Tesla and General Motors (GM) are two key players in the Electric Vehicle (EV) industry. As the current leader in sales, Tesla is the reigning champion in luxury EVs. GM, however, promises to invest heavily in the industry in the coming years. Explore the similarities and differences between Tesla vs GM by reviewing the companies and top models head to head.
Tesla vs GM: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Tesla, Inc. | General Motors | |
|---|---|---|
| What It Is: | Major EV manufacturer and renewable energy innovator | Multinational automotive manufacturing conglomerate that includes Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Hummer, and other brands |
| Company Founder: | Martin Eberhard, Marc Tarpenning, Ian Wright, JB Straubel, and Elon Musk | William C. Durant |
| Founded: | 2003 | 1908 |
| CEO: | Elon Musk | Mary Barra |
| Units Sold: | 936,172 in 2021 | 516,634 in 2021 |
| Number of Employees: | Over 99,000 | About 155,000 |
| Headquarters: | Austin, TX (Formerly Palo Alto, CA) | Detroit, MI |
| Electric Vehicle Lineup: | Model S, Model 3, Model X, Model Y, Roadster, Cybertruck | GMC Hummer EV Pickup, GMC Hummer EV SUV, Cadillac LYRIQ, Chevrolet Silverado EV, Chevrolet Equinox EV, Cruise Origin, Chevrolet Bolt |
| Company Net Worth: | About $797.3 billion | Approximately $168.91 billion |
Tesla vs GM: Four Must-Know Facts
- Both companies are focusing on environmental and sustainable energy initiatives.
- Both have a 2023 expected release date for their EV pickup truck.
- GM has been around for almost 100 years longer than Tesla.
- Tesla was named after Nikola Tesla.
Tesla, Inc. vs General Motors: The Complete Comparison
GM is a long-standing automaker. Can it compete with Tesla and its industry-disrupting EV lineup? GM has a long history of delivering reliable vehicles as part of a global company. The company was founded when Cadillac, Buick, Oldsmobile, Oakland (renamed Pontiac), Marquette, Ewing, Rapid, and Reliance, along with others, were consolidated. After more than 100 years in the industry, GM is committing to the future of zero-emission vehicles with a line of fully electric vehicles for a more environmentally friendly customer experience.
GM’s electrification goals are based on the Ultium platform, which uses a flexible battery architecture that can power a wide range of EVs. Between the existing lineup and the models with pre-2025 proposed release dates, GM plans to have 30 models and be the top EV seller.
Tesla may be new to the automobile scene but it quickly became a household name that is nearly synonymous with EV production. Tesla is currently ranked as the world’s best-selling EV manufacturer, particularly due to the popularity of the Model Y and Model 3. These two are more affordable and practical for everyday use than the luxury Model X and Model S.
Tesla Model Y vs Cadillac LYRIQ
The Tesla Model Y is most comparable to the upcoming Cadillac LYRIQ EV SUV, expected to be delivered starting Fall 2022. The Model Y is a compact SUV with all the style you’d expect in a Tesla vehicle. The sleek lines help it feel like its luxury Model X cousin. A price tag starting at $62,990, however, puts it at the same cost as a LYRIQ and considerably lower than a Model X. Here are some key features of this Tesla SUV to weigh its pros and cons with the LYRIQ:
- Estimated range of 330 miles per charge
- All-wheel drive dual-motor design
- Seven seats
- 15-inch touchscreen
- About 76 cubic feet of cargo space are available with seats folded down
- All-glass roof
- Autopilot safety and driver-assist features
The LYRIQ is available for order now, with deliveries expected in Fall 2022. The starting price is the same as the Model Y, at $62,990, but adding all-wheel drive will increase it to $64,990. This EV is listed as a luxury SUV and it has iconic interior and exterior features that are comparable with the Tesla offering. Consider these features as you match these two SUVs:
- Rear-wheel and all-wheel-drive versions are available
- Estimated range of 312 per charge for rear-wheel drive
- 100 kWh battery capacity
- A single motor capable of an estimated 340 horsepower
- Estimated 325 pounds per foot of torque
- 60.8 cubic feet of interior cargo space with seats folded down
- 33-inch LED display, measured diagonally
- Smart System safety and driver-assist features
Major differences between these vehicles include the interior feel, color choices, and infotainment systems. The Cadillac offers a luxurious feel with plenty of adornment and up-scale performance. The Model Y, however, relies on a clean, minimalist customer experience. The LYRIQ is set to come out with only one color choice, with more becoming available in the future. Tesla’s model offers five exterior color options. The large touchscreen that Tesla is famous for may not be as convenient or easy to use as the LYRIQ’s diagonal touchscreen and digital dashboard.
