As more and more people being to explore electric cars, there seems to be more and more disinformation. GM has a plan to help.
General Motors recently launched the website for EV Live as part of its mission to make EV ownership more accessible. The website offers a virtual experience that gives participants the chance to interact one-on-one with EV specialists and learn about the various aspects of electric vehicles, all for free.
GM has been working to create a more holistic approach to EVs, from building EVs on the next-gen Ultium Platform, to creating a broader charging infrastructure through the Ultium Charge 360 network, and now by offering educational platforms to increase EV adoption.
The EV Live site allows anyone to connect with an EV specialist via any internet-connected desktop or mobile device during the site’s “studio hours.” Those hours are:
- Mondays through Thursdays: 9:00AM to midnight EST
- Fridays: 9:00AM to 9L00PM EST
- Saturdays and Sundays: 11:00AM to 7:00PM EST
During the virtual tour, the specialists can answer questions and give tours of the studio itself, which contains real EVs and dynamic displays of home charging, public charging, battery technology, EV apps, sustainability efforts, and more. Via their two-way audio equipment and one-way live video, the specialists can also guide visitors through the home charging installation process and refer them to certified installers in their area.
“Addressing common misconceptions about EVs will accelerate widespread EV adoption. We saw a need for accessible, credible and engaging sources of information to empower consumers to adopt EVs and appreciate their many benefits,” said Hoss Hassani, GM vice president of EV Ecosystem. “With EV Live, we’re making it easier to learn about the EV experience. Whether you’re curious or skeptical, an experienced owner or brand new to EVs, the experts at EV Live are here to help.”
Does it Really Work?
The challenge with any “educational” program launched by these companies is that the programs are only as good as the people doing the educating — and, in this case, the GM trainers don’t seem to have the latest or best information available. That was the sense that our Electrify News Podcast co-host, Matt Teske, had when he called with some questions about the Chevy Bolt, and we’ve heard similar comments from other industry insiders.
That said, it may be a case of something is better than nothing. What do you think? Have you called GM’s EV education hotline for yourself? What did you think? Scroll on down to the comments and let us know!
