What General Motors electric cars are available right now

General Motors makes several electric vehicles you can buy today. The Chevrolet Bolt EV is a hatchback that seats five and costs less than many other electric cars. The Chevrolet Bolt EUV is a taller version of the same car with more cargo space. The GMC Hummer EV is a large truck designed to look like the original Hummer but run on electricity. The Cadillac Lyriq is a luxury electric SUV. The Chevrolet Silverado EV and GMC Sierra Denali Edition 1 are electric pickup trucks that GM began delivering in 2024.

GM also announced plans for more models in the coming years, including electric versions of the Chevrolet Equinox and Traverse. The company has stated it wants to stop making gas-powered cars by 2035, though that timeline applies to new vehicle production, not cars already on the road.

Key Takeaways

  • GM's current electric lineup includes the affordable Chevrolet Bolt, the luxury Cadillac Lyriq, and electric versions of the Hummer, Silverado, and Sierra trucks.
  • Electric motors have no oil changes, fewer moving parts, and lower fuel costs than gas engines, though the upfront purchase price is higher.
  • Most GM electric cars can travel 200 to 300 miles on a full charge, depending on the model and driving conditions.
  • Charging at home with a Level 2 charger takes 8 to 10 hours for a full charge, while public fast chargers can add 200 miles in 30 minutes.
  • Federal tax credits up to $7,500 may reduce the purchase price if you meet income and vehicle price limits, though not all GM models currently may have access to.

How GM electric motors work differently from gas engines

An electric motor converts electrical energy stored in a battery directly into motion. A gas engine burns fuel in a series of controlled explosions to create motion. This fundamental difference means electric cars have far fewer moving parts — an electric motor has roughly 20 parts compared to 2,000 in a gas engine.

Because electric motors produce maximum power when ready, electric cars often feel faster off the line than gas cars with similar price tags. They also run nearly silent, which many drivers find more comfortable for daily driving. The trade-off is that the battery adds significant weight to the car, which affects how it handles and how much energy it needs to move.

Electric motors do not need oil changes, spark plugs, timing belts, or transmission fluid. Maintenance mainly involves tire rotation, brake fluid checks, and battery monitoring. The battery itself is designed to last the life of the car — most GM batteries come with an 8-year or 100,000-mile warranty.

Driving range and what affects how far you can go

The Chevrolet Bolt EV can travel roughly 259 miles on a full charge under ideal conditions. The Bolt EUV goes about 247 miles. The Cadillac Lyriq reaches approximately 312 miles. The GMC Hummer EV, being much heavier, has a range of around 200 miles. The Silverado EV and Sierra Denali Edition 1 are rated for roughly 400 miles, though real-world range varies.

Several factors reduce the distance you can actually drive. Cold weather shrinks range by 20 to 40 percent because the battery produces less power in freezing temperatures and the car uses energy to heat the cabin. Highway driving at high speeds uses more energy than city driving. Hilly terrain and towing also reduce range. A driver who charges to 80 percent instead of 100 percent — a common practice to extend battery life — will have less distance available.

GM's vehicles show remaining range on the dashboard and alert you when you need to charge. Most owners plan trips around charging stations, similar to how drivers of gas cars plan around fuel stops, except charging stops are longer.

Charging at home versus using public chargers

A Level 2 home charger is a wall-mounted unit that plugs into a 240-volt outlet, the same voltage as an electric dryer. Installing one typically costs $500 to $2,000 depending on your home's electrical system. A Level 2 charger adds about 25 miles of range per hour, so a full charge from empty takes 8 to 10 hours overnight. Most GM electric car owners do most of their charging this way because it is convenient and inexpensive per mile.

A DC fast charger at a public station can add 200 miles of range in 30 minutes, though charging slows as the battery fills. These chargers are found at highway rest stops, shopping centers, and dedicated charging networks like Electrify America, EVgo, and ChargePoint. Using a public fast charger costs $10 to $20 per session depending on the network and your membership status.

A standard 120-volt household outlet (the kind you use for lamps) can charge an electric car, but it adds only 2 to 3 miles of range per hour and is impractical for daily use. Most owners with a home charger never use a 120-volt outlet except in emergencies.

