GM Chief Executive Engineer Jesse Ortega spoke with Yahoo Finance’s Prra Subramanian about the new Chevrolet Bolt EUV and the redesigned Bolt EV.
Video transcription
SEANA SMITH: Well, over the weekend, GM announced the latest releases on its EV game plan, one that will see more than 30 electric vehicles arrive by 2025. Jesse Ortega, she is GM’s chief engineer, spoke to Pras Subramanian from Yahoo Finance on the new Chevrolet Bolt SUV, and also the redesigned Bolt EV. Listen.
JESSE ORTEGA: Therefore, these models are really a consequence. We launched the Bolt EV about four years ago and we have a phenomenally passionate base. We have fans, we have owners who are really looking to tell their stories about EVs. And while we work with them, we talk to them and listen to them, there are some things they were looking for in the redesigned Bolt EV.
And one of the things that resulted from that, is that they were looking for a little more space in the rear seat. So the Bolt EV really gave us the opportunity to add seven inches of rear passenger leg space to the vehicle, seize the opportunity with the longest vehicle, six inches longer, to set it up in a more like a proportion SUV, is more athletic. And that really gives us now two entrances to this market.
In addition, we are bringing many new technologies with this. We remade the interior. We updated the infotainment system. We opted for Apple CarPlay wireless, wireless charging and Android Auto wireless in vehicles. We are introducing adaptive cruising for the first time on Bolt EV and EUV. They asked us, this was an area they were looking for. Most importantly, we are offering the Super Cruise, which is our hands-free driver assistance technology, on the EV. Oh yes, and one more thing for Los Angeles, they wanted a sunroof, so that goes to the EUV too.
SUBRAMANIAN PRAS: Oh, a sunroof? Is this right?
JESSE ORTEGA: Yes.
SUBRAMANIAN PRAS: So you know, my colleague, Rick Newman and me, he does some car tests with me, we tested the original Bolt EV. We like some aspects of that. We like the handling, the driving characteristics. But we were not so excited about the interior and exterior style. I know that you are trying to maintain this traditional style of car. But it looks like with the new EUV, you’re dealing with a lot of these concerns about the interior and space, right?
JESSE ORTEGA: Yes, I mean, the interior is a complete update. The seats are completely redesigned. They are phenomenal. It is a brand new instrument panel, smooth touch. You will see. It’s a great new 10.2 inch display, 8 inch instrument cluster display. Outside, we opted for our LED daytime running lamps, which are also sequential turn signals. I don’t know if you saw any of the teaser ads, but the vehicle demonstrates that.
And then, at the rear, we have an exclusive LED lamp. Therefore, we update the exterior. And then the EUV is a completely new vehicle. There are no metal sheets shared with the EV. Therefore, it was not the intention to make them the same. It is completely different. Therefore, it also has its own unique look.
SUBRAMANIAN PRAS: Tell me about the battery system and the power train. Are you using the Ultium system for this car?
JESSE ORTEGA: We are not. We build, we design the Bolt EV and Bolt EUV with the proven Bolt EV technology. We have more than two million – two billion, excuse me – EV range on that. The Ultium battery is an entirely new system. It’s a whole new chemistry, a new form factor. And it will start rolling out to our other GM products later this year, as we announced.
SUBRAMANIAN PRAS: CEO Mary Barra mentioned that the lack of battery, I’m sorry, the lack of a chip, was a concern for production. Will this impact you here with Bolt?
JESSE ORTEGA: It does not have. And I think what we said is that it is a problem for the entire industry. All sectors, including ourselves, are working not only with our tier one suppliers, but we are tier two, tier three, tier four, trying to ensure that we can protect them. And we are protecting our best-selling vehicles. So, I think until now, we announced that I think it was Trax and Malibu and probably Onyx that were impacted. But we are trying to minimize that. And it is a situation that changes daily.
SUBRAMANIAN PRAS: Finally, you know, Jesse, I just want to talk about how surprised I was to hear about Bolt’s overall global success. I didn’t know that 100,000 cars have been sold globally in recent years. I did not know that. What do you attribute to this success? And what do you think of the new cars that will drive this success even more?
JESSE ORTEGA: You know, I’ve been doing global programs for a while. And the only thing that came to me very clearly is that people are people. And people appreciate only good, right? If something is good, if something resonates, it resonates. And when you look at a Bolt and say you drive it. Of a utility vehicle, especially in some of the other parts of the world, when we are talking about Korea, when we are talking about urban scenarios, it is a very, very good car for this environment. When people start driving it and understand the instant torque, understand the tempo and handling, it does well.
And then the other part, let’s be honest. It is helping us to tackle the climate change that is coming. And there are people who want to be part of this. There are people who want to support this. But they don’t want to do that if they have to compromise what they value. And what they value is a good, good, affordable and far-reaching product. And that is what we will continue to offer them. We are now giving them two options.
SUBRAMANIAN PRAS: Hey, Jesse, it looks like you’re really excited about these two –
JESSE ORTEGA: I’m.
SUBRAMANIAN PRAS: –Vehicles. So, congratulations. I know it is a big effort. Look, let’s see how these cars do on the market. 2021 looks great for GM. Thanks again, Jesse, I really appreciate it.
JESSE ORTEGA: Thank you very much, Pras. Thanks.