GM to Showcase EV and Battery Breakthroughs at Climate Week NYC 2025
General Motors is preparing to take center stage at Climate Week NYC 2025, using the global sustainability event as a platform to highlight the company’s progress in electric vehicles (EVs) and battery technology. The week-long event begins September 21 and gathers corporations, policymakers, nonprofits, and innovators to discuss climate solutions.
GM will serve as the title sponsor for the Nest Climate Campus at the Jacob K. Javits Center in New York City. The Climate Campus is the largest single event during Climate Week, attracting thousands of industry leaders and visitors. GM’s role underscores its intention to align itself with broader climate action goals while showcasing tangible progress toward its vision of a zero-emissions future.
A Showcase of EV Models and Test Drives
On the exhibition floor, GM will display several key vehicles from its expanding electric portfolio. The Chevrolet Equinox EV, the Chevrolet Silverado EV, and the Cadillac OPTIQ will be featured prominently, signaling GM’s strategy of offering EVs across multiple market segments, from mainstream crossovers to full-size trucks and luxury models.
For attendees looking to experience EV performance firsthand, GM will provide test drives of some of its most talked-about models. Available for demonstrations will be the Cadillac ESCALADE IQ, the Cadillac LYRIQ, the Cadillac OPTIQ, and the Equinox EV. These sessions are designed to emphasize that EVs are no longer niche products but practical, powerful, and increasingly accessible for everyday drivers.
Executive Voices at the Main Stage
In addition to its exhibition, GM executives will participate in headline sessions on the main stage.
- Kurt Kelty, Vice President of Battery, Propulsion, and Sustainability, will present on September 23 at 10:05 a.m. Eastern. His talk, titled “How GM is Driving American Battery Technology Forward,” will spotlight the automaker’s latest advances in battery chemistry and production. A key highlight will be GM’s push toward lithium manganese-rich (LMR) batteries, which promise to balance cost, performance, and durability. Kelty’s remarks will provide insight into how GM plans to scale EV adoption by driving innovation in energy storage.
- Cassandra Garber, GM’s Chief Sustainability Officer, will take the stage on September 24 at 10:10 a.m. Eastern in a session titled “The Road Ahead: Breaking Barriers to EV Adoption.” In conversation with Anna Robertson, cofounder of The Cool Down, Garber will focus on issues that have slowed EV adoption—such as charging infrastructure, range anxiety, and consumer misconceptions. She will outline GM’s work to simplify charging and extend vehicle range, making EVs more appealing to mainstream buyers.
Breaking Records in Range and Charging Access
Garber’s discussion comes on the heels of a major milestone for GM. The company recently set a world record for EV range, achieving 1,059.2 miles on a single charge with a 2026 Chevrolet Silverado EV Work Truck. While the official EPA-estimated range for that model is up to 493 miles, the test demonstrates the potential for extended driving ranges under specific conditions, underscoring the technological progress in GM’s battery systems.
Equally important is charging access. GM EV drivers in North America currently enjoy access to more than 250,000 public charging stations, including both Level 2 and DC fast chargers. This growing infrastructure, achieved through partnerships and investments, addresses one of the most significant barriers to EV ownership—range anxiety and charging availability.
Expanding Market Leadership
GM’s presence at Climate Week also comes at a time of momentum in its EV business. In August, the company reported its highest monthly EV sales to date, fueled by strong consumer demand across multiple nameplates. Today, GM ranks as the second-largest EV seller in the United States, behind Tesla, and offers 14 different EV models, the broadest lineup of any U.S. automaker.
The company’s progress is also visible in its battery manufacturing capacity. Through joint ventures in Ohio and Tennessee, GM has become the largest EV battery cell producer in the United States, a critical advantage as the industry scales up production to meet both consumer demand and regulatory requirements.
Commitment to a Zero-Emissions Future
For GM, Climate Week is more than an exhibition—it is a chance to publicly reaffirm its strategy. Cassandra Garber summarized the company’s position, noting:
“General Motors remains committed to a zero-emissions future, with profitable EV production as our north star. We’re investing in the right battery and EV technologies and innovating for the future, and that’s paying off as more customers choose our EVs, attracted by both cutting-edge design and strong performance. Advancing our EV portfolio is good business and good for society, and we’re proud to share our progress at this event.”
Her statement reflects GM’s balancing act: aligning environmental responsibility with shareholder expectations for profitability. By focusing on innovation, infrastructure, and consumer engagement, GM aims to establish itself not only as a competitor in the EV market but also as a leader in shaping the industry’s future.
