GM Hybrids coming to the US.
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GM just announced they will bring a few new Hybrid models to the US. “Our forward plans include bringing our plug-in hybrid technology to select vehicles in North America”. This is good news since they’ve been having so many issues with their EV production.
GM has made some stupid mistakes recently. One was canceling the Chevrolet Bolt. A $26 000 EV that was getting more and more popular, at a time when other manufacturers were spending tons of money developing affordable EVs. GM already had one and instead of upgrading it a bit, they just killed it.
Earlier, they also canceled the Chevrolet Volt. A fantastic PHEV with an amazing 53 miles of electric range ( I got almost 60 in my test drive). Again, instead of improving it, they killed it. They just can’t seem to think of two things at the same time. It’s either all ICE or all EV. At least, they are recognizing the mistake and are bringing hybrids back. (Although the quote only mentions PHEVs). Unlike VW who made a similar statement years ago. And they are sticking by it, missing Hybrid and PHEV sales…
Let’s see what GM offers overseas:
. The Chevrolet Traverse hybrid. Yes, there is a hybrid version of the new traverse available in China. It is powered by a 201HP 2-liter engine and an electric motor. Although this is not a PHEV as mentioned by GM.
. The Chevrolet Equinox PHEV. The all-new Equinox is also available in China as a PHEV. it is powered by a 1.5 Liter engine and an electric motor. So range info is not available yet.
So far that’s pretty much it. A PHEV Equinox would be a no-brainer in the US, and probably a hit. But I’m not sure what other product could actually use that powertrain. The Buick Envision isn’t a big seller. Although a PHEV would be fantastic in the new Buick Envista. Even at a $4000 or $5000 premium, it would still be affordable. Same thing with the Chevrolet Trax.
GM PHEVs are indeed coming to the US, but who knows how many models will offer them…
What GM car do you think should have a PHEV option? (Mine would be a next-generation Chevrolet Malibu PHEV.)
Huh? Where did they cancel the Bolt? A new one was confirmed as coming next year… https://www.carscoops.com/2023/12/next-gen-chevrolet-bolt-ev-to-debut-in-2025-according-to-gms-ceo/
Great read, Vince. I agree 100% with you. GM was really over confident in their position and ability, yet they gave the market to Tesla that they had owned for 30+years. Then, gave up the rest of the electricification market because they were too lazy to improve their hybrids the way Toyota and Honda did. So here we are. If they dont move to have a Malibu-hybrid/PHEV, a Trax-Envista hybrid, a Equinox/Blazer/Envision hybrid/PHEV…(and all the Caddy equivalents) then they’re nuts. And they’d better have engines with enough power (not a 2L for the Traverse AWD) to mate to that system.
Might we dare hope to see an Acadia Hybrid? I would be interested in that.
Does GM know how to make a decent Hybrid? The only thing I can think of is when they tried a Tahoe/ Escalade Hybrid that ended up getting 1 or 2 mpg better- It was a total joke!
How about the Buick Velite 6 PHEV? At the least they would have to graft on the new Buick front end.