Electric vehicles are charging up the state’s economy—and reshaping the future of business.
As the automotive industry undergoes one of the biggest shifts in its history, Michigan is once again at the center of innovation. With the global rise of electric vehicles (EVs), the Great Lakes State isn’t just adapting—it’s leading.
At the heart of this transformation is General Motors (GM), one of Michigan’s most iconic companies and a key player in the race toward a fully electric future.
🏭 Michigan: A Legacy of Industry, a Future of Innovation
For decades, Michigan’s economy has been fueled by manufacturing, engineering, and a deep-rooted automotive culture. But today, that legacy is evolving. Driven by climate goals, consumer demand, and fierce global competition, the auto industry is entering a new electric age—and Michigan is positioning itself to be the EV hub of North America.
According to state leaders, Michigan has secured billions in EV and battery production investments in the last two years alone, creating thousands of high-tech, high-paying jobs across the state.
🚗 GM’s Bold Push into Electric Vehicles
General Motors is making some of the most aggressive moves toward full electrification of any major automaker. Their commitment? To sell only zero-emissions vehicles by 2035—a milestone that puts Michigan at the center of global change.
Some highlights of GM’s EV momentum:
- Massive EV investments in Michigan plants, including Factory ZERO in Detroit-Hamtramck and the Ultium battery facility in Lansing
- Development of affordable EV options like the Chevy Equinox EV and Silverado EV
- Strategic partnerships and battery innovation that aim to reduce costs and improve sustainability
GM’s success is not just corporate progress—it’s an economic engine for Michigan communities.
💼 What This Means for Business Education
The EV revolution isn’t just about cars—it’s about supply chains, sustainability, global markets, tech innovation, and workforce development. For business educators, this shift provides an incredible opportunity to:
- Teach students about emerging markets and green economics
- Explore entrepreneurial opportunities in renewable energy and mobility
- Discuss the business strategy behind GM’s transformation
- Examine real-world case studies in Michigan’s economic evolution
It also opens doors for CTE programs to focus on EV-related careers, from advanced manufacturing and robotics to finance, marketing, and logistics.
🔮 The Road Ahead
Michigan’s economy is no longer just about building cars—it’s about building the future of transportation, with clean energy and global competitiveness in mind. And as GM takes bold steps forward, our students will be the ones who design, lead, and grow this new economy.
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📚 Now is the time to bring Michigan’s EV momentum into the classroom.
Let’s give students the tools to drive the future—ethically, sustainably, and with Michigan pride.
📘 Classroom Activity: GM Goes Electric – Business Strategy in Action
🎯 Objective:
Students will analyze General Motors' electric vehicle strategy, explore the economic impact on Michigan, and present a business recommendation related to sustainable innovation.
🛠️ Materials Needed:
- Internet access or printed GM articles/news releases
- Whiteboard or digital collaboration tool (Jamboard, Padlet, etc.)
- Student worksheets (optional – I can create a printable PDF if needed!)
🧠 Activity Steps:
1. Warm-Up Discussion (10 mins)
Ask students:
- What do you know about electric vehicles (EVs)?
- Why do you think companies like GM are switching to EVs?
- What are some challenges they might face?
2. Research & Group Work (20–30 mins)
Split the class into small groups and assign each one a focus area:
Group 1 – Marketing & Branding
How is GM rebranding for the EV market? What makes their message stand out?
Group 2 – Supply Chain & Manufacturing
How are EVs changing how GM builds cars? What’s different about materials and batteries?
Group 3 – Environmental Impact
What is GM doing to become more sustainable? How does it affect their public image?
Group 4 – Economic Impact on Michigan
What jobs and industries are growing because of EV production? What risks exist?
Students use laptops or provided materials to gather information and fill out a simple worksheet.
3. Present & Discuss (15 mins)
Each group presents a 2-minute pitch explaining what they learned and how GM’s EV strategy fits into larger business goals.
Encourage discussion:
- Who do you think benefits most from the EV shift?
- What would you do if you were on GM’s executive team?
✅ Optional Extension Activities:
- Write a mock press release from GM about a new EV launch.
- Design a marketing campaign for a new EV aimed at teens or first-time drivers.
- Create a debate: Is the EV push more about profit or the planet?
💬 Wrap-Up Reflection:
Ask students to respond to this prompt in a few sentences:
“In 10 years, how do you think the EV industry will change the way we live, work, and do business?”
