GM, Ford lay out plans to expand electric models

Detroit

CHINA has said it will eventually ban petrol-powered cars. California may be moving in the same direction. That pressure has set off a scramble by the world's car companies to embrace electric vehicles (EVs).

On Monday, General Motors (GM), the US' largest carmaker, staked its claim to leadership. Outlining a fundamental shift in its vision of the industry, it announced plans for 20 new all-electric models by 2023, including two within the next 18 months.