The Cruise Origin’s Platform Will Underpin A Slew Of New GM EVs Including A Cadillac SUV

The Cruise Origin is an interesting robo-taxi, but one of it’s most important features has been largely overlooked.

We’re talking about the GM-sourced electric vehicle platform which is “brand-new” and set to underpin an assortment of upcoming models.

Cruise didn’t say much about the architecture but, back in 2017, GM revealed a new modular platform would underpin at least 11 different electric vehicles. At the time, the company apparently referenced the Origin as they noted one of the models would be a “shared” vehicle with a boxy design. They may have also hinted at the Origin Cargo Pod, but that’s less clear.

Also Read: GM Bringing 11 EVs Based On New Platform, Hints At Cadillac ELR Successor

We reached out to Megan Soule, GM’s assistant manager of Electrification, Battery Technology, Fuel Cells, R&D and GM Ventures Communications, and she confirmed the Origin’s platform is the same architecture that will be used to underpin an assortment of upcoming electric vehicles including Cadillac’s electric crossover which was teased at the 2019 North American International Auto Show.

The fact that GM introduced the platform on the Cruise Origin is interesting as it’s not one of the architecture’s two “centroid entries.”  However, it’s a big show of confidence in the autonomous vehicle company.

Besides the Cadillac and Origin, the platform is slated to underpin a small SUV, a compact SUV, and compact crossovers for the mainstream and luxury segments. There will also be large seven-seat SUVs, an efficient “low roof car” and a “lux low roof” model that appears to be a coupe.

GM has previously said the modular EV platform will offer flexible battery pack configurations, higher battery densities and improved DC fast charging. The batteries will also be significantly cheaper to produce as the company has estimated a cost savings of 30%.

While the platform debuted on the Origin, the first model to actually launch on the architecture will likely be Cadillac’s crossover.  GM has said the platform will launch in 2021 and this lines up with timing for the crossover.

Live picture credits: Michael Gauthier for Carscoops