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Hybrid Vehicles Unnecessary On Path To EV-Only Future, Says Mark Reuss

As electric vehicles become more commonplace across the automotive landscape, questions abound over the right direction in which automakers should progress the technology. According to GM President Mark Reuss, the best way to make the transition is to completely bypass hybrid vehicles, and bring EV models directly to market instead.

According to an article by Business Insider, some automakers, like Toyota, have been using hybrids to make the transition to an EV-only lineup a little easier, while Reuss believes this approach to be unnecessary.

“We’re not going to dilute our investment with hybrids,” Reuss said. “If you look at some of the other companies that are doing or have signaled that they’re going to have an all-electric lineup, the profitability picture is quite different.”

These comments line up with previous GM-related statements regarding its expanding EV portfolio. Not only does the Detroit-based automaker expect to field 30 EVs globally by 2025, but those same EVs are also to be profitable in the same time frame.

Additionally, Cadillac and Buick have plans to transition to an EV-only lineup by 2030, with Chevy and GMC expected to follow by 2035. Thus, it doesn’t make much sense for GM to invest in hybrid technology when its EV plans are unfolding now, and heating up. In fact, GM CEO Mary Barra has gone on record saying that GM customers just aren’t interested in hybrid vehicles.

However, it’s important to note that despite all this pushback, GM actually does sell hybrid vehicles. Although the last hybrid vehicle sold in North America was the 2019 Chevy Volt, The General offers quite a few hybrids in China through its SAIC-GM joint venture. A few notable examples include the Chevy Monza, the Chevy Orlando, the Cadillac XT4, the Cadillac XT5 and the Cadillac XT6.

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Comments

  1. When this fails, PLEASE take the bailout from Europe and China this time.

    Reply
    1. He should really ask his customers what they want!

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      1. The first generation Chevy Volt was the most fun to drive plug-in hybrid I ever owned. With the battery production problems, plug in hybrids make the most sense if you want to reduce air pollution from cars. Toyoda says it makes more sense to have 8 phevs rather than one 320 mile EV on the roads because 90 % of all cars are driven under 40 miles per day.

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        1. EV vehicles are impractical at this juncture. Their cost and availability of charging apparatus is beyond the reach of most Americans. For folks like me, the hybrid bridges that gap. It is readily available and the cost not to difficult to afford. My monthly payment is $400.00.
          In my opinion the Biden administration jumped in EV vehicles with blinders on their eyes and made America who was energy independent, dependent by buying oil from South America/Saudi Arabia etc.. I ‘m guessing that the present administration didn’t bother to take a ride to anywhere USA to see what it would it would cost to make the EV initiative work!

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          1. American petroleum refiners buy oil on the open market at market prices. Only an idiot thinks that the President dictates where they buy the oil.

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      2. As a GM product planning retiree, I am very disappointed in Mary Barra’s leadership. She is a complete believer in the manmade global warming religion and has no understanding of what customers really want, and Mark Ruess is just mouthing Barra’s opinions to keep his high-paying job.

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        1. no youre not, youre just pissed shes a woman and you can blame anything on her. Surely wasn’t the crap all male GM leadership that tanked the company, right?

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          1. You forgot your buzzword “misogynistic”…good grief.

            Please go back and edit your comment, or reply with future buzzword-laced comments….because in your world, a woman can’t be a lousy leader just like a man can…

            Reply
      3. What a novel idea! Maybe that’s part of the reason why GM’s U.S. market share has dropped from 60% in the 1970’s to under 20% today…

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        1. Larry: or maybe. Just maybe, it’s because they no longer offer sedans in any true sense. Or maybe it’s because GM is putting all their eggs in the SUV/CUV/truck segments. Maybe it’s because they have only 4 brands now instead of 7.

          Reply
          1. Why don’t they offer sedans? I see tons of new and used Kias, Honda, and other numerous name-plated sedans running around my town.

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  2. I strongly disagree with this. For buyers that want the unlimited mileage of an ICE, but still want plug-in-power for daily commutes; the Plug-In-Hybrid is the PERFECT solution.

    I wish they would have applied the Chevrolet Volt architecture to more vehicles. 50 miles on battery, unlimited miles on the electric generator and traction motor. Perfect combination for families that travel and don’t want to add several hours of charging to a trip.

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    1. Also the enthusiast market. We are dying for a V8 awd hybrid pony car. Talk about the best of all worlds. EV when needed, still have the V8 sound and feel, and AWD acceleration. Yeah, they might do it with the C8, but what will they charge??? The Z06 is already enough to make those who can afford it look to exotics instead.

      Reply
      1. Imagine how far ahead GM would be in the plug-in hybrid game if they had continued the Voltec power train. Until the grid can handle plugging in an EV replacement for every car, each and every night, ICE transportation will remain part of the landscape and manufacturer’s portfolios. To pretend that hybrids don’t outperform conventional ICEs is cognitive dissonance.

