You likely know Ford and GM as titans of the automotive industry, selling millions of popular gasoline-powered vehicles through their extensive dealer networks for decades. But the rise of Tesla and increasing consumer demand for sustainable electric vehicles (EVs) has ignited an urgent race as Ford and GM invest tens of billions to develop new battery-powered lineups.
This comprehensive guide will compare their ambitious plans and early entries. You‘ll gain key insights into vital performance metrics, technologies powering these silent sedans, SUVs and high-torque trucks, projected manufacturing milestones – and importantly, we’ll uncover what actual EV owners and experts make of the initial Ford and GM efforts like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and GMC Hummer EV…
Brief Backgrounds: When Ford and GM First Embraced Electric Cars
GM captured early headlines in 1996 by leasing pioneering (but ultimately doomed) GM EV-1 two-seat coupes using lead-acid batteries. Over 1,100 were distributed, mostly in California where tighter regulations spurred cleaner innovations.
Ford responded in 1998, producing small numbers of all-electric Ford Ranger pickups using more advanced nickel-metal hydride battery packs boasting 85 miles per charge. 2010 saw an important milestone as the automaker launched its breakthrough Focus Electric 4-door enabling real-world 100 mile ranges.
But despite technological advances, high costs and limited infrastructure restricted mainstream adoption. EV-1 lessees faced uncertain battery lifespans and rising payments to retain their vehicles long-term.
All that’s changing now as research, customer enthusiasm and government emission targets prompt Detroit giants to set ambitious production and sales goals through 2030. Compelling new models like Ford’s sporty Mustang Mach-E crossover and powerful F-150 Lightning pickup testify to their rapidly maturing capabilities versus challengers like Tesla.
Let‘s examine the key electric models you can buy now, along with excitements and challenges ahead…
Current Ford and GM Electric Vehicles Face Off
Buyers have a decent selection to evaluate before selecting their preferred ‘fill-up-free‘ Ford or GM model:
Ford
| Model | Driving Range | Acceleration | Towing | Base Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mustang Mach-E | 247-310 miles | 3.5-6.1 sec | 2,000-3,500 lbs | $43,895 |
| F-150 Lightning (Standard Range) | 230 miles | Mid-4 sec | 5,000 lbs | $39,974 |
| F-150 Lightning (Extended Range) | 320 miles | Mid-4 sec | 10,000 lbs | $52,974 |
GM
| Model | Driving Range | Acceleration | Towing | Base MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chevy Bolt EV | 259 miles | 6.5 sec | 0 | $25,600 |
| GMC Hummer EV (Edition 1) | 329 miles | 3 sec | 7,500 lbs | $108,700 |
| Cadillac Lyriq (RWD) | 312 miles | 4.5 sec | 3,500 lbs | $62,990 |
Ford boasts over 125,000 customer reservations for the Lightning (as of late 2022) showing strong demand for electric workhorse trucks. Reviews praise real-world 300+ mile range and advanced driver assistance features.
The brand‘s first EV SUV enters production soon: the 2024 Ford Explorer promises 300 miles from an extended range battery.
GM’s entries showcase impressive cutting-edge architectures – the 350 mile/hour charging-ready Ultium Platform debuting in the 2023 Cadillac Lyriq promises to streamline manufacturing.
But volume production of Silverado and Hummer electric pickups isn’t expected until 2024. So Ford enjoys first-mover popularity.
Vital Stats: Range, Performance and Charging Capability Comparisons
Custom configurators allow buyers to tailor vehicle specs, so let’s examine key metrics you’ll evaluate while browsing inventory:
Battery Range
Modern EV warriors avoid ‘range anxiety‘ that hindered pioneering efforts. Mustang Mach-E shoppers choose standard or extended packs up to 310 miles capacity (although EPA rating procedures don’t necessarily match the average commuter‘s driving style). The Blue Oval’s 2023 offerings add options taking range towards 400 miles.
GM‘s upcoming Silverado EV pickup promises 400 miles range in top-tier RST First Edition grade via 24 Ultium battery modules. Their modular NCMA chemistry construction helps engineers optimize each vehicle design.
Independent tests prove energy consumption extremely sensitive to driving speeds and climate settings. So focus on warrantied battery lifespan thresholds as much as maximal miles.
Charging
Ford‘s latest EVs feature dual charging ports supporting AC home charging up to 9.6 kW rates, and DC fast charging at up to 150 kW enabling 54 miles of range added in 10 minutes. Locating third-party public stations is simplified via FordPass phone apps.
2023 Cadillac Lyriq drivers will enjoy public DC fast charging at industry-leading 190 kW (300 miles added per hour). Their models migrate to cutting-edge 800 volt systems and 350 kW charging coming later enabling even quicker power replenishment suitable for long distance trips.
