Electric vehicles have come a long way in the last decade. What began as a green alternative lacking style and driving appeal has now morphed into a segment of fun-to-drive cars, trucks, and SUVs loaded with comfort and convenience features rivaling their gasoline counterparts’. While Cadillac doesn’t currently have an electric vehicle in its lineup, the carmaker has a much grander plan in store. According to a 2019 announcement, Cadillac intends to go all-electric by 2030, ditching the internal combustion engine altogether.
Cadillac’s EV Transition Timeline
Cadillac will begin introducing all-electric vehicles with the 2023 model year. As it stands now, the 2023 Cadillac Lyriq will be their first all-electric vehicle and will battle it out in the crossover SUV segment. Following on its heels will be the Celestiq, an all-electric luxury sedan. In addition, the company has confirmed a second crossover SUV around the size of the XT4 will compete in the compact SUV category soon after the Celestiq.
Not stopping there, Cadillac has plans for a three-row crossover SUV, larger than the Lyriq yet smaller than their future Escalade-inspired full-size electric SUV.
Cadillac joins Bentley, Aston Martin, Volvo, Mini, and Jaguar as the automakers who plan to end the production of gas-powered cars by 2030. But there’s some good news for those who still want a gasoline powertrain from Cadillac. The company will continue to produce the popular Escalade SUV and CT4 and CT5 sedans for the foreseeable future. That said, Cadillac has ceased designing any new concepts for internal combustion engine vehicles, effectively ending the company’s 120-year run of building cars powered by gas engines.
Ultium Battery Power
GM has created the unique Ultium battery to power Cadillac electric vehicles and every EV in the GM family. The Ultium battery uses a large format with pouch-style cells, which allow engineers to stack the cells horizontally or vertically inside the battery. Now, designers can maximize energy storage within the battery while gaining the flexibility of different layouts needed across the varied vehicle designs.
Ultium batteries come in sizes from 50 to 200 kilo-watt-hours. This spectrum could increase estimated vehicle ranges up to 400 miles or more on a single charge. Also, a Ultium battery boosts speeds, with cars outfitted with this component expected to go from 0-60 mph in as little as three seconds. GM’s Ultium-powered cars come with Level 2 and DC fast-charging capability. Insiders confirm that 400-volt battery packs with 200 kW fast-charging capability will debut on the cars and SUVs while the GM truck platform will use an 800-volt battery pack with up to 350 kW fast-charging ability.
GM has invested considerable time and money into developing its electric motors. These motors will support the company’s front-wheel-drive, rear-wheel-drive, all-wheel drive, and performance all-wheel-drive vehicles.
Can Cadillac Make It Work?
With the capital of GM 100% behind Cadillac, auto industry experts believe Cadillac can and will make EVs work for several reasons. GM’s modular approach produces economies of scale in several key areas. A partnership with LG Chem has driven down the cost of batteries, and the partnership expects continual advancements to reduce production costs further.
The new global platform for EVs gives the company flexibility like never before. The electric motors and other vehicle systems were engineered to minimize parts and complexity over the entire lineup. For instance, GM has plans for 19 EV battery and drive system configurations compared to the over 500 internal combustion engine powertrain units currently available.
Ultimately, the rising acceptance of EVs will propel Cadillac forward. Industry leaders have forecasted sales to more than double from 2025 to 2030, ending with around 3 million electric vehicles sold annually. That number could grow beyond that as the cost of ownership continues to fall and charging station availability increases.
2023 Cadillac Lyriq SUV
The Lyriq SUV kicks off the all-electric movement for Cadillac, with the 2023 model year expected to hit the streets in the early part of 2022. Beginning in September 2021, drivers can reserve the first production models. Cadillac has designed the Lyriq superbly, giving it modern styling cues such as an all-glass roof. The aggressive front fascia features a Black Crystal grille that uses three-dimensional texture that emits depth and precision.
LED headlights, taillights, and daytime running lights come in the signature vertical Cadillac style. The Lyriq’s bulging hood and fenders combine with soft curves and lines for an athletic posture. Rolling on standard low-profile tires wrapped on 20-inch wheels designed to match the grille, the Lyriq projects a luxury experience.
Slipping inside the cockpit, you immediately sense the future. Cadillac’s Inteluxe seating material comes in Sky Cool Gray or Noir and blends with polished aluminum, natural textures, and unique jewel-like embellishments to deliver a premium look and feel. A 33-inch curved driver information display stretches before you, its touch screen capability within easy reach. The display can project over one billion colors for a magnificent driving experience.
You’ll enjoy Cadillac’s Super Cruise technology, the first hands-free driving system. With over 200,000 miles of compatible roads in the U.S. and Canada, the Super Cruise driver-assist system will elevate your drive. The system will keep you centered within marked lanes, change lanes for you, and even adjust your speed according to traffic conditions.
While the EPA hasn’t tested the Lyriq’s range, Cadillac estimates the Lyriq will achieve over 300 miles on a single charge. The Lyriq can add up to 76 miles of range in 10 minutes with the DC fast charging capability. Cadillac says the rear-wheel-drive Lyriq will put out an impressive 340 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. Since the average Cadillac driver travels under 50 miles in a day, the Lyriq has plenty of power available.
At Rydell Cadillac of Grand Forks, we look forward to the future of electric vehicles with great anticipation. We know our customers want a viable electric vehicle option that keeps with the luxury heritage of the Cadillac brand. Cadillac’s Lyriq offers us the first glimpse of what promises to be a bright future for Cadillac and electric vehicles.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Lyriq, we invite you to contact our sales department online or stop by for a more personal demonstration. One of our friendly, knowledgeable staff will answer all your questions and let you reserve one of the first Lyriq SUVs to come out.
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