The Orion plant is currently in use producing other General Motors electric vehicles like the Chevy Bolt, although GM plans to stop production of the Bolt by the end of this year. GM intends to focus on converting the Orion assembly lines to producing Silverado and Sierra electric pickups.
Last summer, GM announced the Bolt would be reconfigured on the newer Ultium platform, although the company did not reveal where the updated Bolt would be manufactured. GM CEO Mary Barra said the company plans to hustle the new Bolt to market to capitalize on increasing demand for EVs, and plans on selling the updated models for less than $30,000.
Industry analyst Sam Fiorani told the Detroit Free Press that GM was wise to keep the Bolt priced low. “Tesla is threatening to introduce a model below the Model 3, which already starts under $40,000,” Fiorani said. “If GM doesn’t have a similarly priced product, Tesla, or another EV maker, could lure those entry-level buyers away.”
As for the Silverado and Sierra EV pickups, GM is currently producing them at its dedicated EV assembly facility known as “Factory Zero” in Detroit, alongside the Hummer EV pickup and Hummer SUV — both Hummers have also seen minimal sales interest. According to GM spokesman Kevin Kelly, when the Orion plant is shuttered, UAW workers there will be offered jobs at other GM facilities — including at Factory Zero.