The push for all-electric vehicles is on, with automakers clamoring to add EVs to their product lineup. Some automakers even plan to change over their entire portfolio to electric vehicles.

General Motors plans to transition to an electric lineup by 2035, committing to Buick going all-electric by 2030. It is the first brand in the GM product line to commit to entirely ending the sales of vehicles with internal combustion engines.

The rise of EVs 

GM brands are quickly embracing EV technology, with the Equinox and Blazer electric vehicles arriving in 2024. The Silverado truck lineup has plans to go green, the Hummer already has an EV variant, and the Cadillac Lyriq electric SUV will be available soon.

According to Consumer Reports, all future GM electric vehicles will utilize the Ultium electric vehicle platform, using GM batteries and motors. “Buick is expected to pull from the same toolkit.”

Electric vehicles emit fewer greenhouse gases than traditional gas-powered automobiles and produce zero tailpipe emissions. According to Reuters, for the United States to become carbon-neutral by 2050, drivers need to switch from gas-powered vehicles to electric. Currently, “less than 1% of the 250 million cars, SUVs and light-duty trucks on the road in the United States are electric.” Industry analysis predicts 45% of new car sales will be electric by 2035, making half the cars on the road electric by 2050.

The White House claims that since 2010 the availability of electric vehicles has increased with battery pack costs dropping by 85 percent, charging times shortening, and the average driving range increasing dramatically. In August 2021, President Biden announced plans to sign an Executive Order, setting “an ambitious new target to make half of all new vehicles sold in 2030 zero-emissions vehicles, including battery electric, plug-in hybrid electric, or fuel cell electric vehicles.”

Buick is committed to becoming all-electric by 2030

Duncan Aldred, the global vice president of Buick and GMC, said, “The Buick brand is committed to an all-electric future by the end of this decade.”

Coinciding with the automaker’s announcement was the unveiling of the Buick Wildcat, an exquisite concept car showing what Buick intends to do with the styling of future electric models. According to Kelley Blue Book, it is unlikely the prototype will go to production but is merely indicative of themes we can expect to see in future Buick EV models. The automaker has not yet announced exact specifications for the upcoming electric vehicle, although there is speculation it may be an SUV, indicative of their current lineup.

The company also released a new logo, separating the classic elements of the tri-shield badge into three horizontal columns. All future Buick EV products will be part of the new Electra lineup, a name inspired by the brand’s automotive history.

First EV offering set to be released in North America in 2024

In a General Motors press release, the automaker announced plans for the first electric Buick vehicle to hit the North American market in 2024. Aldred said, “Buick’s new logo, use of the Electra naming series, and a new design look for our future products will transform the brand.”

Standard features on the all-new Buick electric vehicles will focus on “seamless connectivity” and include a remote key fob, three years of OnStar safety services, and Wi-Fi data capabilities.

Sharon Gauci, executive director, Global Buick and GMC Design, explained, “Our forthcoming products will adopt a new design language that emphasizes a sleek, dynamic, and forward-looking appearance. Our exteriors will incorporate fluid movements that contrast with tension to convey motion. Interiors will balance modern design, new technologies, and attention to detail to evoke warmth and a rich sensory experience.”