GM aims to add zoom to new-energy vehicles

General Motors said it will focus on the development of new-energy vehicle by introducing more green car models and increasing battery production in China, and it plans open a battery plant in Shanghai with its domestic partner.

"China is a key market for General Motors’ electrification solutions," said Mary Barra, chariman and chief executive officer of General Motors. "We are going to improve battery technology in order to make electrified vehicles more desirable and affordable."

From 2016 to 2020, General Motors is introducing more than 10 new-energy vehicle models in China, including the new Cadillac CT6 Plug-in, Buick Velite 5 extended-range electric vehicle and the Baojun E100 battery electric vehicle.

By 2025, almost all models from Buick, Cadillac and Chevrolet in China will offer electrification options that range from mild hybrid to fully electric vehicle.

To support the production of new-energy vehicles, General Motors is going to open a battery plant later this year in Shanghai with the country’s largest automaker SAIC Motor Corp Ltd.

Mary Barra said "The battery plant has already begun pilot assembly production of batteries, which will be used in GM's new-energy vehicles."

Electrification is an important part of GM's strategy to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, reduce petroleum use and address the challenges such as crashes, pollution and congestion that come up with growing urbanization, according to the company.