Dive Brief:

• General Motors (GM) will release more than 20 new electric vehicles (EVs) around the world by 2023 as part of its push towards an all-electric and zero-emissions future, the automaker said in its sustainability report.  
• As part of its electric push, GM said it will boost production of the Bolt electric hatchback in the fourth quarter of this year, especially to feed international markets like South Korea. The company sold more than 26,000 Bolts last year.
• Through a partnership with investment firm SoftBank, the company's self-driving vehicle arm will receive more than $3 billion in investments, boosting the 180 autonomous vehicles (AVs) it already operates in test fleets in three cities: San Francisco, Phoenix and Detroit.

Dive Insight:

GM chairman and CEO Mary Barra told reporters that the company was “committed to an all-EV future and continue to work in that direction,” according to the Detroit Free Press. That’s good news for cities who have made transportation efficiency a key part of their climate and sustainability goals.

Fleets have emerged as key markets for EVs, since they can take advantage of shared charging infrastructure and typically follow prescribed routes that can counteract range issues. GM has already partnered with Austin, TX to deploy a fleet of 20 shared electric Bolt vehicles through Maven Gig, which is also in cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles and Boston. The automaker is also expanding its network of fast charging stations for the shared fleet, helping to expand the availability of electric charging stations and make consumers more comfortable using them.

Northeast states launched a collaborative campaign with automakers — including GM — at the New York International Auto Show for advertising and education around electric vehicles. The campaign is meant to not just help car companies pitch buyers on the relatively unfamiliar technology, but also help cities and states that are trying to clean up their roads and reduce pollution. Thirty cities also asked automakers last year about the viability of purchasing $10 billion in electric cars and trucks, trying to show that there is a market for the vehicles. Having more EV options on the market — and in models beyond just a hatchback — will help advance those goals.