At home, Ford‘s Charge Station Pro connects seamlessly for 80-amp AC rejuicing. Smart range-optimizing guidance integrates with navigation systems.
Performance
Ford’s legendary Mustang lineage shines through in their Mach-E GT Performance Edition withquoted 3.5 second 0-60 mph sprints (respectably quick for any sporting conveyance). The Blue Oval promises an extreme high-output GT variant by 2024. Even base Mach-E‘s deliver lively driving dynamics.
Hummer EV pickup benchmarks prove similarly scintillating despite its three-ton mass – independent experts report sub-4 second spurts to 60 mph. Off-roading torque is immense. And GM‘s dedicated BEV3 platform will bring agile handling to upcoming Cadillac performance sedans.
So buyers thirsting for visceral electric driving thrills have promising options emerging from Detroit‘s old guard.
Tech Showcase: Motors, Batteries and Electronics Innovations
While drastically different than roaring internal combustion traditions, the underlying EV innovations powering rapid 0-60 sprints and 300+ mile cruising range merit equal admiration!
Here we‘ll decode key drivetrain terminology and explain engineering secrets both brands tout:
Battery Tech
Lithium-ion cells represent the common chemistry, but Ford sources modules from suppliers like SK Innovation who assemble pouch-style NCM batteries with nickel/cobalt/manganese cathode blend coupled with graphite anodes. Energy density and lifespan continue improving.
GM’s proprietary NCMA pouch cells cut expensive cobalt content to just 5%. Their flexible Ultium modular battery packs streamline manufacturing – the 24 module Silverado EV assembly offers 200 kWh capacity using advanced cell-to-pack technology that eliminates bulky modules. Sophisticated battery management systems ensure optimal performance.
Most packs carry 8 year / 100,000+ mile warranties assuaging consumer concerns about longevity and replacement costs.
Power Electronics
Sophisticated power electronics condition electricity from the battery packs to spin the electric traction motors at optimum speeds and torque. The Mach-E‘s electronics enabling 150 kW charging rates are packaged separately, while GM‘s advanced silicon carbide power electronics withstand higher voltages needed for faster 800 volt charging, thus can be integrated with the motors. Expect continuous advancements in inverter efficiency ratings.
Electric Motors
GM electric trucks boast a trio of motors – front and rear drive units provide propulsion power with active damping calibrations possible by slightly varying motor torque. Engineers carefully manage significant heat and vibration stresses under extreme loads.
Current Mach-E models utilize permanent magnet AC synchronous reluctance motors from Continental – their compact, integrated cooling design returns 93% efficiency transferred from battery to pavement.
Upcoming rear-wheel-drive GM EVs expected to utilize clever concepts like the 3-in-1 stared-flux e-motor built within single segmented stator – its light, efficient and producible using easily sourced materials.
Projected Pricing Factors: Purchase and Lifecycle Ownership Costs
Mainstream adoption ultimately hinges on both purchase price and longer term cost assurances. Early indicators prove positive:
MSRPs & Tax Savings
Present Ford and GM EV sticker prices span wide ranges depending primarily on battery capacities, performance levels and standard equipment like luxury sound systems or hands-free driving aids.
Before applicable $7,500 Federal tax credits, Ford‘s Mustang Mach-E starts around $43,000 – extended range battery versions reach mid-$60k territory. The hot Mach-E GT tacks on another $5,000.
Competing for workhorse truck buyers, Ford‘s Lightning Pro fleets model stickers near $40,000 enjoying small business tax incentives too. That undercuts equivalent gas-fueled models. Consumer versions like the fully-loaded 2023 F-150 Lightning Platinum approach $90,000 MSRP.
Rival Silverado EV work trucks and Sierra Denali editions won‘t roll out until 2024. Weighing the brand cachet, GM pickups likely won‘t undercut Ford by much after credits. But fleet purchases could see additional discounts.
Insurance & Maintenance
Industry analysis predicts EVs will save owners 30-60% over 5 years in maintenance and repair costs – absent oil changes, air and fuel filters, ignition tune-ups or emission inspections. Regenerative braking preserves pads and rotors, too.
However insurance quotes initially bring 10-30% higher rates driven by replacement battery expense risk should a crash or weather event damage your EV’s powerpack. As claim data accumulates proving minimal actual repairs, look for downward rate revisions.
Battery Lifespan & Residual Values
Modern lithium-ion packs are demonstrating credible 10+ year lifespans assuming moderate degradation of maximum range. For mainstream buyers charging daily and avoiding excessive DC fast charging sessions, experts suggest assuming 15-20% range deterioration after a decade is reasonable.