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        1. One thing is for sure:. The Cadillac Lyriq sure won’t be overloading any electric grids..

          What have they made in 2022?

          136 of them in 1 year? That’s a shame..

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          1. They didn’t start delivery until May and we don’t know 4Q numbers, so 122 is only 5 months of vehicles. The battery plant only opened in September, so the numbers were always going to be low initially.

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      2. John:

        This is the first I’ve heard that the enthusiast market is “dying” for an AWD V8 Hybrid pony car!

        You’re like so many others who want the moon at a discount. Few could afford a vehicle like you describe. As a stock holder I would hate to see GM spend the huge sums neccessary to develop such a car for a small and getting smaller market.

        I wouldn’t worry about Corvette sales. They sell every one they can build…..at full sticker too BTW.

        If you really want a RWD V8 so badly, go buy a Challenger………….while you still can.

        Warning: They aren’t cheap. No AWD or Hybrid available either.

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        1. This is exactly the attitude I feel from gm. If you want what you want, go buy it somewhere else. And so I have.

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          1. John:

            What V8 AWD Hybrid Pony Car did you buy?

            I’ll wait for your answer………

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            1. I never said anyone did. I said there is some demand for it from enthusiasts. There were a lot of enthusiasts a bit let down when Mustang said they decided against the awd hybrid version.

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              1. John:

                Your post above reads (emphasis added):

                “…you want what you want, go buy it somewhere else. AND SO I HAVE.”

                I took that to mean you had purchased a non GM V8 AWD Hybrid Pony Car.

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                1. Megeebee: “If you really want a RWD V8 so badly, go buy a Challenger”… Yep, there is currently one sitting my garage, next to my wife’s Charger.

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                  1. Good.

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    2. Bran: I agree totally. Well said.

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    3. You’re ignoring the 400 pound battery the Volt had and its two electric motors. That adds cost and complexity along with all the components of an ICE.

      You might have the break of both worlds, but you also had the worst.

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    4. I think GM is out of touch with reality on this. I would possibly consider a hybrid at this point but would not even consider a full EV. The infrastructure is not there for me to be interested nor is battery life or recharge time. A lot is going to have to change in the next 12-15 years for me to get on board with full EV.

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    5. I too, disagree with this philosophy. And I’ve lost some respect for Mark becasue of this, I believe that he is either out of touch with the customer base/market, or he’s just toting the line and working on brownie points becasue he’s getting ready to retire and wants to retain a nice sized golden parachute.

      Reply
  3. For China, Mild Hybrids really dont count as true hybrids. That more of an electrical architecture than anything else.

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  4. WHY WOULD IT FAIL? WHY WOULD HAVING A FULL LINE OF BEV PLUG IN’S CAR’S THATS PRICE WELL FAIL? VOLTEC/VOLTEC POWERTRAIN WAS COOL BUT NEVER WANTED A HYBRID CAR.

    Reply
    1. Because they can’t be priced well. They have to cost more than an ICE alone and the only difference from EV pricing is a smaller battery. But, it has all the ICE components as well. So, in the end it might be about the same price as an EV, but be harder to assemble and maintain.

      Reply
  5. Is there enough lithium and cobalt to provide for all of these EV’s, especially since the batteries can’t be recycled. Is there enough electricity to power millions and millions of these EV’s? Have these auto manufactures who are going 100% EV really look into these questions or are they just so much in a rush to see who can be the next Tesla and score points with the current regime?

    Reply
    1. USA 1: Where are you getting this info from? Who is telling you that these batteries can’t be recycled or re-purposed? Also, people really need to stop looking at all this from the 1970’s perspective. Renewable energy is where this is going (wind, solar, water, etc). There are many technologies out already or coming out soon that eventually will allow homes to be self sufficient and even sell energy back into the system.

      If you think that all these manufacturers have not put a lot of thought and money into looking at the EV as the future, then someone needs to pinch you and wake you up. Stop living in the past and instead look at this as how humans move into the future that isn’t one big fire ball.

      Reply
      1. Dan B:

        Exactly.

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      2. Aww come on….you were almost there…..you should have added some sort of horse and buggy analogy…

        The next miracle is always around the corner….

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        1. Yep…the horse and buggy references here are pretty silly and dumb.

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        2. At some point, the sheeple may just realize that without all the government subsidies, “renewable” energy would be so expensive, nobody could afford it. And now I read that they are selling leases 25 miles offshore in California to build anchored to the ocean floor platforms with wind generators on them. 25 miles?? Might be a good idea if someone can ever figure out how to make the thrust bearings last for a decent amount of time. I have a hybrid car for short trips and a Ram 1500 ecodiesel for the longer trips where I like more comfort. The car gets almost 50 mpg and the truck gets a little over 30 on the highway with range of about 750 miles per tank. I don’t ever see myself buying a full EV, it will eventually become too expensive to drive. All these charging stations are not going to be free once private enterprise gets involved.

