At a time when electric-car sales remain just above a trickle, Cadillac has reason to be optimistic about its battery-powered vehicles’ appeal. Some 1,700 potential buyers have paid $100 to reserve a spot to buy its Lyriq EV, and 16,000 more people Cadillac calls “handraisers” have shown interest.
At a recent media briefing, Cadillac underscored how important it will be to get dealers, too, excited about the brand’s first all-electric product. Meetings have already started with representatives from the marque’s 118-dealer network in Canada to get them EV-ready.
Plans include installing two chargers on dealer lots that would be open for both for customer and public use. Cadillac owners, for instance, would be able to top up their battery, if needed, following a service call; and owners of other EVs would be invited to plug in, too, perhaps while perusing the showroom in the meantime.
To further address the scarcity of EV charging stations, General Motors says it will work with communities to install public chargers. Partners might include municipalities and universities.
Ultimately, Cadillac says it figures about 80 per cent of Lyriq owners will charge their cars at home. Cadillac will offer a $1,500 credit to customers to cover home-charger installation costs.
Expected to arrive in dealerships later this fall, pricing on the Cadillac website pegs the MSRP of the 2023 Lyriq as starting at $67,698. Order books for the AWD and RWD Lyriq opens May 19.
Keyword: Cadillac offers its own EV incentives as Lyriq hits Canada