GM's Hybrid Onslaught Will Start With Its Big SUVs

After overcommitting to electric vehicles, General Motors is now developing several new hybrid models to meet growing demand for fuel-efficient vehicles for those not yet ready to commit to an EV. Among the first of these new hybrid models are expected to be hybridized versions of the Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia, and Chevrolet Traverse.

GM boss Mary Barra confirmed during the automaker's most recent earnings call that it will build hybrid vehicles at the Lansing Delta Township plant in Michigan. She did not specify which of the brand's existing models will get hybrid powertrains, though sources tell Reuters it will be the three-row Traverse, Enclave, and Acadia models, all of which are already built at the Lansing site. During the earnings call, Barra noted that hybrids will be available across multiple segments, so only the company's big SUVs won't get hybrid options.

The only hybrids that GM currently builds are the right-hand-drive Corvette E-Ray, along with the new Corvette Grand Sport X and ZR1X. GM is investing $1.25 billion in the Lansing site to support the upgrades needed to accommodate hybrid models.

Technical details about GM's forthcoming hybrid models are limited. It is believed to be working on both traditional series hybrids and plug-in hybrids. A report from early October suggested that the first plug-in hybrid models are scheduled to launch either next year or in early 2028. These models could offer solid all-electric driving ranges of up to 70 miles (113 km), and the Chevrolet Equinox and Silverado are among those expected to include PHEV options.

General Motors largely ignored hybrids over the past decade and instead aimed to shift from its combustion-dominated line-up to a full suite of electric vehicles. This plan seemed logical until President Donald Trump returned to the Oval Office and scrapped the federal EV tax credit. This triggered a collapse in demand for EVs across the United States, and solely committing to them was no longer a viable choice for GM. Earlier this year, Barra said GM is "trying to be very thoughtful about what we do from a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid perspective," and added that the company's ultimate "end game" remains EVs.

With this in mind, it continues to invest heavily in EVs. Whereas Ford took a $19.5 billion write-down late last year after axing several of its EV projects, GM expects to take a smaller $7.6 billion charge for its reduced EV spending. Earlier this year, GM sold the 49.99% stake it had in a joint venture plant with Samsung SDI due to declining EV demand. This month, GM previewed its fourth-generation EV platform that will underpin several new EVs. The car manufacturer is also developing advanced new lithium-manganese-rich (LMR) batteries that will offer 33% greater energy density than current LFP batteries, all while costing roughly the same.