Federal tax credits and what GM models currently may have access to

The federal government offers a tax credit up to $7,500 for buying a new electric car, but the rules changed in 2024 and not all GM models may have access to. The credit is not a rebate you receive at purchase — it reduces your federal income tax bill when you file your taxes the following year. You must have enough tax liability to use the full amount, or you lose the unused portion.

To receive the credit, the vehicle must meet price caps and the battery must contain a certain percentage of minerals sourced or processed in the United States or free trade agreement countries. The Chevrolet Bolt EV and Bolt EUV currently meet these requirements. The Cadillac Lyriq, GMC Hummer EV, Chevrolet Silverado EV, and GMC Sierra Denali Edition 1 do not currently may have access to, though GM has stated it is working to bring these models into compliance.

Your household income must also fall below certain limits — $300,000 for joint filers, $150,000 for single filers, and $200,000 for heads of household. These limits and the vehicle price caps change each year, so check the IRS website or fueleconomy.gov before purchasing to confirm which models and prices may have access to.

Environmental impact of GM electric cars

An electric car produces zero emissions while driving, which improves local air quality in cities and neighborhoods. However, the total environmental benefit depends on where the electricity comes from. In states where the power grid uses mostly renewable energy like California and New York, an electric car is significantly cleaner than a gas car over its lifetime. In states where coal and natural gas dominate the grid, the benefit is smaller but still positive — even accounting for power plant emissions, electric cars produce fewer total emissions than gas cars.

Manufacturing an electric car battery requires mining lithium, cobalt, and nickel, which has environmental and labor costs. However, studies show that an electric car produces fewer lifetime emissions than a gas car after driving it for roughly 15,000 to 30,000 miles, depending on the grid's energy mix. After that point, every mile driven is cleaner than a gas car would be.

When a GM battery reaches the end of its life, it can be recycled to recover valuable metals and materials. GM has partnered with Redwood Materials and other recyclers to process used batteries, though the recycling industry is still developing.

Cost of ownership: purchase price, fuel, and maintenance

A new Chevrolet Bolt EV starts around $26,500 before any tax credits. A Bolt EUV starts around $27,500. A Cadillac Lyriq starts around $62,000. These prices are higher than comparable gas cars, but the federal tax credit can reduce the effective price for Bolt models.

Electricity costs roughly one-third to one-half as much as gasoline per mile driven. Charging a Bolt EV at home with a Level 2 charger costs about $3 to $4 to add 100 miles of range, compared to $12 to $15 for a gas car. Using public fast chargers costs more per mile but is still cheaper than gas in most regions.

Maintenance costs are lower because electric cars have no oil changes, spark plugs, or transmission fluid. Brake pads last longer because electric cars use regenerative braking, which captures energy when slowing down instead of wearing out friction brakes. Over five years, an electric car typically costs $4,000 to $6,000 less to maintain than a comparable gas car, though this varies by model and driving habits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I charge a GM electric car at any public charger?

Most GM electric cars use the North American Charging Standard (NACS) connector, which is becoming the standard across the United States. Older Tesla Superchargers and some other networks are adding NACS adapters. Before buying, check which charging networks are available in your area and whether your car's connector matches them.

What happens to a GM electric car battery in cold weather?

Cold reduces battery power and range by 20 to 40 percent because chemical reactions inside the battery slow down. Most GM electric cars have battery preconditioning, which warms the battery before you drive if you plug in while parked. Range returns to normal once the battery warms up during driving.

How long does a GM electric car battery last?

GM batteries are warrantied for 8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. Real-world data shows most batteries retain 80 to 90 percent of their capacity after 10 years. Batteries degrade slowly and predictably, not suddenly, so you will see range decrease gradually over time rather than lose all power at once.

Can I tow a trailer with a GM electric truck?

Yes. The Chevrolet Silverado EV and GMC Sierra Denali Edition 1 are designed for towing, though towing significantly reduces range because it requires more energy. Towing a 5,000-pound trailer might reduce range by 30 to 50 percent depending on terrain and speed. Check the vehicle's specifications for maximum towing capacity before purchasing.

What if there are no charging stations near me?

If you do not have access to a home charger and few public chargers exist in your area, an electric car may not be practical for your situation. Consider whether your daily driving stays within the car's range and whether you can charge at work or other locations you visit regularly. Some rural areas are adding charging infrastructure, but coverage remains uneven.