General Motors (GM) is celebrating its compliance with the new Treasury guidelines on the implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act. The company’s investment in American battery factories and mining deals is paying off, as its electric vehicles built on the Ultium platform will take full advantage of the federal tax credit subsidy. These vehicles, including the Cadillac Lyriq and upcoming Chevy Blazer, Equinox, and Silverado, will have subsidy-compliant batteries assembled in the Lordstown or Spring Hill factories with materials from approved sources.
GM’s preparedness is no coincidence but rather a strategy that has been aligned with the US government’s goals to accelerate EV production and adoption. According to GM spokesperson Matt Ybarra, “We have been executing this strategy for some time now, which is very well aligned with the goals of the US government’s recently passed policies to accelerate EV production and adoption.”
In contrast, Tesla has warned that its base Model 3 will no longer qualify for federal tax credits after April 17, when the government publishes a list of eligible vehicles. Tesla is looking to replicate GM’s arrangements by announcing a 100 GWh 4680 battery factory expansion at Giga Nevada, testing the waters for a lithium refinery on the Gulf Coast, and reportedly wanting to build a Texas factory for CATL’s LFP cells used in the Model 3.
GM is not only making strides in EV production but also in the infotainment section of its upcoming electric vehicles. All of its EVs will start arriving with a full Android Automotive integration, which allows for deeper control and better navigation integration with the advanced driver assist systems that GM will offer. Edward Kummer, head of digital implementations at GM, stated that the company wants to do away with the need to use a smartphone in the car, but he did let slip the phrase “subscription revenue opportunities” during a recent interview.
GM will offer eight years of free Google Maps navigation and Assistant virtual butler services with the Android Automotive integration, but it is not clear what will happen after that or whether other services will require a subscription model. The move towards Android Automotive integration is indicative of GM’s forward-thinking approach to EVs and its commitment to providing customers with a seamless experience.