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    2. And suddenly, all of the greenies and tree huggers are okay with strip mining because it now fits the agenda.

      Reply
      1. But only if it’s mining what they need to fit the agenda. Yet nobody seems to care about the environmental effects of the mining for cobalt and lithium. Lest we forget the huge amounts of byproducts spewed into the environment in less restrictive countries to refine these minerals. Apparently, greenies think electricity comes from an outlet in the wall and that the materials mined to produce EVs comes out of the earth ready to use! The only thing they really preach about is “tailpipe emissions” and how much an ICE car produces. They don’t want the green sheep to know the reality that the emissions to produce an EV from beginning to end, as well as recycling/destroying the batteries is far more harsh to the environment than the emissions from my ICE tailpipe.

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  6. People on this site are asking for hybrids but Mary says gm customers don’t want them. If I’am going to be forced to buy something with a battery I would rather it be a hybrid, so I don’t get stranded driving to my home in a mountainous area. Don’t u love to hear what you want to buy from a stranger!

    Reply
    1. Those strangers, including some here on gm Authority, know better than you….or something.

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  7. NO I DON’T WANT A HYBRID PLUG IN CAR.

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    1. Speedy:

      THEN DON’T BUY ONE!

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  8. I think they’re spot-on with their approach. Been there, done that…GM already pioneered EREVs way back in 2010 with the Volt. I’ve had two EREVs now and definitely don’t want another; I’m ready for a full electric. For me, the only use case for an EREV at this point would extending the range when towing. I think that’s where we’ll see Fuel Cells come into play, but as the charging infrastructure improves and batteries can be charged faster, I think pure electrics will easily be the norm in another 10 years.

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  9. I think Marry Barra is doing great but her comment that the customers do not want hybrids is questionable. Maybe is was the VOLT sales numbers that convinced her. I was at my Chevy dealer when the VOLT first came out. I could not fit in the vehicle. Too low of an A pillar, too low to the ground, roof height too low. It sure was not a family buggy. Talking to a salesmen, he wanted to see the VOLT system in an Equinox and was sure it would be a hit. But Ford came out with Hybrid’s across more lines and none had stellar sales numbers.

    Yesterday, I was at the Orlando International Auto show. E-Mustang, nice vehicle but I could not get in it. I’m 6’2″. All of the other EV’s, you could not touch the vehicles. F-150, looks like an F-150. No Cadillac’s or Buick’s. To me the most interesting vehicle was a Grand Cherokee 4Xe. It was not called a hybrid but a combination if electric drive and ICE drive. It wasn’t priced all that bad and if I wanted a new vehicle other than a PU truck, it would be a strong contender. Hyundai had several hybrids, all nicely done, but only pictured some future all electrics.

    Reply
    1. GerogeS: Totally agree with you. The problem with the Volt was it’s size and lack of room for anything more than 2 people really. I wanted to get one back in 2015, but the rear seat wasn’t close to being enough room to accommodate my two children who were still in car seats. I ended up with a Spark EV instead and it has by far more usable room. What they needed (still need) would be the Volt powertrain in the Equinox, Malibu and others (Buick sedans??). So when they look back at the sales of the Volt and if that’s what they are basing this on, then shame on them. Just because you put a great powertrain in a bad wrapper doesn’t make it bad. It makes the wrapper bad.

      Reply
    2. The problem with making a larger vehicle with Voltec technology is scaling. Everything has to get bigger which cost more. You need a larger battery pack since the vehicle is larger. The ICE generator is larger because it has to make more power. And all of that has to fit in the vehicle without compromising space.

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      1. theflew: Although you are not wrong in what you say, we’re not talking a huge difference between the Volt and the Malibu or an Equinox. But more importantly, it’s ok to drive something with just a little less performance. From what you say, the purpose of scaling would be for comparable performance, correct? I’d be quite happy with the same Voltec powertrain in my Malibu with just a little less performance. I’m no longer interested in racing from light to light.

        Reply
        1. It’s not about performance but the vehicle is heavier, less aerodynamic, can carry a heavier load. All those things point to a larger battery (for similar range), higher HP electric motor and a larger ICE generator. The Volt ICE was only 105hp. The ICE has to be capable of moving the vehicle by itself, so for an Equinox you would need at least a 150hp ICE and that wouldn’t have the best performance.

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      2. Toyota appears to have solved this “problem” by making so many different vehicles with a hybrid system and, in addition, has built a RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), all of which, have been and still are selling like hotcakes.

        Without GM having a traditional hybrid or PHEV on offer, I’ll be looking to other manufacturers for my future vehicles.

