DETROIT (REUTERS) - General Motors expects to spend more on developing and selling electric vehicles (EVs) than gasoline-powered cars over the next five years, chief executive Mary Barra said on Tuesday (Oct 29).

Barra was responding to a question from an analyst on the No. 1 US automaker's earnings conference call when she said she believed EVs would see more of the research and development and capital spending dollars in that time period.

She also said EVs will require "somewhat less" labour than gas-powered cars.

The United Auto Workers union, which just ratified a new four-year labour deal with the Detroit automaker, has expressed concern about US employment levels in the future as EVs make up a larger share of the market.

Barra emphasised gas-powered vehicles will make up a large portion of US sales into the 2030s. She added that the company's engine and transmission plants will not be threatened and EVs will have needs for components as well.

Barra also said the new UAW labour deal does not limit how many EVs the company can build.