GM CEO Mary Barra says ‘stay tuned’ about something to compete with Tesla Pickup truck

When asked about doing an electric pickup truck to compete with Tesla’s upcoming pickup, GM CEO Mary Barra gave a great non-answer that would make politicians proud, but she did tease us with a ‘stay tuned’.

At the Wolfe Research Global Auto Industry Conference earlier this year, analysts asked if GM was planning an all-electric truck now that Tesla is talking about launching one.

Barra answered:

“Well, what I would say is we’ve been very clear. We believe in an all EV future. We have invested heavily in fuel cells as well but beyond that I don’t have anything specific to say. But I think if you look at where… our very strong statements are believing in all EV future… stay tuned.”

The CEO couldn’t announce anything then, but she is also clearly not closing the door on an all-electric pickup truck – though it could also be powered by fuel cells apparently.

Earlier this week, the automaker also confirmed that it’s moving away from hybrids to focus on all-electric.

GM has a few electric vehicles based on the Bolt EV platform planned for the next few years and its next-generation EV platform, which should enable greater performance, is planned for 2021 and it should start with an electric Cadillac.

Electrek’s Take

Automakers are starting to fall under pressure when it comes to all-electric pickup trucks.

Normally, they wouldn’t do anything to disturb the segment which represents most of their profits, but right now some disruptors, like Tesla and Rivian, are putting a lot of pressure on them.

Earlier this week, Ford apparently became to first to flinch as it tentatively announced that it will make an all-electric F-Series truck, but it didn’t release any details nor a timeline.

GM appears even more tentative, but I assume that an all-electric pickup truck program is being considered at the highest level right now within the company.

I have to say that the fuel cell comment that Barra threw in there has me a little concerned for GM. It’s clear that battery-electric is going to work for pickup trucks. Batteries are already there. GM, please don’t waste your time and money on that.