SAIC-GM to build Ultium EV platform in Wuhan

Shanghai (Gasgoo)- SAIC-GM, the joint venture between SAIC Motor and General Motors, recently entered into a strategic partnership with Wuhan municipal government for building the smart all-electric vehicle platform Ultium in the capital of Hubei province, according to a local media outlet.

Ultium platform; photo credit: General Motors

To accelerate the move toward electrification, General Motors vowed to bring the heart of its future EV portfolios—the Ultium EV platform—to China through its SAIC-GM joint venture. The Cadillac LYRIQ, the first product from the Ultium platform, is scheduled to be launched in China in early 2022, to be followed by Buick and Chevrolet EVs.

The U.S. automakers also said it expected more than 40% of its new launches in China to be NEVs by 2025. They will cover all major segments across the Cadillac, Buick, Chevrolet, Baojun and Wuling lineups.

To strengthen electrification offensive, SAIC-GM plans to pour over 50 billion yuan ($7.804 billion) in electrification and intelligent connectivity businesses, and roll out 10 plus made-in-China NEV models based on the Ultium platform by 2025.

According to the local report, over 95% of parts used in the Ultium-based full-electric vehicles are expected to be locally sourced in China. The introduction of the platform will help Wuhan's auto industry speed up the transition to electrification, intelligence, and connectivity.

Starting operation in January 2015, SAIC-GM's Wuhan branch has already manufactured three NEV models, namely the Buick Velite 6 BEV, the Buick Velite 6 PHEV, and the Chevrolet Menlo BEV.