors will build a new all-electric version of the Chevrolet Silverado pickup at its Factory ZERO plant in Hamtramck, the automaker announced Tuesday. Company officials say they estimate the truck’s battery will have a 400-mile range.

Mark Reuss is president of General Motors. He says the Silverado EV offers the automaker benefits beyond the typical consumer range.

“If all goes well we should be hiring people after we recall everyone.” –Terry Dittes, United Auto Workers

“I’m particularly excited,” says Reuss, “about its potential in the fleet and commercial space — a crucial part of the (electric vehicle) market, especially initially.”

Reuss says an SUV version of the all-electric Hummer pickup will also be built at Factory ZERO. That brings the number of vehicles slated for assembly at the renovated Hamtramck plant up to four.

Terry Dittes is vice president of the United Auto Workers union. He says the commitment will help return workers to the Hamtramck complex.

“If all goes well we should be hiring people after we recall everyone,” says Dittes. “That’s a good thing for our members and their families.”

Dittes says he’d like to see the federal government offer more incentives for purchasing electric vehicles to further bolster Factory ZERO’s future. He says electric models represent about 2% of new vehicle sales.

Biden’s Infrastructure Plan

Speaking at the General Motors announcement, U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm touted President Joe Biden’s infrastructure plan. She says it includes a $174 million investment in the nation’s electric vehicle market.

“That means more money to bolster our domestic supply chains,” says Granholm, “more money to retool factories so they can compete globally, more money for a national network of chargers to help people get where they need to go.”

Granholm says Biden’s plan includes funding for government research into battery range and charge time. Those two items are viewed as key issues in making electric vehicles more appealing to consumers.