GM’s electrical star, the Chevy Bolt EV (and EUV), continues to hold the burden for the automaker’s totally electrical lineup. Regardless of gross sales of the Chevy Bolt EV doubling YOY, numbers are down from the primary quarter.

Chevy Bolt props GM EV gross sales in Q2, however for the way lengthy?

Common Motors bought 15,652 EVs within the second quarter of 2023. The Chevy Bolt EV and EUV accounted for 13,959 of these.

Though Chevy Bolt gross sales are up 101% from final 12 months, they’re really down from the primary quarter. Within the first three months of the 12 months, GM bought 19,700 models, up from 358 in Q1 2022.

The YOY comparability just isn’t precisely honest as a result of the Bolt was recalled, with manufacturing resuming final April. Since then, the Bolt has turn into a top-selling EV mannequin within the US for its inexpensive value and flexibility.

Through the automaker’s first quarter earnings name, CEO Mary Barra defined that, regardless of the fashions’ progress, “it’s now time to plan to finish the Chevrolet Bolt EV and EUV manufacturing, which is able to occur on the finish of the 12 months.”

The transfer comes as GM strikes to an all-Ultium-based EV lineup. GM already has two electrical fashions based mostly on the Ultium platform, the Hummer EV and Cadillac Lyriq.

Each the Hummer EV and Lyriq have struggled to achieve a footing as GM goes by rising pains.

Barra defined throughout an interview with NBC Information final month that battery manufacturing is presently holding the automaker again. After promoting a complete of two Hummer EVs within the first quarter, GM recorded 47 gross sales in Q2, down 83% from final 12 months.

In the meantime, Cadillac’s Lyriq isn’t faring significantly better. GM bought 968 Lyriq fashions within the first quarter and one other 1,348 in Q2 2023.

With GM phasing out the Bolt EV, the automaker has excessive hopes for its upcoming Ultium-based lineup. By the tip of the 12 months, GM will launch three new Ultium electrical fashions, together with the Silverado EV, Blazer EV, and Equinox EV.

Barra additionally hinted an Ultium Bolt EV could possibly be within the works, saying, “It’s a vital automobile in our lineup, so you’ll have to wait and see what we find yourself doing” final month.

Electrek’s Take

With GM experiencing battery manufacturing constraints, it appears to be like just like the automaker is popping to ICE autos to fill the hole till its battery crops are up and working.

GM’s first plant in Warren, Ohio, started producing battery cells final fall. The second, in Spring Hill, Tennessee, is predicted to come back on-line later this 12 months, whereas its third, in Lansing, Michigan, is slated to open in 2024. GM revealed plans for its fourth, a $3 billion plant, final month within the state of Indiana.

Altogether, GM expects to have roughly 160 GWh of battery cell capability when all crops are totally operational, however this gained’t be for one more few years.

Till then, GM is taking the straightforward route by filling within the hole with ICE autos. Out of the 691,978 autos bought within the second quarter, solely 15.6K had been electrical, representing 2.26% of the whole. Not precisely spectacular for an organization that claims to be phasing out gasoline automobiles for an all-electric future.