To: robert b furman who wrote (351 ) 1/16/2021 11:26:48 AM From: robert b furman Respond to of 4432 Uncertain demand GM is counting on EV demand to surge in the coming years to get a return on its big investment in D-Ham. It plans to launch 20 all-electric and fuel cell vehicles globally through 2023. Battery-electric vehicle sales make up only 1.7 percent of the U.S. market, according to J.D. Power sales data through October, up from 1.3 percent a year earlier. The Chevy Silverado alone accounts for 3.2 percent of U.S. sales in 2019. "Over the long term, EVs will become a much more significant part of the industry. It's that short and medium term where the payout is far less certain," said Tyson Jominy, vice president of J.D. Power's Power Information Network. "Short term, getting consumers over the hump of considering an EV and getting them into the vehicles continues to be the challenge." J.D. Power and LMC Automotive forecast that battery-electric vehicle share will grow to 4.8 percent of U.S. sales by 2025 and 7.4 percent by 2030. Excluding Tesla, third-quarter retail sales of battery-electric vehicles averaged just 400 a month. "It is extremely difficult to make a business case to sell a vehicle in the U.S. that is struggling to hit 5,000 sales per year," Jominy said. EV growth faces major challenges, such as high prices, a lack of infrastructure and concerns about battery range and life span. "Those are still pretty significant issues to get to the mass market," Schuster said. "We don't expect to see significant volume until those are dealt with." But GM isn't the only automaker hedging its bets. Ford, Hyundai, Kia, BMW, Volvo, Porsche and others plan to launch more electric vehicles over the next few years. At some point, "EVs are going to be the future," Jominy said. "It certainly makes sense for this kind of investment, and GM is and remains one of the absolute leaders in the space." The success of GM's strategy depends largely on consumer perception of EVs, said Hatline, the D-Ham skilled trades trainer. "If the public embraces it … I think this plant will be here for the next 30 or 40 years." Letter to the Editor Want to get something off your chest? Send us an email or hit us up on Facebook or Twitter . RECOMMENDED FOR YOU Ford to close 3 plants, end production in Brazil, costing $4.1 billion GM adopts new logo, marketing plan for EV future Rivian close to raising funds at $25 billion valuation Sponsored Content: How small businesses have used social media, e-mail marketing to grow sales during pandemic SIGN UP FOR NEWSLETTERS Michigan Morning - News delivered early Monday–Friday Afternoon Report - A daily summary of stories delivered Monday–Friday afternoon. Crain's Breaking News Alert - News delivered to your email as it happens. Yes, I would like to stay informed about new newsletters, editorial content, research reports, data products, white papers and surveys. Yes, please keep me informed on upcoming events, recognition programs and awards. EMAIL ADDRESS GET FREE NEWSLETTERS Make sure you don't miss a thing by subscribing to our newsletters. Email Address SUBSCRIBE TODAY With a Crain’s Detroit Subscription you get exclusive access, insights and experiences to help you succeed in business. SUBSCRIBE TODAY CONNECT WITH US Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Instagram Our Mission Helping you succeed in business since 1985. CONTACT US 1155 Gratiot Avenue Detroit MI 48207-2997 877-824-9374 Email customer service Crain jobs RESOURCES Manage Newsletters Staff Reprints Ad Choices Sitemap ADVERTISE Media Kit Advertise with us Classified Advertising LEGAL Terms and Conditions Privacy Policy Privacy Request Copyright © 1996-2021. Crain Communications, Inc. All Rights Reserved.