It’s one area that has been largely ignored by mainstream automakers: plug-in crossover vehicles. Kia stepped foot into the realm with the Niro plug-in crossover, and Toyota produced the RAV4 EV for a short while, but other automakers have shied away.
As Ford buckles down after a serious executive shake-up, it looks like it will be the first U.S. automaker to roll out its own plug-in crossover. Ford Authority reports a Ford Escape PHEV, which will likely wear the “Energi” badge, has been spotted testing. It’s not a shocking move—crossover sales have exploded in recent years to outpace traditional sedan sales.
GM, meanwhile, has placed focus on diesel offerings and the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The Bolt EV is the first relatively affordable electric vehicle with a livable estimated range at 238 miles. Ford is also reportedly readying its answer to the Bolt EV as well, potentially with a Model E crossover EV.
Ford has quite a bit planned on the electrification front. The F-150 and Mustang will receive hybrid variants in 2020, while the Transit will gain an Energi variant. How GM will respond remains to be seen.
Comments
Life long, die hard GM owner/fan. Been waiting for a Voltec equipped Equinox, Terrain, or Acadia. This is interesting…….
Plug in hybrid XT4 crossover (spy photos) and more crossover’s to come. Your not going to put a T shape battery under a crossover, or a tall flat batteries. They already have batteries under these seat and in these trunk now. I know there working on cylinder shape batteries, and dedicated chassis.
No mainline automaker is going to use cylinder cells like Tesla. The Bolt has a few hundred cells where as a Tesla Model S with the same capacity has several thousand.
Back in 2009 GM showcased a concept or prototype of a Cadillac SRX EV at an auto show .
This is a market that I wish GM would get into . For people like myself that are to tall for a Volt or Bolt and am not interested in the Chinese built CT6 hybrid , a Terrain / Equinox sized EV would be something I would buy . It would be great to use as a vehicle to run errands in around town but I would want something comfortable for long trips .
And if it is a cost thing , there is no reason to load it up with all the latest entertainment gizmos .
Put navigation , a kick @ss stereo , power window and seats and a sunroof and that’s all I need . Simple enough .
GM will either be a leader in this type of segment or a follower . Realistically it would be the latter .
Haven thought a bit about my first sentence , that 2010 SRX was more likely a Hybrid that was showcased in 2009 .
XT4 crossover PHEV(more Cadillac PHEV to come) is testing right now. SRX PHEV would have had electric range of 15 miles too.