GM Officially Announces Plans for Electric Pickup

MT. PLEASANT, Mich -- It's official: GM is planning on building an electric pickup. This new has been highly speculated for several months but was recently confirmed by GM CEO, Mary Barra, on a call with investors, following her report of the corporation's 2019 first-quarter earnings. 

Recently, GM and Plymouth-based electric vehicle start-up Rivian had been in talks with the intention of collaborating on an electric project together, but that appeared to fall apart rather quickly as rival Ford Motor Co. announced it would invest $500 million in the small company to develop all-new, battery-electric vehicles for the Ford portfolio. 

GM has made it clear through numerous talks and press releases that it is in the early stages of a plan to release 20 new electric vehicles by 2023, and since pickups are a key profit-driver for GM as well as their Detroit competitors, it only makes sense that an electric truck would be in the works. To further add to the seriousness of this announcement, GM has been slowly working behind the scenes to restructure its leadership to prepare for this electrification pivot - promoting former electric-vehicle development chief Pamela Fletcher to the senior leadership team in September, in addition to former global product chief Mark Reuss to president of GM earlier this year. 

Mary Barra led into the announcement stating that: 

"GM has an industry-leading truck franchise and industry-leading electrification capabilities. I assure you we will not cede our leadership on either front...we intend to create an all-electric future that will include a complete range of EVs - including full-size pickups." 


She then went on to say that she would share more details when it became "competitively appropriate". All other GM spokespeople have declined to comment. 

How do you feel about the idea of an electric pickup? Is it a hit or a miss for you? Comment and let us know! 

At Hank Graff Mt. Pleasant we strive to provide our customers with a car buying experience that is accommodating, stress-free and fun! Visit us at our Chevrolet dealership located at 4580 E Pickard Rd in Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858 or our Buick GMC Cadillac dealership located at 116 N. Mission St in Mount Pleasant, MI 48858.

The New 2019 Chevrolet Volt Cuts Charging Time in Half

MT. PLEASANT, Mich. – Drivers are about to get more out of the new 2019 Chevy Volt! The new 2019 Chevrolet Volt is cutting charging times in half and is adding twice the all-electric driving range per hour of charge. The new 7.2 kW charging system allows for an increase in the all-electric utility, which is particularly beneficial for drivers who plug in while traveling around town, known as “opportunity charging.”

“With about twice the range added during 240V Level 2 charging sessions, the 2019 Volt’s 7.2 kW system makes opportunity charging more worthwhile,” said Jesse Ortega, chief engineer, Chevrolet Electric Vehicles. “It effectively extends the vehicle’s all-electric driving range, while providing about twice the range for the money when plugging in at public facilities that charge by the hour.”

In as little as 2.3 hours, with a 240-volt outlet, a complete recharge can take place with the new 7.2 kW system which comes standard on all 2019 Chevrolet Volt Premier models, and is available as an upgrade on the LT trim.

Plus, when it comes to the new 2019 Chevrolet Volt, drivers will enjoy an EPA-estimated 53 miles of pure EV range and 106 MPGe (gasoline equivalent) with a full charge and a full tank of gas. The gas-powered generator begins working once the battery of the Volt begins to run low, which then extends the driving range to 420 miles on a full tank.

While the driving range and charge times are two important factors when it comes to the Chevy Volt, the 2019 Volt also offers a good number of other exciting features. If you are driving in a colder climate, where you wish to use less gas, the 2019 Volt allows you to defer activation of its automatic engine-assisted heating system until much lower temperatures (-13 degrees F/-25 degrees C). It also offers a smoother ride through regenerative braking capability with the Low and Regen on Demand profiles, which therefore allows the vehicle to reach its class-leading EV range. Additionally, the 2019 Volt's in-car tech has been upgraded with the Chevy Infotainment 3 system that incorporates a new Energy App within the 8-inch color touchscreen. Through the app, drivers can ensure they are getting the best performance out of their vehicle by better understanding how their route, driving style, cabin comfort, and weather conditions may be impacting their range via mileage, rather than by numerical "score" as in the past..

Design-wise the 2019 Chevy Volt is bringing both interior and exterior upgrades to the streets. The interior of the vehicle is becoming more digital with front and rear speakers that will alert drivers when operating at slow speeds, a digital rearview camera, a slight horn alert when the full pressure of a tire is achieved, a wireless charging pad that is relocated ahead of the shifter for easier use (available with navigation radio), and new cruise control options where the driver can select Adaptive Cruise Control or conventional cruise control. A first for the Volt, is the introduction of a power driver's seat which will come standard on the Premier model and will be available on the LT models. On the exterior, the 2019 Volt will offer a new Pacific Blue exterior color, as well as a new Jet Black/Porcelain Blue interior on the Premier version. Or, if you're looking for something more sleek, opt for the dealer-installed blackout package for black front/rear bowtie emblems, sport pedals, and 17-inch machined-aluminum wheels with black-painted pockets.

Volt owners have been able to drive over 2.8 billion EV miles, which saves more than 108 million gasoline gallons. You could join those already making a difference, by taking home a new Chevy Volt from at Graff Mt. Pleasant? Our experienced professionals can help you find the best vehicle that suits your needs. Our customer service is beat by no one. Experience the Graff Mt. Pleasant difference.

At Hank Graff Mt. Pleasant we strive to provide our customers with a car buying experience that is accommodating, stress-free and fun! Visit us at our Chevrolet dealership located at 4580 E Pickard Rd in Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858 or our Buick GMC Cadillac dealership located at 116 N. Mission St in Mount Pleasant, MI 48858.

Chevrolet Partnered With LG to Develop the New Bolt EV

MT. PLEASANT, Mich. – General Motors made another huge stride in the electric vehicle field, and not by themselves. Chevrolet partnered with LG to develop the new Bolt EV set for release in 2017. 

The Bolt EV is the first ever long-range electric car that’s affordable for car buyers. Chevrolet partnered with LG to develop the new Bolt EV and combined their skills in infotainment, battery systems, component development, electric motor designs, and battery control.

Here’s what you’re going to get with the Chevrolet Bolt EV:

• Electric Drive Motor (built from GM design)

• Power Inverter Module (converts DC power to AC for the drive unit)

• On Board Charger

• Electric Climate Control System Compressor

• Battery Cells and Pack

• High Power Distribution Module (controls the flow of high voltage to a number of components)

• Battery Heater

• Accessory Power Module (maintains low-voltage power to accessories)

• Power Line Communication Module (regulates communication between vehicle and a DC charging station) 

• Instrument Cluster

• Infotainment System

Engineers for the Bolt EV took a lot of time to decide on the design, driving range, and performance capabilities before coming to the final decision that they wanted an affordable long-range electric vehicle. The Bolt EV can go 200-plus miles on a single charge. This vehicle keeps Chevrolet the leading car company in electric cars.

LG is proud to partner with GM for the simple fact that they are now a big player in next-generation vehicle technologies. They invested over $250 million for an engineering and manufacturing factory in Korea to support the production of the Bolt EV components.

Production of the Chevrolet Bolt EV will begin in late 2016. Until then, if you're in the market for a new Chevy car or new Chevy truck you can stop by our Chevrolet dealer near Big Rapids, MI.

At Hank Graff Mt. Pleasant we strive to provide our customers with a car buying experience that is accommodating, stress-free, and fun! Visit us at our Chevrolet dealership located at 4580 E Pickard Rd in Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858 or our Buick GMC Cadillac dealership located at 116 N. Mission St in Mount Pleasant, MI 48858.

Websites: Chevrolet: HankGraffMtPleasant.com and Buick GMC Cadillac: GraffBGC.com

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