In the second part of our exclusive trip to General Motors headquarters in Detroit, Motor283 dives deeper into the electric future of American trucks and smart mobility. We test drive the new GMC Sierra EV, a self-driving pickup packed with advanced features, and then head behind the scenes to explore the research labs where GM’s engineers are building tomorrow’s technologies.
This episode is all about transformation, of power, performance, and control. From jaw dropping acceleration to intelligent autonomous systems, the journey reveals how GM is preparing to lead the next chapter in smart mobility.
We started the day behind the wheel of the GMC Sierra EV, a full-size electric pickup that blends rugged capability with smart tech. But what truly impressed us wasn’t just the electric performance, it was the level of autonomy it offers.
Equipped with GM’s latest semi-autonomous system, the Sierra can change lanes, react to traffic, and avoid obstacles all on its own in pre-mapped environments. From busy roads to tight maneuvers, it handled it all with remarkable precision.
Driver-assist features like blind spot monitoring and predictive risk alerts added an extra layer of confidence, while the rear-wheel steering turned this massive truck into a surprisingly agile machine.
And then there’s the acceleration. Hit the pedal, and the Sierra EV rockets forward like a high performance SUV. It’s smooth, instant, and unlike anything we’ve experienced in a traditional truck. This is not just a workhorse, it’s a preview of what smart power feels like.
Next, we went behind the scenes into GM’s restricted development zones, where real automotive magic happens. These labs are where new ideas become real-world solutions for cars from Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC.
Engineers test every part of a vehicle in isolation, then again as part of a fully integrated system. From door seals to software integration, no detail is overlooked.
Battery development is a huge focus. We watched as batteries were stress tested under extreme conditions to simulate a lifetime of real use. GM’s teams are also refining thermal management and working on faster, safer charging systems to further enhance the EV experience.
This is not just theory, it’s a look at the technologies that will power your next car, built to be stronger, smarter, and more efficient. GM’s commitment to energy innovation underscores why it remains a global leader in the transition to electric vehicles.
From driving a fully electric, semi-autonomous truck to walking the same labs where GM is building the EVs of tomorrow, our Detroit journey opened a window into the future of mobility.
Watch the full episode now on Motor283’s YouTube channel and see how GM is turning cutting-edge innovation into everyday driving reality.
Started my career in Automotive Journalism in 2015. Even though I'm a pharmacist, hanging around cars all the time has created a passion for the automotive industry since day 1.