General Motors on Thursday set a goal to become carbon neutral by 2040, with a vision of an all-electric future and aspirations to eliminate tailpipe emissions from new light-duty vehicles by 2035. 

The goal is to offer 30 all-electric models globally by mid-decade, with 40% of the U.S. models battery electric by the end of 2025. The automotive giant, better known as GM, sells vehicles worldwide under Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC brands, as well as the Baojun and Wuling brands. GM also signed the “Business Ambition Pledge for 1.5 C,” a call to action to lower emissions by a global coalition of United Nations agencies, business and industry leaders.

“General Motors is joining governments and companies around the globe working to establish a safer, greener and better...