Tesla Model 3 vs Chevrolet Bolt EV
The Tesla Model 3 is the most affordable vehicle from the EV automaker. Starting at $46,990, this electric compact car is a great introduction to the Tesla line without paying luxury vehicle prices. It still comes with the signature Tesla look, safety features that exceed safety standards, and the following features:
- All-wheel drive dual-motor drivetrain
- Reaches speeds of 60 miles per hour in 3.1 seconds
- Top speed of 162 miles per hour
- Up to 358-mile range per charge
- All-glass roof
- 15-inch touchscreen
- Autopilot driver-assist and safety features
The Chevrolet Bolt subcompact hatchback MSRP starts at $31,500, making it one of the most affordable EVs manufactured by either company. In 2021, fire risks caused the 2019 Bolt EV to be recalled and banned from many parking garages and other facilities. Many models manufactured between 2017 and 2022 are part of the recall. The 2022 model, however, includes redesigned batteries that focus on safety and improved customer experience. Here are some key features of the new Bolt EV:
- Estimated range per charge of 259 miles
- One Pedal Driving feature for efficient performance
- Reaches speeds of 60 miles per hour in 6.5 seconds
- Five seats
- Approximately 200 horsepower
- Chevy Safety Assist
The Model 3 is the clear winner in terms of range, luxury, and charging speed. The Chevy Bolt EV pulls ahead in affordability, and cargo space. There are many pros and cons between these electric vehicles but the key similarities and differences make them both popular choices for different driving lifestyles.
Tesla Cybertruck vs Chevrolet Silverado EV
Both automakers have a scheduled release date in 2023 for their EV pickup trucks. The Cybertruck and Silverado EV promise to bring zero-emission popularity to work trucks around the globe. The Tesla Cybertruck is one of the most unique, head-turning vehicles designed. The boxy look can be listed in both the pros and cons of the EV. Here are some key factors to consider as you compare the Cybertruck with the more traditional Silverado EV:
- From $39,900 to $69,900
- Up to 500-mile range
- Between one and three motors
- Stainless steel body made with 30x cold-rolled steel
- Armor glass windshield and roof
- Adaptive air suspension
- Six seats
- Up to 3,500-pound payload
- Up to 14,000-pound towing capacity
- 17-inch touchscreen
- Autopilot features
The Silverado EV is an electric version of the popular Chevy pickup. Unlike the Cybertruck, the Silverado offers a traditional approach to truck exterior and interior design. Explore the features of this EV pickup slated for a release date in 2023:
- Starting at $39,900
- Up to a 400-mile range
- Reaches 60 miles per hour in less than 4.5 seconds
- More than 780 pounds per foot of torque
- Over 660 horsepower
- Glass roof
- Up to 1,300-pound payload
- Up to 10,000-pound towing capacity
- 17-inch diagonal screen
- Super Cruise driver assistance
Tesla once again focuses on luxury-level performance in this category. While the entry-level Cybertruck is comparable in price and features to the Silverado EV, the Silverado can’t match the power of a tri-motor Cybertruck. It’s also missing the unique steel body and other high-end features.
Tesla vs GM: Which One Is Better? Which One Should You Choose?
Tesla and GM have many similarities and differences as automakers. While Tesla is better known for luxury EVs and sustainable energy solutions, GM is a more established automobile manufacturer that is swiftly moving into the EV space. In terms of vehicle models, Chevy and Cadillac models typically offer more traditional styles and features, while Tesla EVs tend to be more innovative and unique in their designs and capabilities. Compare each model head to head before determining the best vehicle for your personality or the best company to invest in.
