General Motors Launches ‘EV Live' an Interactive Virtual Experience Where Participants Can Learn More About Electric Vehicles

author: Eric Walz   

Automaker General Motors has launched a new interactive virtual experience called "EV Live" where customers can learn more about its electric vehicles. The new website can be accessed via a desktop computer or mobile device and its part of GM's mission to make EV ownership accessible to all. 

More importantly, EV Live will serve as an educational platform to accelerate EV adoption in the U.S.

EV Live will also help prepare GM dealers, employees, fleet and commercial customers for the company's all-electric future. GM has bold plans to phase out the production of gas-powered passenger vehicles by 2035.

GM says that EV Live will provide visitors an immersive, virtual experience that allows them to interact one-on-one with EV specialists and learn everything about electric vehicles free of charge. Participants can learn more about its EVs built on the next-generation Ultium Platform and the automaker's charging infrastructure that's part of the "Ultium Charge 360" EV charging network. 

EV Live allows anyone to connect with an EV specialist from a laptop computer or smartphone. The EV specialists will answer EV-related questions from people in real time and give virtual tours of the EV Live studio, which houses real EVs and displays of home charging, public charging, battery technology, commercial applications and EV apps. 

EV specialists can also guide participants through the home charging installation process and refer them to certified installers.

"Addressing common misconceptions about EVs will accelerate widespread EV adoption. We saw a need for accessible, credible and engaging sources of information to empower consumers to adopt EVs and appreciate their many benefits," said Hoss Hassani, GM vice president of EV Ecosystem. "With EV Live, we're making it easier to learn about the EV experience. Whether you're curious or skeptical, an experienced owner or brand new to EVs, the experts at EV Live are here to help."

While visiting the EV Live website, anyone can schedule a free, live tour with a trained EV specialist, or start an on-demand live tour, pending availability. During these live tours, GM's EV specialists will answer questions directly from participants through voice or text chat.

These live tours will initially be offered in a one-on-one format. However group tours will become available later this year, according to GM. The site will also offer pre-recorded sessions in the future.

The EV specialists have two-way audio equipment to speak back and forth to customers, but will use one-way live video for additional privacy. Participants won't appear on camera and the EV specialists won't be able to see them.

GM's EV specialists will be available to connect with Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to midnight ET. On Fridays, the hours are extended from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. ET. On the weekends, the specialists will be available from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. ET.

GM says that EV Live is not designed as a marketing website to sell its EVs. Instead it will serve as a platform where people learn more about EVs. With new GM EVs launching soon, the automaker wants to ensure that potential customers comfortable with the EV driving and ownership experience.

"EV Live lets us meet people where they are and have a real conversation about electrification," said Hassani. "We're selling the EV experience, rather than specific EVs."

GM's electric models launching soon are the Cadillac LYRIQ, GMC Sierra EV, Chevrolet Silverado EV, Chevrolet Blazer EV and Chevrolet Equinox EV SUVs. GM currently offers the Chevrolet Bolt EUV and Bolt EV, which are two of the most affordable EVs in the U.S. However, one of the barriers to widespread electric vehicle adoption is the lack of convenient charging infrastructure, which GM is working to address.

As part of its electrification plans, GM is investing $750 million in charging infrastructure through its Ultium Charge 360 ecosystem as it prepares to launch new, more affordable EVs. 

The automaker recently announced a partnership with Pilot Company, a leading operator of gas stations and truck stops in the U.S., on a nation-wide DC fast-charging network. GM is also working with EV charging provider EVgo to install 3,250 additional fast chargers throughout U.S. cities by 2025. 

These efforts will be further complemented by GM's new Dealer Community Charging Program, which is expected to add up to 40,000 Level 2 chargers in local communities near GM dealerships across the U.S. and Canada.

"GM wants to be the company that puts everyone in an EV, and we understand that vehicles are only part of the equation. We also need accessible and frictionless EV infrastructure and compelling education to make our all-electric future a reality," said Hassani. "With EV Live, we're giving everyone the opportunity to confidently navigate the world of EVs."

In January, GM announced it was investing more than $7 billion in four Michigan manufacturing sites to build electric vehicles and batteries, which will create 4,000 new jobs. The massive investment will significantly increase GM's production capacity for electric vehicles. 

Eric Walz

Originally hailing from New Jersey, Eric is a automotive & technology reporter covering the high-tech industry here in Silicon Valley. He has over 15 years of automotive experience and a bachelors degree in computer science. These skills, combined with technical writing and news reporting, allows him to fully understand and identify new and innovative technologies in the auto industry and beyond. He has worked at Uber on self-driving cars and as a technical writer, helping people to understand and work with technology.