Automotive Companies Transitioning to EVs

It’s not just in the United States; all over the world, auto companies share how they are transitioning to EVs.

The push for electric vehicles is strong, and some governments are working to increase the percentage of electric models sold before the end of the decade, including ours here in the US. With many of the brands we know and admire moving from gasoline and diesel power to electricity, we should give you an idea of what you can expect in the upcoming years.

Honda is Going All-Electric

Honda, and its luxury arm, Acura, will sell nothing but electrified models by 2040. The plan is already underway, and at least 40 percent of sales will be electric by 2030. Honda created two partnerships, one with Sony and the other with GM, to aid in the change to electrification. Honda and Sony are building EVs together, while GM allows Honda to use the Ultium battery platform in upcoming models. While we don’t have a battery-electric vehicle (BEV) from Honda, the first one is heading to market in 2024 wearing the Prologue name.

BMW is Well On the Way

BMW began transitioning to EVs several years ago with the i3 and i8, which were popular. We weren’t sure what this brand would do because it took several years before any progress was made, but we now have the i4 and iX models that give us an all-electric beginning for this brand. The Vision is another model coming from the BMW family, and there should be EV models of the 5 series, 7 series, and X1 in the near future. Mini and Rolls-Royce are part of the BMW family. We already have the Mini Cooper electric; could there be a future EV with the RR logo on the front?

The Ford Transition is Underway

Three models are in the market wearing the Ford name while being powered by nothing more than electricity. The Ford Mustang Mach-E has been a huge hit, and the e-Transit is the van that brings deliveries to customers while running only on electricity. The most significant leap forward for this brand is the new F-150 Lightning. This all-electric truck offers the build and power necessary for those that depend on their trucks and want one that runs only on electricity.

General Motors Is a Leader in the EV World

GM began transitioning to EVs several years ago with the Bolt EV. This model was the successor to the Volt PHEV model, a hit for several years. Today, we have the Bolt EV and Bolt EUV, with a new electrified Silverado in 2024. The GMC Hummer EV is a massive hit for the GM brands, as is the Cadillac Lyriq that we’ve been waiting to see. GM plans to have 20 EVs by 2025 and an all-electric lineup by 2035. This is ambitious, but you can see how this brand is already making strides toward electrification.

Hyundai is Going for the EV Models

We’ve seen the Hyundai Kona Electric and Ioniq Electric models, but both of these are electric vehicles built on platforms meant for gasoline-powered models. The first all-electric vehicle using the new platform developed by Hyundai is the new Ioniq 5 SUV. This SUV delivers everything we want in an EV.  Hyundai is not only building more EVs, but they’ve committed to being carbon neutral by 2045 to give us a clean company to admire.

Mercedes-Benz Makes a Strong Push

Every Mercedes-Benz launched started in 2025 will ride on an all-electric platform. This shows the depth of transitioning to EVs from this luxury automaker. Currently, we have the EQS sedan, and the EQS SUV isn’t far behind. Over the next few years, we will see more models using various platforms from this brand. A new G-Wagen is in the works that will electrify one of the most exciting luxury models we have in the market today.

Nissan Continues to be an EV Trailblazer

The Nissan Leaf is the most successful electric vehicle in the world. The latest version of the Leaf may not offer some of what other brands give us, but it’s still the car we think of first when electric vehicles are mentioned. The 2023 Ariya goes on sale in the fall, which will be e second of the EV models from Nissan. This company plans to continue the development of its lithium-ion battery technology to bring 23 more EVs by 2030.

Stellantis Goes Electric

The family of brands that used to be under the Chrysler name gives us EV models for the future. This company embraces transitioning to EVs with a promise to have more electrification across every brand. Jeep has plans for an EV model in every segment by 2025, Dodge will give us an electrified muscle car in 2024, and Ram has a full-size electric pickup truck coming in 2024. The Chrysler Airflow might see the light of day to keep this brand alive, but we don’t know that for sure yet.

Toyota is Getting Aggressive With EVs

By 2030, 3.5 million BEV models will wear either the Toyota or Lexus brand name. This means 30 new models are coming, and Lexus is transitioning to a 100% EV brand. The company that brought us the Prius is poised to take over the EV world the same way with many electric models starting with the new BZ4X electric SUV. This model uses the new e-TNGA platform to give us the electrification needed for an incredible drive.

Volkswagen Already Started its EV Plan

The Volkswagen Group, which has many brands other than just VW, intends to launch 70 new EV models and 60 hybrids before the decade’s end. We have the new ID.4 in the market, a small electric SUV that gives us a beginning. The most exciting EV from this company is the unique ID. Buzz, which should arrive in the US in 2024. Audi, part of the VW Group, has the e-tron and e-tron GT models, while Porsche has the Taycan EV. You can see the movement toward EVs for this group of brand names.