General Motors is facing a significant earnings hit of $7.1 billion due to its decision to pull back from electric vehicle (EV) investments in response to shifting US policies. The Detroit-based auto giant's fourth-quarter financial results will be impacted by a one-time charge of $6 billion, primarily related to reversals on EV investments.
The move follows a similar write-down of $1.6 billion in the third quarter due to pivots away from EVs after a reversal in US policy under former President Donald Trump. Trump's administration has rolled back initiatives that favored EVs championed by his predecessor Joe Biden, who viewed climate change as a serious crisis.
The write-down reflects GM's decision to modify investments in response to consumer demand for EVs. The company had announced ambitious plans to have its cars and trucks emissions-free by 2035 during Mary Barra's presidency. However, following the slowdown in consumer demand for EVs in North America due to changes in tax incentives and emissions regulations, GM has reduced its EV capacity.
Barra acknowledged that while EVs remain a long-term priority for GM, the company is adjusting its investments in response to changing market conditions. "With the termination of certain consumer tax incentives and the reduction in the stringency of emissions regulations, industry-wide consumer demand for EVs in North America began to slow in 2025," GM explained in a filing.
Besides the $6 billion charge related to EV investments, GM will also incur costs of $1.1 billion in non-EV charges, including restructuring costs and an additional legal accrual related to its China joint venture. The company's decision is seen as part of a broader trend among US automakers responding to shifting policy landscapes in response to changing consumer preferences and regulatory environments.
The move follows a similar write-down of $1.6 billion in the third quarter due to pivots away from EVs after a reversal in US policy under former President Donald Trump. Trump's administration has rolled back initiatives that favored EVs championed by his predecessor Joe Biden, who viewed climate change as a serious crisis.
The write-down reflects GM's decision to modify investments in response to consumer demand for EVs. The company had announced ambitious plans to have its cars and trucks emissions-free by 2035 during Mary Barra's presidency. However, following the slowdown in consumer demand for EVs in North America due to changes in tax incentives and emissions regulations, GM has reduced its EV capacity.
Barra acknowledged that while EVs remain a long-term priority for GM, the company is adjusting its investments in response to changing market conditions. "With the termination of certain consumer tax incentives and the reduction in the stringency of emissions regulations, industry-wide consumer demand for EVs in North America began to slow in 2025," GM explained in a filing.
Besides the $6 billion charge related to EV investments, GM will also incur costs of $1.1 billion in non-EV charges, including restructuring costs and an additional legal accrual related to its China joint venture. The company's decision is seen as part of a broader trend among US automakers responding to shifting policy landscapes in response to changing consumer preferences and regulatory environments.