Commercial, GHG Emissions, Sourcing Renewables  -  January 29, 2021

General Motors plans for carbon neutrality by 2040

GM announced on Jan. 28 that it plans to become carbon neutral in its global products and operations by 2040, eliminating tailpipe emissions from new light-duty vehicles by 2035. To reach its goals, GM has committed to science-based targets, signed the Business Ambition Pledge for 1.5⁰C and plans to source renewable energy and leverage minimal offsets or credits.

“General Motors is joining governments and companies around the globe working to establish a safer, greener and better world,” Mary Barra, GM Chairman and CEO, said in a statement. “We encourage others to follow suit and make a significant impact on our industry and on the economy as a whole.”

The use of GM’s products accounts for 75% of carbon emissions related to this commitment. GM will offer 30 all-electric models globally by mid-decade and 40% of the company’s U.S. models offered will be battery electric vehicles by the end of 2025. 

To address emissions from its own operations, GM will source 100% renewable energy to power its U.S. sites by 2030 and global sites by 2035, which represents a five-year acceleration of the company’s previously announced global goal. To account for the expected remaining carbon emissions, GM expects to invest in carbon credits or offsets.

The company also is implementing plans today to reduce the impact associated with its supply chain while supporting grids and utilities to power electric vehicles with renewable energy. GM has worked with some of its largest suppliers to create a sustainability council to share best practices, learn from each other and create new standards for the industry. In addition to the council’s work, GM is collaborating with suppliers to set ambitious targets for the supply chain to reduce emissions, increase transparency, and source more sustainable materials.

The company is also working with EVgo to triple the size of its fast-charging network by adding more than 2,700 new fast chargers by the end of 2025, a move set to help accelerate widespread electric vehicle adoption. The new fast chargers will be powered by 100% renewable energy. GM believes that the energy sector is well on its way to a decarbonized grid and that an all-electric future will be supported by renewable infrastructure and technology.

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