What Role Will ABB, GM and Others Play in Electrification?
Electrification is a crucial strategy for reducing CO₂ emissions in energy systems according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).
The majority of advancements in electrification stem from the transition to electric transportation and the implementation of heat pumps.
To meet these Net Zero Emissions targets by 2050, the IEA says the rate of electrification needs to double by 2030.
Keisuke Sadamori, Director of Energy Markets and Security at IEA, says: “The acceleration of global electricity demand highlights the significant changes taking place in energy systems around the world and the approach of a new Age of Electricity.”
Understanding electrification in energy
Electrification involves replacing technologies and processes powered by fossil fuels with those that use electricity.
The IEA says that these electric replacements typically increase efficiency, reduce energy demand and significantly impact emissions, especially as electricity generation becomes more decarbonised.
For electrification to maximise its potential, electricity generation must transition to low carbon sources, such as renewable energy.
The US Department of Energy suggests that within utilities, electrification can lead to system optimisation, improved efficiency and greater resilience.
Industrial sector advancements
Decarbonising the industrial sector remains challenging due to its dependence on fossil fuels and the high cost of developing new technologies.
Nonetheless, several firms are focusing on electrification to cut CO₂ emissions within the sector.
ABB is committed to providing electrification solutions that aid in decarbonising industries while enhancing energy efficiency.
The company manufactures technologies that electrify industries, homes, cities and distribution systems.
ABB collaborates with utility, industrial and commercial customers across various sectors to manage energy and electrical infrastructure more effectively.
Massimiliano Cifalitti, Smart Power President at ABB Electrification, says: "Critical infrastructure needs resilient electrical systems.
“As demand for advanced electrification solutions continues to grow, the new SACE Emax 3 will help customers stay ahead of changing power requirements and protect business-critical uptime.
“Emax 3 is a breakthrough for energy resilience, helping solve some of the leading causes of power outages. Its built-in intelligence helps customers make their power management and maintenance proactive and predictive.”
GE Vernova regards electrification as a crucial factor in reducing demand-side carbon emissions.
The company employs advanced research to engineer power conversion systems that offer improved power quality through enhanced motor, drive and control technologies.
Additionally, GE Vernova is developing microgrid concepts and advancing marine electric power.
Del Misenheimer, Vice President , Grid Automation at GE Vernova’s Electrification Systems, says: "With the ongoing emphasis on climate change, we are witnessing the most significant transformation of the grid in over a century.
“In response, GE Vernova has rolled out GridBeats, a suite of Grid Automation software solutions designed to assist utilities in adapting to these changes while ensuring their grid operates smoothly."
Electrification's role in transportation
The US Department of Energy highlights that electric vehicles (EVs) can boost fuel economy, lower fuel costs and decrease emissions.
Utilising electricity instead of fossil fuels can also improve public health and environmental conditions.
Polestar was created specifically to electrify vehicles. The company prides itself on minimalist design, technological innovation, sustainable solutions and uncompromising quality.
It focuses on eliminating greenhouse gas emissions throughout its value chain.
Range anxiety, a common concern for EV users, was addressed when the Polestar 3 won a range test by covering 531 km under challenging conditions.
Michael Lohscheller, CEO of Polestar, says: "Range is an important criterion for customers – and this result underlines that Polestar 3 is a great choice for everybody seeking a luxury experience in an outstanding SUV.
“We are developing our cars above the Arctic Circle in Sweden, so it’s no surprise for us that Polestar 3 performs better than the competition in challenging conditions.”
GM is engaged in multiple initiatives to promote electrification.
The company partnered with Pilot Travel Centre and EVgo to provide public chargers in critical locations.
It also boasts a million-square-foot facility dedicated solely to EV assembly and continues to make noteworthy advancements in battery technology at its innovation hub. GM's dedication to electrification is further solidified with its US$2.3bn investment in a second battery cell manufacturing plant.
In August 2025, GM set a new world record for EV range when a work truck travelled 1,059.2 miles on a single charge.
Kurt Kelty, Vice President, Battery, Propulsion and Sustainability at General Motors, says: “Getting this kind of range on a full charge doesn’t happen by accident.
“It takes deep integration across battery chemistry, drive unit efficiency, software and vehicle engineering and that’s exactly what the team delivered.
“This achievement is a great example of how far our EV technology has come, and the kind of innovation we’re building on every day at GM.”
Fortescue Zero is transforming the mining industry through electrification, particularly with battery-powered heavy-duty vehicles like haul trucks, dozers and graders.
The company also provides charging systems capable of fully charging a 250-ton haul truck in just 30 minutes.
Ellie Coates, CEO at Fortescue Zero, says: “These innovative chargers are designed to be a safe, rugged, high power and scalable fast charging solution for multiple different vehicle applications.
“Leveraging our world-class capability in battery and charging solutions from motorsport, the fast chargers have been developed for the challenging conditions of the Pilbara.
“Equipped with robotic connection options, they will be able to power Fortescue’s future 240-tonne Liebherr T 264 battery electric trucks in just 30 minutes.”
