GM’s EV Sales Skyrocketed to 94% in Q1; Women Engineers Lead GM’s EVs

General Motors announced its first quarter sales results on April 1, 2025, with some surprising news for the EV industry, that its first quarter sales of electric vehicles in the United States rose a whopping 94% compared to the same period last year.

General Motors (GM) kicked off 2025 with a remarkable performance in the U.S. market in overall automotive sales, reporting a 17% increase in first-quarter sales. This growth spans all four of GM’s brands, underscoring the company’s dominant position in the industry. GM led in total, retail, and fleet sales for the quarter, further cementing its place as a market leader in full-size pickups and SUVs. Chevrolet sales were up 14%, with the best Q1 since 2019. Cadillac retail sales enjoyed a big boost, going up 21%. GMC had its greatest Q1 ever, with sales up 18%.

In an exciting development, GM is also poised to maintain its position as the #2 seller of electric vehicles (EVs) in the U.S. Chevy is currently the fastest growing EV brand in the U.S., led by the strong and exciting Equinox EV and Blazer EV. Cadillac retail sales for its EVs were up 37%.

Electrek reported on GM’s first quarter EV success. The Chevrolet Equinox EV, Blazer EV, and Silverado EV have led the charge, driving significant sales growth for the brand. The Chevy Equinox EV has been particularly popular, with 10,329 units sold in the first quarter. At a starting price of $34,995, it is being hailed as “America’s most affordable 315+ miles range EV,” with the 2025 Equinox EV LT FWD offering an EPA-estimated range of up to 319 miles. The Blazer EV also performed well, selling 6,187 units, while the Silverado EV contributed 2,383 sales, further establishing Chevrolet’s strong presence in the electric vehicle market.

Cadillac, GM’s luxury brand, experienced its best first quarter since 2008, with retail sales up 21%. While the Lyriq, Cadillac’s flagship electric SUV, saw a slight dip in sales by 26%, the brand made up for it with the introduction of the Optiq, its most affordable EV. The Optiq delivered 1,716 units, helping Cadillac achieve its best retail market share since 2014. Despite the challenges, Cadillac’s push into the electric market is proving to be a success, and the brand’s luxury EV offerings are helping GM continue to expand its reach across different market segments.

GMC had a particularly strong performance, with EV sales soaring by 183%. The GMC Hummer EV, in both its pickup and SUV versions, saw a significant increase in demand, with sales nearly doubling to 3,500 units. Additionally, the GMC Sierra EV contributed 1,249 sales to the total, signaling strong consumer interest in GM’s electric trucks. The upcoming 2026 GMC Sierra EV, which will be priced $25,000 lower than its predecessor, is expected to further fuel demand, and GMC’s electric lineup of rugged trucks and SUVs continues to grow in popularity.

GM’s plans for the future include the upcoming launch of the next-generation Chevy Bolt EV, expected to arrive later in 2025 or early 2026. With its expanding selection of electric SUVs, pickups, and luxury models, GM is set to continue dominating the U.S. EV market. The company’s broad portfolio allows it to appeal to a wide range of consumers, from those seeking affordable options like the Equinox EV to those looking for high-performance luxury vehicles like the Cadillac Lyriq and the upcoming Sierra EV.

Meet the Women Leading GM’s Electric Revolution

As GM continues to evolve, a group of talented women engineers is playing a critical role in driving the future of the company’s all-electric vehicles. These women are not only shaping GM’s electric future but also serving as trailblazers for women in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) fields.

Marisa Cullens – Chief Engineer, Chevy Blazer EV

A Michigan native, Marisa Cullens has been a key player in GM’s electric vehicle revolution. After completing her education at Kettering University and earning a master’s degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Cullens spent her early career in various engineering roles within GM, working on body and exterior engineering, safety performance, and validation.

In 2022, Cullens became the chief engineer for the Chevy Blazer EV, overseeing the development of one of Chevrolet’s most anticipated electric vehicles. Her international experience, including time spent in Shanghai, has given her a unique perspective on GM’s global operations and vehicle launches. Cullens’ leadership is crucial as GM continues to shape its all-electric future.

Kristin Cermak – Chief Engineer, Chevy Equinox EV

Kristin Cermak, another Michigan native, comes from a family steeped in the automotive industry, with deep connections to GM. Her extensive experience in manufacturing, operations, and product engineering makes her a natural fit for leading the development of the Chevy Equinox EV. After earning both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in engineering from the University of Michigan, Cermak’s career at GM has spanned several product lines, including the Volt, Silverado, and Corvette C8.

In 2021, Cermak was appointed as chief engineer for GM’s global electric propulsion systems, a role critical to the development of GM’s EV battery platforms. A few years later, she took on her current position leading the charge for the Chevy Equinox EV, a key vehicle in GM’s EV strategy.

Joan Petit – Chief Engineer, Chevy BrightDrop 400 and 600

Joan Petit’s journey to GM was unconventional. Initially interested in consumer products, Petit earned degrees in chemical and energy systems engineering from Purdue and the University of Michigan. She joined GM 17 years ago and has since contributed to major launches, including the Cadillac LYRIQ, and held leadership roles in transmission engineering, program engineering, and quality management.

In 2024, Petit was named chief engineer for the Chevy BrightDrop 400 and 600 electric delivery vans, which represent a new frontier in GM’s commitment to electric mobility for business operations. Her work in the commercial vehicle sector is crucial for GM’s broader strategy to provide electric solutions across all vehicle categories.

Kathy Gillespie – Chief Engineer, Chevrolet Silverado EV & Cadillac CELESTIQ

Kathy Gillespie’s career at GM began in 1990 as a summer intern, and she has since held a variety of engineering roles. Known for her work in integrating GM’s first adaptive cruise control system and high voltage batteries on the Chevrolet Volt, Gillespie has played a significant role in many of GM’s innovative projects.

In 2023, she was appointed chief engineer for the Chevrolet Silverado EV, one of the most important models in GM’s electric pickup lineup. In a remarkable turn of events, Gillespie recently took on an additional challenge as the chief engineer for the Cadillac CELESTIQ, an ultra-luxury, hand-built electric sedan, showcasing her versatility and expertise in both consumer and luxury electric vehicles.

Empowering Women in STEAM

These four women are prime examples of how women in STEAM are shaping the future of automotive innovation. Each of them brings a wealth of experience and expertise that contributes directly to GM’s continued leadership in the rapidly evolving EV market. Their collective efforts are not only advancing GM’s electric portfolio but also inspiring the next generation of engineers and innovators.

As GM continues to lead the charge in the electric vehicle space, it is clear that the company’s success is not only driven by its cutting-edge technology but also by the leadership of individuals like Marisa Cullens, Kristin Cermak, Joan Petit, and Kathy Gillespie. These women are paving the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future in the automotive industry, and their work is a testament to the power of diversity and innovation in shaping tomorrow’s world.

EVinfo.net’s Take

At EVinfo.net, we are proud of GM for putting talented women engineers at the forefront of its engineering for electric vehicles. The company also is a trailblazer for currently having a female CEO, Mary Barra, a rarity for automotive companies in 2025. Women are vastly under-represented in the automotive industry, and GM is to be commended for it’s forward-thinking support of talented women. Additionally, we believe GM is well on it’s way to being number one EV seller in the US soon.