GM appears to confirm plans for electric pickup truck

GM appeared to confirm its plans to launch an electric pickup truck during its quarterly earnings call today.

“We intend to create an all-electric future that includes a complete range of EVs, including full-size pickups,” GM CEO Mary Barra said during the call. No further details were given.

Barra’s quote is a bit more specific than what GM has previously said about the possibility of an electric pickup, but it’s also generally still in line with the company’s past statements. Also during the call, Barra was asked for her specific thoughts on an all-electric pickup truck, only saying “we believe in an EV future.”

We last heard that GM was “considering” making all-electric SUVs and pickup trucks under the GMC brand. Barra formerly said “stay tuned” in reference to an electric truck that could compete with Tesla’s truck.

Months ago, GM and Amazon reportedly discussing an investment in startup electric carmaker Rivian, which has introduced both an electric pickup truck and SUV. Shortly after, Rivian confirmed it closed on a $700 million round of funding, led by Amazon.

Then earlier this month, Ford announced it was investing $500 million in Rivian, with plans to make an all-electric vehicle together. It now appears GM will simply be staying in house for electric pickup development.

Last month, GM announced it would make a new Chevrolet EV at the same plant that makes the Bolt EV. That new EV will be based on an “advanced version” of the Bolt’s architecture.

Electrek’s Take

GM has been reluctant to reveal anything about its prospective plans for an electric pickup, and so much of what the company has said comes down to parsing vague language. Barra has strongly hinted about the possibility of an electric pickup truck in the past, but this statement — though still offering no real details — appears to indicate that an electric pickup is indeed, on the horizon. Perhaps the next time we hear about this, it’ll be something a bit more substantial.