GM Planning Electric Car Introduction to China Earlier Than Expected

General MotorsGMUnited States of America, 1998 > present8 models
240 photos
believes that electrified cars, including hybrids and pure EVs, are going to play a large role in Chine in the near future and have sped up their introduction of electric cars to China. 

“China has made electrification a key strategy. Electrified vehicles will play a critical role in efforts to conserve and ultimately displace petroleum as the major source of transportation energy,” said Jon Lauckner, GM Chief Technology Officer.

GM's electric car history in China starts in 2010 with the EN-VGM EN-VUnited States of America, 2010 > 20103 versions
9 photos
concept. It imagined a sustainable city vehicle for future Chinese cities. The improved EN-V 2.0 was shown last year.

GM opened the Advanced Materials Lab in Shanghai in September 2011. It is researching battery technology and lightweight materials. It is already working with suppliers to create test vehicles with new lithium-ion battery cell designs. The new designs have higher energy densities, which allow for smaller, lighter batteries in vehicles. 

It is also researching how to implement a charging infrastructure in China and create a unified standard. 

Technically, GM already offers the VoltChevrolet VoltUnited States of America, 2011 > present3 photos
, Buick Lacrosse eAssistBuick LaCrosse eAssistUnited States of America, 2011 > present1 photo
and Cadillac Escalade HybridCadillac Escalade Hybrid 4WDUnited States of America, 2009 > present3 photos
in China, but they sell in very, very low numbers because of the high tariffs on imported cars. However, GM will build and sell the pure electric Sail Springo in China next year. In the future, it plans to add more Chinese-made hybrids.