I recently came upon a bad copypasta regarding EVs online. It calculated the cost per minute over an eight-hour period by multiplying it by the cost of DC fast charging, which takes the majority of vehicles only an hour or so to fully charge (because people charge while they sleep). They then calculated the cost per mile by taking the 8-hour cost and dividing it by the 300 miles of range. In the end, they came to the conclusion that EVs cost more to operate than a loaded F350 towing a trailer.
Any owner of an EV will be able to easily explain what went wrong. The actual cost of driving an EV is significantly lower than that of a truck towing a trailer or even most economy automobiles because home charging rates are significantly less expensive than DCFC rates.
But few onlookers of EVs are aware of what EV owners are aware of. Additionally, they are unaware of what manufacturers are aware of and whether their dealers’ salesmen know anything about apple butter (they typically do not). Therefore, GM made the decision to act independently and inform the public about EVs at its new EV Live website .
Correcting popular misconceptions about EVs will hasten their adoption. According to Hoss Hassani, vice president of GM’s EV Ecosystem, “we noticed a need for easily available, reliable, and interesting sources of information to empower consumers to adopt EVs and enjoy their many benefits.” We’re making it simpler to learn about the EV experience with EV Live. The specialists at EV Live are available to assist you whether you are skeptic or inquisitive, a seasoned owner or completely new to electric vehicles.
The website will be helpful for dealers, utilities, and government authorities who want to learn more about EVs, according to the business.
HOW THE WEBSITE LOOKS I won’t be lying. I became interested right away. A stunning woman was making a vehicle with her hand while it was stroking electrons, Saturn’s rings, or something similar. Although I am aware that GM cannot achieve that, regardless of how stunning the woman or how powerful her magic, they immediately piqued my curiosity as a lesbian (even though I know this was probably meant to appeal to men, who make up the bulk of vehicle registrants).
But in all seriousness, the website basically offers you two options for how to carry on with GM’s magic woman’s hand. To join a live tour, either scroll down or press a button. Being shy, I chose to scroll first.
When you scroll down, you essentially enter a slideshow with options to learn more, with range as the first subject. Despite being invited on a tour once more, I decided to focus more on range. It explained three distinct ways why I should feel sure that I have enough range while demonstrating the internal workings of a battery pack. It then introduced me to Range Assist, an in-vehicle and mobile app feature that indicates how far you still have to travel (EV drivers often call this the guess-o-meter). They also demonstrate the route planner included in GM’s apps (something I didnt know). They continue by explaining how to drive to optimize range.
Backing out brought me to the home page, where charging was the next subject. They intended to convey the fact that there are numerous chargers available and that GM and its apps will aid in finding and utilizing them.
Then, with pertinent facts, they go on to essential topics like the various EV charging levels. EV consumers can discover that there are several possibilities for home charging as a result.
The Ultium battery system was the following topic on the homepage. Its low center of gravity and close to 50:50 weight distribution are described. They clarify that it is modular and allows for various vehicle designs. They go on to say that GM will soon start producing a lot of batteries in order to lessen its influence on the environment.
The next portion displayed several smiling faces, demonstrating that owning an EV makes people happy (usually). They started by talking about possible savings, including calculators. The performance advantages that follow include acceleration, a quiet and comfortable ride, and no direct emissions. They discuss handling and HOV lane access as well. Finally, they want us to know that they support EVs with a guarantee and access to people who can answer our issues.
PERFORMANCE TOUR I was left with little choice but to check out the Live Tour because the entire site had been exhausted.
Fortunately, there were other ways you could take part. The tour guide may be observed, and you can converse with them or they can hear you. This might be helpful for those who are unable to speak, however I chose to chat because I had a family member who was taking a nap. In other words, all forms of disability are included.
Overall, I was really pleased with the experience. In addition to charging stations, a Hummer EV, a Bolt EV, a Bolt EUV, and a Brightdrop van, my presenter had access to a wonderful GM studio. A superb cutaway model of the Ultium platform was also included. It was participatory in the sense that you could direct the tour and ask questions, and the presenter truly knew the answers. The GM presenters take you on a real tour of real vehicles and equipment while carrying a device on a gimbal.
I checked her knowledge of EV charge planning, and she not only recommended GM resources but also other third-party programs that the majority of EV drivers use, such as Plugshare (one I use all the time). As a result, I’d give the presentation top ratings because it provides the information that attendees need, rather than just repeating GM training movies.
LAST THOUGHTS I would actually suggest their website and the private trips they offer to people interested in learning more about electric vehicles. I’m happy to see that they’re teaching the general public about EVs in a way that is accessible and simple to understand, in addition to participating in superb salesmanship and showmanship.
The only thing I would change about the homepage is to increase the emphasis on education while slightly reducing the visuals. But that flaw is more than made up for by the high caliber of the tours they offer.
Screenshot from GM’s new EV Live website showing one of the presenters using a device on a gimbal is used as the featured image.
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