General Motors CEO Mary Barra recently revealed in an interview that she had a candid conversation with President Joe Biden regarding the credit for the widespread electric vehicle transition. During the New York Times Dealbook Summit with Andrew Ross Sorkin, Barra mentioned that she urged Biden to acknowledge Tesla and its CEO, Elon Musk, for their significant role in leading the EV efforts in the United States.
Barra explained that when Biden credited her and GM for spearheading the EV initiatives, she felt it was necessary to redirect the recognition to Musk and Tesla. She emphasized the importance of giving credit where it is due, stating, “Actually, I think a lot of that credit goes to Elon and Tesla…You know me, Andrew. I don’t want to take credit for things.”
This conversation stemmed from a previous visit by President Biden to GM’s “Factory Zero” plant in Detroit in 2021, where he commended GM and Barra for their contributions to the EV industry. However, many were surprised by the omission of Tesla and Musk, who are widely regarded as the pioneers of electric vehicles and played a crucial role in shaping the market.
In response to Biden’s remarks, Musk later commented on the situation, highlighting the disparity in EV deliveries between Tesla and GM. In the fourth quarter of 2021, Tesla delivered 300,000 EVs, while GM only managed to deliver 26. This stark contrast further underscored the influence and impact of Tesla in driving the transition to electric vehicles.
The conversation between Barra, Biden, and Musk sheds light on the dynamic landscape of the EV industry and the contributions of key players in shaping its trajectory. As the market continues to evolve, it is essential to recognize the efforts of all stakeholders and acknowledge the pivotal role each company plays in advancing sustainable transportation solutions.
Overall, the dialogue between GM, Tesla, and the government reflects the collaborative nature of the EV sector and the importance of acknowledging the trailblazers who have paved the way for a more sustainable future.