Is General Motors About to Overtake Tesla in EV Sales?
When Cassandra Garber, the recently-appointed General Motors Chief Sustainability Officer, posted on LinkedIn about her new role, she went big and bold.
She shared a photo of herself, standing on the footplate of her new auto, a pretty huge Hummer SUV.
Not your average US gas-guzzler, however: this vehicle is an EV – one of a range of electric vehicles that is helping GM to chase down Tesla at the top of the US sales chart.
According to Cox Automotive, an automotive research company, GM electric vehicle sales increased by 183% from Q1 2024 to Q1 2025.
The cars that are making the difference
GM sold 4,728 EVs, up from 1,668 EVs in the first quarter of 2024, while its Chevrolet brand sold 19,186 electric vehicles – up 114% from 8,957 in the first quarter of 2024.
Cassandra, speaking to ESG & Climate News, said: “We’re now the #2 EV company in the US, thanks to the dozen EV models we offer across the Chevrolet, Cadillac, GMC Hummer and Buick brands.
“And oh my gosh, I love our vehicles! You need to experience GM’s incredible advancements in design and technology.”
She singled out two EVs that get her “especially excited”:
Cadillac Escalade IQ
Cassandra said: “The Escalade IQ is just plain gorgeous. It’s this big, electric SUV with 460 miles of range, perfect for families with luxurious tastes. We’re learning from its design, capabilities and what people love about it – and we’ll continue to learn and bring new ideas and exciting experiences to our customers.
Chevy Equinox EV
Cassandra said: “The Equinox is affordable and impresses people with its design, range and capabilities. It’s bringing more people into EVs – whether for cost, ease of maintenance, reducing trips to the gas station, environmental considerations or interest in tech and innovation.”
The factors that are narrowing the GM-Tesla gap
Tesla has for years been the brand that is synonymous in the US with electric vehicles.
It almost cornered the market, but in recent years, GM, Stellantis and Ford have been gaining ground.
Affordability is one factor. Tesla's cheapest EV is the Model 3 sedan, priced from US$42,490.
GM's most affordable EV is the Equinox, which is larger and cheaper than Tesla's sedan by US$7,495.
Size and price are critical factors for American families.
However, it all pales beside the impact of Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s former role as a senior advisor to US President Donald Trump.
The partnership has had a devastating impact on Tesla since January, with the company's share price dropping 41% from January 2 to April 8.
Global deliveries of new vehicles fell by 13% in the first quarter of 2025, with sales in Europe down by 49%.
The issue for Tesla’s Board is whether and how they can revitalise the damaged brand.
GM: Driven by battery technology
Batteries hold the key to electric vehicles and, according to Kurt Kelty, GM’s VP, Battery, Propulsion and Sustainability, the US automaker is at the forefront of the industry.
He said: “General Motors is delivering full-size electric trucks with up to 492 miles of range. The progress in lithium-ion battery technology has been remarkable - but the real transformation is just beginning.
“At GM, we’re not just building better batteries. We’re scaling US production, securing a resilient North American supply chain and advancing technology to drive down costs and compete globally.”
Ultium Cells, its joint venture with LG Energy Solution, is the largest OEM battery cell producer in North America, while GM spends US$7bn per year in the US on R&D.
Kurt said: “By scaling battery innovation, localising production and supply chain, and delivering more affordable EVs, GM is positioning itself and the US to compete – and win – on the global stage.”
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