With electric vehicles coming to market, there are two crucial points that automakers need to focus on: education and training. The first is for consumers considering making the switch to an EV, the second for those within the industry tasked with doing the educating.
Websites like the one just launched by General Motors, devoted to answering consumers’ about electric vehicles, is a prime way to educate, thus. The new EV Live platform is free and its educational mission allows anyone curious about electric vehicles to chat with an expert online during a personal virtual tour. The goal is to provide answers on everything related to EVS, and to making the transition from gas-engine vehicles. The company takes pains to add the goal is not to sell any specific EVs here.
“EV Live lets us meet people where they are and have a real conversation about electrification. We’re selling the EV experience, rather than specific EVs.”
- Hoss Hassani, GM vice president of EV Ecosystem
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GM's initiative fills a clear need. Last May, a J.D. Power study found that 24 percent of buyers said they were “very likely” to consider buying an electric vehicle as their next mode of transportation. However, 30 percent of those who were not interested in electric vehicles said it was mainly due to a lack of information.
Humans don't tend to gravitate toward what they don't know.
“Because firsthand experience with EV technology is still not entirely commonplace, shoppers need to be better informed about the ownership experience they offer.”
- J.D. Power, in its survey conclusion
How it works
There is a procedure already in place for those visiting the site, but GM says it will evolve. For now, people who want a live session with a specialist need to make an appointment on the site; they can also try their luck directly and if someone is available, they will be connected. During their sessions, visitors can ask questions related to home charging, public charging stations, battery technology, electric vehicle durability, connectivity to smart devices, etc.
Group tours will be offered later in the year. Eventually, GM wants to offer pre-recorded sessions, so visitors can gather information at their convenience and without having to interact with anyone.
EV Live will feature live sessions 7 days a week between 9 a.m. and midnight Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Fridays and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends (Eastern time).
Addendum: We asked General Motors Canada if they have plans to create a similar website specifically for Canada, including a French-language side. Philippe-André Bisson, Senior Public Relations Manager at GM Canada, confirmed that GM Canada does intend to do so, and hopes to have the site online before the end of the year - though that deadline is not carved in stone.
