Right now, electric vehicles are a small niche, representing about 2% of the U.S. auto market. General Motors thinks that will change in a big way. The auto giant just announced plans to sell only electric vehicles by 2035.
At the time of the surprise announcement, we coincidentally had GM’s only current electric vehicle in our driveway. That’s the 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV, a tall hatchback that debuted in 2017. It can go an estimated 259 miles per electric charge, and it takes hours to recharge. That’s enough to scare off many people. But just the way you don’t typically run your phone down to zero charge and then tether yourself to an outlet before you can take it anywhere, a Chevy Bolt can fit smoothly into your life. Bring it home from work, plug it in overnight, and it’ll be fully charged for your next 20-, 30-, or 50-mile round trip commute. And when it’s time to go visit your sister-in-law who lives three hours away, this electric car will be ready to get you there in a gas-free burst. Keep reading for a preview of GM’s electric future, and what to expect from the company right now.