Cadillac is making significant strides in the electric vehicle (EV) market, attracting new customers and gaining ground on competitor Tesla. According to data from General Motors reported by CNBC, about eight out of every 10 Cadillac EV customers are new to the brand. Moreover, 10% of these new buyers are trading in their Teslas for Cadillac EVs. “We see the opportunity to increase the conquest rate for Tesla, absolutely,” said Cadillac Director of Global Marketing Brad Franz in an interview with CNBC.
Cadillac currently offers five EV models and has set an ambitious goal to become the bestselling luxury EV brand by 2025. This growth comes at a time when Tesla is facing challenges. The company reported a 71% year-over-year decline in net income, partly due to public backlash over CEO Elon Musk’s involvement in American politics. Musk recently announced his departure from the Department of Government Efficiency to focus on Tesla.
The rise in Cadillac’s EV sales is significant for several reasons. EVs offer a planet-friendly alternative to traditional gas-powered vehicles, helping drivers save on fuel and maintenance costs. The transportation sector accounts for over 15% of global energy-related pollution, as per the International Energy Agency. EVs, emitting zero tailpipe emissions, can help mitigate air pollution.
Analysts predict that at least one in four cars sold globally in 2025 will be electric. In the United States, GM accounted for nearly 15% of new EV sales in April 2025, with brands like Chevy and Cadillac driving this growth. Cox Automotive reported that both brands saw a month-over-month volume increase of 50% or more in March 2025.
In response to the growing demand for EVs, companies and governments are investing in EV infrastructure. GM is leveraging artificial intelligence to determine optimal locations for EV charging stations. California has announced a multimillion-dollar project to install EV charging stations at gas stations, convenience stores, and hotels. However, the U.S. House of Representatives recently voted to block California’s plan to ban new gas-powered cars by 2035. Other countries, such as the United Kingdom and Ethiopia, are moving forward with plans to phase out gas-powered vehicles, aiming for 100% zero-emission vehicle targets by 2050.
As the EV market continues to evolve, Cadillac’s success in attracting new customers and expanding its EV lineup positions the brand for potential long-term growth in the sustainable energy sector.