Strong early sales and waitlists for Mach-E and Lightning models translate to higher resale values around 50-60% retained after 3 years per projection models – contrasting pure ICE alternatives holding onto only 35-45% original MSRP. That narrows TCO gaps.
Review Roundup: Real-World Ford and GM EV Feedback
Beyond spec sheets, EV intenders wonder how mainstream models like the F-150 Lightning and Cadillac Lyriq actually perform once rubber meets America‘s pot-holed roads. Do charging claims match your lifestyle? We digest owner experiences:
Charging Convenience
Ford‘s over-the-air software updates proactively smooth location and payment when pulling up to compatible DC fast charging stands, owners say. Plug&Charge speeds stops to 10-15 minutes. At home, available 80-amp Ford Charge Station Pro tools enable full replenishment overnight.
Reviewers did experience a few early glitches as more US charging stations come online, but plentiful outlets enable long trips regardless.
Cadillac Lyriq drivers praise its charging curve – initial ramp to 190 kW rates before tapering makes public stopovers quicker than Ford platforms utilizing peak 100-150 kW curves today. They expect 350 kW support to maintain charge leadership.
Real-world Range & Efficiency
In balanced driving combining highways and suburb routes, Mustang Mach-E AWD range calculations generally exceed EPA estimates by 5-10% thanks to featuring heat pumps for cabin conditioning. Performance variants unsurprisingly consume more, but slower regenerative ‘one-pedal driving‘ modes stretch every electron.
Owners caution reliance on 300+ mile projections under sustained 75+ mph cruising, but find 220+ mile legs suitable for typical touring. Plugging in daily or during multi-hour stops enables easy long adventures.
Early Lyriq road testers witness around 280 predictable miles range under their mixed conditions. Temperature impacts remain an area for further software optimization. Overall impressions bode well for Silverado EV hauling needs.
Ride Comfort and Performance
Motor Trend experts declare Mach-E GT Performance Edition’s sportscar spirit shines through the chassis tuning – outrunning a Porsche Macan GTS in one comparison. Standard models strike an agreeable balance lauding composure, low interior noise and punchy acceleration. Overseas handling proves tauter still with retuned European specifications.
Reviewers praise Lyriq’s luxurious highway ride and handling agility belying 5,600 pound curb weight. Peppy acceleration satiates straight line performance expectations within acceptable power consumption budgets around town. Unique sound profiles even please audiophiles.
All indicators suggest classic buyers sensing familiarity in these initial SUV and truck offerings as Mach-E and Lightning reservations pile up. But early technology adopters have bolder options on the horizon.
The Roads Ahead – Future Milestones Towards EV Domination
Manufacturing & Models: Scale Behind The Scenes
Having summarized Ford and GM‘s early entries, what comes next from the Detroit stalwarts? Let‘s examine their announced production milestones.
Ford displays key strategic commitment erecting new BlueOval City complexes in Tennessee plus doubling F-150 Lightning production capacity in Michigan to 150,000 annually by mid-2023 as reservations keep flooding in.
Total investments approach $50 billion through 2026 creating plants in Kentucky and across Europe/Asia to develop next-generation EVs plus supporting battery and battery recycling facilities. Expect 2 million Ford EVs annually within 4 years – across cars, vans, and luxury Lincolns.
Not resting, GM also announced joint ventures and investments over $35 billion through 2025 focused exclusively on EVs including new Ultium battery plants and EV production lines in Canada/Mexico adding 1 million annual EV capacity spanning trucks to performance coupes.
CEO Mary Barra wants leading North American EV truck market share, hence the 2024 Silverado and Sierra EV rollouts plus a Chevy Equinox SUV. GMC Sierra EV production follows in early 2025.
And GM’s BEV3 mechanical architectures promise affordable EVs plus potent Corvettes. Cadillac brand goes all-electric by 2030.
Clearly both industrial giants are racing faster than Government zero-emission deadlines demand!
Key Takeaways: Conclusions On The Ford vs GM EV Battle
Reality proves regulations and gasoline prices matter less persuading buyers than attractive EV capabilities matching their needs. The iconic F-150 Lightning and Mustang names win fans, while GM’s proprietary Ultium advancements portend manufacturing advantages.
Most industry analysts expect the Detroit duo to dominate domestically as EV investments scale up, while Tesla leads luxury segments. Globally, European and Chinese brands should see sales grow. Consumer model preference evolution will prove fascinating to watch!
Bottom line – with multiplying body styles, battery formulations and charging networks, American families now find promising electric options from these friendly legacy brands. Eliminating misconceptions about range anxiety or battery lifespans, their expanding lineups deliver the quiet torque and advanced electronics you’ll grow to enjoy!
