GM BEV3 platform | |
---|---|
![]() Cadillac Lyriq, the first vehicle based on the BEV3 platform | |
Overview | |
Manufacturer | General Motors |
Production | 2022–present |
Body and chassis | |
Layout | |
Related | GM BT1 |
Chronology | |
Predecessor | GM BEV2 |
The GM BEV3 platform is a dedicated electric vehicle architecture or platform developed by General Motors. It is the third-generation electric vehicle platform by GM, succeeding the BEV2 platform. [1] It is categorized as a skateboard platform. [2]
Honda announced it would partner with General Motors to develop "next-generation" batteries in 2018. [3] The BEV3 architecture was first announced by GM in January 2019, [4] with Cadillac announced as the lead marque, [5] and BEV3 was officially detailed on March 4, 2020, during the GM EV Day briefing in Warren, Michigan, and supports Ultium batteries and Ultium Drive motors. [6]
In 2021, Honda announced it would release two SUVs in 2024 under the Honda and Acura marques, developed in partnership with GM; [7] it was clarified in 2022 the new Honda SUVs would be built alongside GM SUVs, using Ultium batteries and GM's electric vehicle platform. [8]
The BEV3 platform is designed to support unibody passenger cars and crossover utility vehicles, while body-on-frame trucks and SUVs will be based on the General Motors BT1 platform. [9] BEV3 supports front-, rear-, and all-wheel drive configurations [5] [10] using one or more Ultium Drive units, each of which combines the electric traction motor, reduction gear, and power electronics. [11]
GM claim that BEV3 will offer a larger footprint with lower height, greater energy density, and faster charging rate compared to BEV2. The modular design will allow from six to twenty-four battery modules under the floor, depending on energy storage requirements. [12] Premium vehicles that use the BEV3 platform have the option of a 4–6 in (100–150 mm) larger dash-to-axle ratio, [a] resulting in a longer hood that is intended to recall the classic proportions of personal luxury cars designed by Bill Mitchell for GM. [14]
When it goes on sale in 2024, the ZDX will ride on the same electric vehicle architecture as the upcoming Honda Prologue, which is being co-developed with General Motors. The ZDX will use GM's Ultium battery technology and should slot between the RDX and MDX crossovers in terms of size.