Here’s When GM’s Plug-in Hybrids Will Launch in North America
First announced in late January, the return of plug-in hybrids to GM’s vast portfolio in North America is getting an official deadline. The first units will arrive in 2027.
GM CEO Mary Barra confirmed the news in an interview for The Detroit News earlier this week.
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The year is no coincidence. That’s when more stringent fuel economy and tailpipe emission standards will take effect in the U.S. GM wants to use plug-in hybrids to help offset emissions from its conventionally powered vehicles. And from a pure business standpoint, it’s also a way to meet consumer demand until EV charging infrastructure is more robust, vehicle range is improved and prices go down.
Barra still hasn’t specified which models will get the plug-in hybrid treatment, other than saying they will target “strategic segments.” She previously hinted that the technology is already in production in other markets, ensuring a capital- and cost-efficient way to market these vehicles.
The strategic segments Barra referred to possibly include compact and midsize SUVs as well as full-size pickups. The Chevrolet Equinox/GMC Terrain, Chevrolet Traverse/GMC Acadia and Chevrolet Silverado 1500/GMC Sierra 1500 all appear to be potential candidates for a PHEV option. An Equinox Plus plug-in hybrid recently debuted in China.
On the EV side, the automaker has started deliveries of the Chevrolet Equinox EV in the U.S. and production of Chevrolet Silverado EV pickups for retail customers. The plan is to build and sell anywhere between 200,000 and 300,000 EVs in all of 2024, which sounds like a pretty big challenge if you ask us.
GM continues to work toward eliminating tailpipe emissions from its light-duty lineup by 2035, as announced in January 2021.