General Motors Co. has announced that it is postponing the launch of electric trucks at its Orion Assembly plant by a year, pushing the date to late 2025. This means that the Oakland County factory will potentially be idle for up to two years. The plant, which currently manufactures Chevrolet Bolts, was originally scheduled to begin producing EV trucks late next year.
GM spokesperson Kevin Kelly stated that the decision to delay the launch was made in order to better manage capital investment and align with the evolving demand for electric vehicles. Additionally, the company has identified engineering improvements that will increase the profitability of its products.
Meanwhile, production of GM’s electric Silverado EV Work Truck has already commenced at the Factory Zero plant in Hamtramck and Detroit. The retail version of the Silverado EV is expected to begin production later this year. In the third quarter, GM reported selling 18 Silverado EVs.
Factory Zero is also responsible for producing the GMC Hummer EV pickup and SUV, as well as the Cruise Origin autonomous shuttle. Production of the electric GMC Sierra is set to begin at Factory Zero next year.
As part of its plans, GM will be discontinuing the production of the current Bolt EV and its larger variant, the Bolt EUV, at the end of this year. Employees at the Orion facility will have the opportunity to transfer to other locations, including Factory Zero, where production is expected to significantly increase in 2024.
GM had previously announced a $4 billion investment to convert the Orion Assembly plant for electric truck production using its Ultium platform for EVs. The conversion will involve the addition of new body and paint shops, as well as general assembly and battery pack assembly areas.
Although GM has confirmed its intention to bring back the Bolt, details about the next-generation model, including timing and production site, have yet to be disclosed.
Sources: Detroit News, bykaleahall
