When we last checked in, GM was getting ready to relaunch the Hummer brand, this time as an EV company. Then Coronavirus happened, and those plans were put on hold. It looks like the General’s ready to get that plan back in motion while also unveiling some news about their great EV plans.
Reuters is reporting that GM has developed and is readying to produce five powertrains and three motors that will comprise the Ultium Drive System. These interchangeable platforms will be able to underpin and type of vehicle and drivetrain layout, from AWD pickup to FWD compact to RWD sports coupe.
Also known as an e-axle, these systems combine the motor, gear, and power electronics in a single unit the would connect directly to the battery. GM claims that these e-axles have reduced mass by 50% and increased capability by 25% of the previous-gen EVs.
With 5 Drive Systems and 3 Motors, Ultium Will
Underpin All Vehicle Types
While this is something that should’ve probably been started years ago, it’s good to see that steps are being taken now. With Tesla still being the EV flagbearer, it seems inevitable that one of the traditional manufacturers will catapult to the head of the pack once they get things together.
The worrying thing here is that GM seems to be banking on sketchy EV-startup Nikola to help get the job done. Known best for faking the capabilities of their products (as in rolling their pickup truck down a hill to make it look like it, ya know, actually works), Nikola has been promising competitive vehicles for years now, yet haven’t really delivered…anything.
GM CEO Mary Barra seems cognizant of this risk and is still willing to take it. She’s trading $2billion in Nikola stocks for a deal to develop Nikola’s Badger pickup trucks, due for 2022. How this will play out remains to be seen.