CES 2021: GM says auto sector at 'inflection point' toward zero-emission future

General Motors Co. CEO Mary Barra on Jan. 12 announced the launch of a new electric delivery vehicle business, stating that the automotive industry has now reached an "inflection point" in the transition toward zero-emissions transportation.

In a keynote address at CES, the Consumer Technology Association's annual technology and media trade show, Barra said electric vehicles will help advance the goal of integrated transport systems and slash accident rates.

"Global EV market penetration stands around 3%. We believe that is all about to change. At GM, we believe that after one of the most difficult years in recent history, this moment will prove to be an inflection point, the moment when our world's reliance on gas and diesel-powered vehicles will begin transitioning to an all-electric future," Barra said.

"GM intends to lead that change, not only to help accelerate the roll-out of more electric vehicles but to help ensure an equitable and inclusive transition to a net-zero carbon future to advance a safer world for all."

The company plans to roll out 30 EV models globally in the next five years. It is working on a second generation of its space-efficient Ultium batteries, which will boost energy density by 60% and cost 40% less, making vehicle ranges of 500-600 miles possible.

Barra's comments echo her November 2020 statement that GM had significantly accelerated its EV plans. The company has just redesigned its logo and is "evolving" its brand identity to inspire a new generation of drivers, "setting a tone of optimism and inclusion."

Barra also announced the launch of BrightDrop, a new business that will offer commercial EVs with integrated fleet management software and services to delivery companies. It will launch a BrightDrop EV600 box van built on GM's Ultium EV platform with a range of up to 250 miles and has signed up FedEx Express as its first customer.

The first BrightDrop vehicles will be delivered around the end of 2021 and will have their own dealer network. There will also be an electrically propelled palette, the EP1, which will move at a walking pace alongside a delivery driver to help carry heavy and bulky goods. Travis Katz has joined BrightDrop as president and CEO from venture capital firm Redpoint Ventures, where he was an entrepreneur-in-residence.

A presentation video shown at CES of the forthcoming GMC Hummer EV is likely to silence any doubts about the capabilities of electric-powered trucks as it negotiated rocky, crater-filled terrain with relative ease. A "Watts to Freedom" feature will configure the car to sprint at maximum power from a standing start, lowering the suspension and cooling the electronics before displaying a "FLOOR IT" instruction.

"You let the brake go and hold on," said lead development engineer Aaron Pfau of the 3-second, zero to 60 mph dash.

An update of the mainstream Bolt EV hatchback is also in the pipeline, as well the introduction of a utilitarian "EUV" variant, both of which will reach dealerships by midyear. Cadillac is bringing forth a sharply finished Lyriq SUV and Celestiq sedan, the latter featuring a glass roof with adjustable tint.

Other coverage from CES:

CES 2021: TV makers turn to 8K, super-sized panels

CES 2021: Samsung unveils new AI-enabled smart home products

CES 2021: Survey predicts consumer tech spending will spike to $461B in 2021