DETROIT—General Motors is joining several other automakers, including Daimler and Volvo, by pledging to become carbon neutral by 2040. GM also claims that it will only produce electric cars by 2035.
By making a promise to be carbon neutral within 15 years, GM is joining other automakers that have made similar claims, such as Daimler and Volvo. Other companies, such as BMW, Ford, Nissan and Volkswagen, plan to be fully “green” by 2050.
“General Motors is joining governments and companies around the globe working to establish a safer, greener and better world,” says Mary Barra, chairman and CEO of GM. “We encourage others to follow suit and make a significant impact on our industry and on the economy as a whole.”
In addition to GM’s carbon goals, the company has worked with the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) to develop a shared vision of an all-electric future and an aspiration to eliminate tailpipe emissions from new light-duty vehicles by 2035.
GM plans to focus on offering zero-emissions vehicles across a range of price points and working with all stakeholders, including EDF, to build out the necessary charging infrastructure and promote consumer acceptance, while maintaining jobs.
According to Barra, more than half of GM’s capital spending and product development team will be devoted to electric and autonomous vehicle programs. And, in the coming years, GM plans to offer an EV for every customer, from crossovers and SUVs to trucks and sedans.
To address emissions from its factories and operations, GM plans to source 100 percent renewable energy to power its U.S. sites by 2030, and global sites by 2035, which represents a five-year acceleration of the company’s previously announced global goal.
GM is also reducing the impact associated with its supply chain, while supporting grids and utilities to power electric vehicles with renewable energy. The automaker has worked with some of its largest suppliers to create a sustainability council to share best practices, learn from each other and create new standards for the industry. In addition to the council’s work, GM is collaborating with suppliers to set ambitious targets to reduce emissions, increase transparency and source more sustainable materials.
