General Motors is joining other automakers in prioritizing hybrid production as the car industry looks to balance stringent emissions requirements with slower-than-expected electric vehicle sales.
During the company’s quarterly earnings call on Tuesday, GM CEO Mary Barra told shareholders the automaker would be revising its list of planned products to make space for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV).
“Let me be clear, GM remains committed to eliminating tailpipe emissions from our light-duty vehicles by 2035, but, in the interim, deploying plug-in technology in strategic segments will deliver some of the environment or environmental benefits of EVs as the nation continues to build this charging infrastructure,” Barra commented.
The upcoming hybrid models will be available as versions of “select vehicles,” although the executive declined to elaborate further.
GM does not presently carry a hybrid in North America, although its Chevrolet Volt was one of the first models to incorporate battery and fuel-powered drivetrains. The popular PHEV was discontinued in 2019, after which the company said it would focus solely on fully-electrified vehicles.
While it has continued to sell a hybrid model in China, the upcoming U.S. PHEVs referred to in Barra’s comments would be the first to come from GM in several years, during which its competitors have already gained a head start in the rapidly growing segment.
Hybrid sales rose 76% to approximately 1 million units in 2023 after several years of declining demand. Although the segment lagged behind the electric-only market in activity, automakers are now eyeing PHEVs as the more affordable and accessible option for both manufacturers and car buyers.
