Barra’s Electric Vehicle vision clashes with GM’s gas-powered reality
General Motors CEO Mary Barra is doubling down on her vision for an all Electric Vehicle future, stating boldly at The Wall Street Journal’s Future of Everything conference:
“I see a path to all EV … I do believe we’ll get there because I think the vehicles are better.”
Her commitment to phasing out gasoline-powered vehicles by 2035 has made GM a frontrunner in the electric vehicle race. Still, a recent AAA survey shows 63% of Americans are skeptical about EVs, citing high costs, expensive insurance and inadequate charging infrastructure.
GM’s EV leadership questioned amid $888 million V-8 investment
Barra has positioned GM as a leader in EV production, claiming, “We have more EVs in the market right now than anyone else in this country.” GM’s lineup includes nine electric models — among them, the Chevrolet Equinox EV, Cadillac Escalade IQ and GMC Hummer EV — with four more expected soon. The Equinox EV, priced around $35,000, is aimed at affordability.
To support its EV transition, GM has pledged $35 billion through 2025 for EV and autonomous vehicle development. That includes investment in a battery cell plant near Nashville. Yet in December 2024, GM announced it would sell its stake in the Ultium Cells plant in Lansing, Michigan, to LG Energy Solution. The company has also dropped the “Ultium” brand name for its EV batteries.
GM’s partnerships with EVgo and Pilot Company aim to expand fast-charging infrastructure, with Barra promising, “Charging is just going to continue to get better.”
But the company’s actions tell a more complex story. GM recently announced an $888 million investment in its Tonawanda Propulsion Plant near Buffalo, New York, to produce the sixth generation of V-8 engines for trucks and SUVs. These engines are expected to improve performance, fuel economy and emissions through innovations in combustion and thermal management.
This follows a $500 million investment in the Flint Engine plant in January 2023 to produce the same engines, making Tonawanda the second plant to manufacture them.
Barra defended the move, saying, “Our significant investments in GM’s Tonawanda Propulsion Plant show our commitment to strengthening American manufacturing and supporting jobs in the U.S.” She added that the Buffalo-area plant, in operation for 87 years, will continue delivering “world-class trucks and SUVs to our customers for years to come.”
Can GM have it both ways?
GM’s dual strategy raises questions. Is the company truly committed to an all-electric future, or is Barra hedging her bets based on consumer demand for gas-powered vehicles?
Critics argue that Barra is trying to serve two masters — aligning with government policies favoring EVs while acknowledging Americans still prefer gas-powered trucks and SUVs. Her emphasis on “choice” may appeal to free-market sensibilities, but critics say federal mandates are doing much of the steering.
If consumer freedom is the goal, why not let the market — not regulators — dictate the pace of change?
AAA survey finds rising consumer doubts
Americans are not fully on board with an Electric Vehicle future. AAA’s latest survey shows only 16% of U.S. adults are “very likely” or “likely” to make their next vehicle electric — the lowest interest since 2019. By contrast, 63% say they are “unlikely” or “very unlikely” to do so, up from 51% the previous year.
“The automotive industry is committed to long-term electrification and providing a diverse range of models, but underlying consumer hesitation remains,” said Greg Brannon, AAA’s director of automotive engineering.
Key concerns include:
- High battery repair costs (62%)
- Expensive purchase prices (59%)
- Limited suitability for long-distance travel (57%)
- Lack of charging infrastructure (56%)
- Range anxiety (55%)
- Safety concerns (31%)
- Difficulty with home charging access (27%), especially for apartment dwellers
- Potential loss of tax credits (12%)
The numbers suggest consumers aren’t anti-EV — they’re resistant to being forced into EV adoption before affordability and infrastructure catch up. While GM’s strategy may appear conflicted, the mixed investment approach acknowledges the market’s reality.
Other automakers push back on EV mandates
While GM walks a tightrope between gas and electric, other automakers are rejecting an all-Electric Vehicle future.
- Toyota continues to prioritize hybrids, like the Prius, and is developing hydrogen fuel cell technology for trucks.
- Mazda remains cautious on EVs, focusing on fuel-efficient engines and citing the environmental cost of battery production.
- Subaru, while offering the Solterra EV, emphasizes hybrids and is awaiting improvements to charging infrastructure.
Hyundai is taking a balanced approach. Its $7.6 billion Metaplant in Georgia will now produce hybrid vehicles alongside electric ones, with Kia models joining by 2026. The upcoming 2026 Palisade Hybrid reflects growing demand for fuel efficiency without charging limitations. Hyundai continues to manufacture gas-powered vehicles, recognizing that many consumers still prefer internal combustion engines.
Hyundai’s transparent approach stands in contrast to GM’s. By embracing hybrids, EVs and gas vehicles, Hyundai allows consumers to decide, while minimizing vulnerability to policy shifts, tariffs or subsidies.
Stellantis, which owns Jeep, Dodge, Ram and Chrysler, is also taking a hybrid-first approach. Models like the Jeep Wrangler 4xe offer plug-in capability, while traditional gas vehicles remain central to the lineup.
These companies are listening to their customers, not Washington. Unlike GM, which currently does not offer hybrid powertrains, these automakers are covering all bases.
Mandates vs. the market
Barra’s 2035 deadline is bold, but her decisions reveal uncertainty. Even with massive Electric Vehicle investments, the combined $1.4 billion in V-8 funding tells a different story.
AAA’s consumer data reinforces the point: buyers are not yet ready to fully commit to electric. Brands like Toyota, Hyundai, Stellantis and Mazda are banking on hybrids to bridge the gap.
The road ahead may be electric, but the pace of the journey should be set by drivers — not mandates.
What it means for drivers
If you’re considering an EV, weigh the decision carefully. Can you charge reliably? Can you afford the upfront cost? Does the vehicle’s range fit your lifestyle? If not, you’re among the 63% who are waiting — and that’s OK.
Thankfully, most automakers still offer a wide range of hybrid and gas options. Let the market decide, not federal policymakers.
Let drivers choose, not bureaucrats
Will EVs dominate the roads by 2035, or will Americans preserve their right to choose how they drive? More automakers are waking up to what the market is saying, while others try to play both sides.
This debate isn’t just about cars — it’s about who controls your choices.
Support my work: www.buymeacoffee.com/laurenfix
More news: www.CarCoachReports.com
🎙️ Listen to the Total Car Score Podcast: www.revolverpodcasts.com/shows/total-car-score
Lauren Fix is an automotive journalist and industry analyst covering technology, regulation and consumer impact. Follow her on X at @LaurenFix for the latest updates.