Lansing – Michigan’s clean energy future was electrified with the news General Motors aims to transition to an all-electric light-duty truck and SUV fleet by 2035, Clean Fuels Michigan said today.
In effort to reach its goal, GM began a new campaign, “EVerybody in,” and debuted a Super Bowl advertisement where Will Ferrell says that Norway sells “way more” electric cars than the United States. In Norway, 60% of new cars sold are electric, compared to only 2% in the United States.
General Motors is a member of Clean Fuels Michigan – a group of leading companies and organizations advancing the clean transportation industry in Michigan.
“This is the first time a major legacy auto manufacturer has committed to phasing out gasoline vehicles entirely,” said Jane McCurry, executive director of Clean Fuels Michigan. “Consumers are demanding more electric vehicles because they are faster, quieter and cheaper to operate and offer a better driving experience. GM realizes that and is stepping up to the plate.”
“GM’s announcement is an exciting step toward helping the state of Michigan reach its 2050 net zero goal,” said Benjamin Burns, director of marketing and electrification for DTE Energy.
“The landscape is shifting toward cleaner, advanced vehicles, and GM’s announcement is yet another example of the shifting tailwinds,” said Charles Griffith, director of the climate & energy program for Ecology Center. “Transitioning to all-electric vehicles will help Michigan’s economy while cleaning our air and water and creating healthier communities.”
Clean Fuels Michigan noted that like other technology, the transition to electric vehicles will happen fast. For example, in 1990, 2% of Americans had a cell phone while by 2010, more than 92% of people in the United States had a cell phone.
Contact: Stephanie Cepak, Byrum & Fisk Advocacy Communications, (517) 862-2036
