Ryssdal was at GM’s Warren Technical Center speaking with Barra, explaining that she had been driving a Bolt and loved the experience, which led to her asking why such a great little EV would be killed off.
“Because it’s our second-generation technology,” responded Barra. “The difference between our second generation and third generation, which is Ultium, is a 40% reduction in battery costs.” She went on to explain that legacy model names like Equinox are easily understood by GM buyers, which should make an Equinox EV easier to sell. Majoros, who we referenced at the outset, made similar comments about how names long familiar to buyers are easier to market.
As Barra concedes, Bolt is now one of those easily-recognized names: “But, you know, Bolt is something that has built up a lot of loyalty and equity. So I can’t say more because I don’t discuss future product programs, but, you know, it was primarily a move from second generation to third generation. But that’s [an] important vehicle in our portfolio.”