GM tipped to drop axe on Volt in 2022

The days of the Volt as we know it right now are numbered according to a new report. The report claims that Chevrolet is looking to end Volt production in 2022. The Volt is Chevy's extended range electric vehicle. The car has a gas-powered generator that charges the battery pack when they are dead for a longer driving range.

GM has already killed off the mechanically similar Cadillac ELR. The reason cited in the report of the Volt ending production is that the Detroit-Hamtramck plant where the Volt is made needs to be used for all-electric cars and crossovers.

Last summer word surfaced that the Volt name might not go away, but be used on a new crossover to replace the current sedan. Crossover sales are booming right now as sales of cars are on the decline. GM is also said to be looking at the future of several other cars.

Word is that the Impala and Buick LaCrosse are also on the chopping block. GM plans to have 20 new electric cars on the market by 2023. The problem with that plan is that the market still has very soft demand for EVs.

Tesla is doing well with EVs that are popular, but many automotive shoppers are still looking for normal gas-powered cars. Chances are that any Volt replacement would be a fully electric car. GM needs the full EV to meet the coming fuel economy standards even if buyers don't really want an EV.

SOURCE: GM Authority