The timing suggests the company is moving forward with the project, despite doubts surrounding its 2016 expected launch window. The plans were confirmed by GM development head Mark Reuss at the Los Angeles Auto Show, according to The Verge.
The company has promised to deliver an EV with at least 200 miles of electric range and a $30,000 price tag. The cost estimate is believed to reflect government incentives, suggesting the actual MSRP will be above $37,000.
GM had reportedly established a contract with Envia Systems to supply next-generation nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) battery cells for EVs, however the startup’s claims were later dismissed as “wildly exaggerated” and the automaker instead reached an agreement with an established player, LG Chem.
The development efforts face pressure from other automakers that are known or believed to be working on rival mass-market long-range EVs. Tesla Motors has set a 2017 launch window for its Model 3, a near-luxury sedan with a promised range of more than 250 miles and a price tag around $35,000 (before government incentives).
The production build will presumably be introduced by GM chief executive Mary Barra. She holds the honor of keynote speaker for the upcoming 2016 show.
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