General Motors plans to add hybrid vehicles to its US range as demand for petrol-electric models grows and sales of all-electric cars lose momentum.
Mike Anderson, GM’s vice-president of propulsion engineering, confirmed that hybrids form part of the company’s strategy, although he declined to say when the first new models would arrive.
“It’s fair to say that [hybrids are] part of the plan,” Mr Anderson said. “We’re not tone deaf to our customers. We know what they want and we want to give that to them as quickly as we can.”
The Detroit-based carmaker has largely stayed out of the US hybrid market this decade while directing investment towards an all-electric line-up. However, weaker electric vehicle demand, changing regulation and growing interest in hybrids have prompted a shift in approach.
“Our long-term vision is an all-electric future. That’s our goal,” Mr Anderson said. “That’s the end state, but it’s going to be a journey that involves technology diversity.”
GM chief executive Mary Barra said in January that the company was still considering both traditional hybrids and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles for its US range. She later said a “handful” of such models were planned, without giving a timetable.
GM announced in 2024 that it intended to introduce plug-in hybrids by 2027, when it was under pressure to meet tighter federal emissions standards. Those requirements have since been lowered or removed by the Trump administration.
Hybrid vehicle sales continue to rise
AutoForecast Solutions expects GM to begin offering plug-in hybrids across its portfolio from late 2027 to early 2028, with an electric range of about 70 miles. The consultancy said possible vehicles could include models ranging from the Chevrolet Equinox to the Silverado, although Mr Anderson would not discuss potential products or launch dates.
Hybrid sales in the US rose by 23% year on year in the second quarter, reaching a record 16.3% of vehicle sales between April and June, according to Cox Automotive. Electric vehicles accounted for about 5.8% over the same period.
“Hybrid vehicles continue to be the clearest growth story in the electrified market,” said Stephanie Valdez Streaty, Cox’s director of industry insights.
Hybrids combine a petrol engine with an electric motor and battery, while plug-in hybrids can travel a set distance using battery power before the engine takes over. Extended-range electric vehicles use an engine primarily as a generator to supply power to electric motors.
GM currently offers only one hybrid model in the US, a version of the Chevrolet Corvette. Its previous major attempt to establish a foothold in the sector was the Chevrolet Volt plug-in, which was discontinued in 2019.
Mr Anderson said the company’s future approach would combine technology developed internally with systems obtained from suppliers, depending on cost, vehicle segment and product requirements.
“We’re deliberate because, usually for strategic reasons, we need to control our own destiny. We need to control our own timing,” he said. “Or, if it’s commodity, go get it. Go get the best price you can.”