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    3. The only reason I sold my 2015 Camaro Z/28 was that the roof was too low. At 6’4″, the top of my head was RIGHT on the ceiling when driving. I could not comfortably sit in the car. With a racing helmet, forget it entirely.

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      1. John:

        Then why did you buy it?

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        1. Because it’s a fantastic car and the LS7 is absolutely amazing. As far as not fitting, I test drove an SS and fit ok and never had a problem with the several other pony cars I’ve owned over the years. The Z/28 is so rare, there weren’t any near me to test drive that trim. I think the Recaros in the Z/28 sit up higher than the regular seats.

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        2. Why is that your business?

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    4. ” Maybe is was the VOLT sales numbers that convinced her.”

      Chevrolet never wanted to sell the Volt. Modest to non-existent marketing. Dealer reluctance to add the support infrastructure and Voltec trained personnel. The Volt was only produced to meet fleet-wide mileage requirements from the EPA.

      Ask any Volt owner about the scarcity of a dealer with a Voltec technician. Don’t get me started on the scarcity of replacement parts for the Volt.

      Does anyone remember an ad for a Volt? Or, even a Bolt? No. Chevrolet only wants to sell trucks. That is all they advertise.

      Reply
  10. “have been using hybrids to make the transition to an EV-only lineup a little easier, while Reuss believes this approach to be unnecessary.” Says Reuss because GM dropped the ball and left the hybrid buyers sitting at the Toyota and Honda stores.

    “GM CEO Mary Barra has gone on record saying that GM customers just aren’t interested in hybrid vehicles.” Sure, because she would know based on the massive number of hybrids the import brands sell annually. Yup, GM customers have zero interest in the hybrid because the hybrid customers have already left GM.

    Sometimes I just don’t understand how these people make it to where they are. Worst mistake GM has made in the past 50 years was to abandon the Volt and Volt-tech system. Pure stupidity.

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    1. Government pressure, and an unwillingness to push back from Mary and others.

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    2. There are people that make it to the top based on merit, and then there are “installed” people who appease the government and its programs.

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  11. I’d love a hybrid. I would even consider a plug-in hybrid. I am only moderately interested in a BEV at the moment, dampened because of price, range, potential hazard, and the fact that Ultium is untested technology. But let’s see how it turns out. I’d love to be pleasantly surprised.

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  12. I want a hybrid midsize pickup truck. I currently have a ’17 Colorado crewcab/longbed diesel with 65000 miles and 29 lifetime mpg. The new Colorado will have a standard gas engine, get crummy gas mileage and has a short box. I regularly drive 225 one way miles from Cape Cod to northern NH. I can’t do that with an electric. You don’t have to search too many Youtube videos to realize that unless you have a Tesla, electric vehicle charging away from your house is a disaster. And I can’t justify spending $90k for a Ford F150 electric or the upcoming eSilverado, both of which will have the I’m-not-a-Tesla-remote-charging-problem. I don’t think my scenario is that unique. There won’t be an affordable electric pickup truck for years and yep, there’s that charging problem again. GM seems to be ignoring market needs in favor of a fantasy. Are they being stubborn or stupid?

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  13. … my dream one day having my project of car with stationary 3 cylinder E85 Ethanol, flexi Gasoline engine supplying energy to battery for 4 electric wheeled motors shaft will never be a reality from GM. Indeed no one had interest… so gonna die like me — We wish GM Good Luck in their future with the enterprise they do, ironically view, desire wishes

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  14. Look you need to only look at the big picture to get why they are skipping Hybrids.

    #1 Hybrids are only temporary fixes for a long term issue.

    #2 Hybrids are expensive to design and build in a market already dealing with the high cost of EV products. Skipping the one will advance EV faster and improve them and lower cost at a quicker rate.

    #3 Hybrids are still subjected to emission laws and ICE bans. They will be forced out by the same ICE regulations.

    #4 if you look around many companies are reducing and canceling Hybrids and moving full EV. Hyundai is doing this as well Toyota went from Hybrids to now working on EV.

    The companies sticking to Hybrids are those that are short on money like Ford.

    You may not like this but there is a lot more to this and the rate of development has closed the need for Hybrids.

    GM is going to offer ICE as long as possible but will continue to develop EV along side. If you want to sell cars in the future you will have yo have EV products.

    This is not a fad, a game, a bubble or anything else. Election may bring new people but automakers are not going to continue to change directions every 4 years.

    You can hate this all you like but the battle is over and we the enthusiast lost.

    Now is the time to fight to protect out collector cars and race cars as they will take our safe gas and oil so we can’t drive them.

    Whining and lying about EV is not going to change a thing.

    Reply
    1. The issue is not so much about fighting against the tide as it is that gm could risk losing customers by shunning a perfectly acceptable stopgap measure during this awkward transition phase. gm has only three EVs on the road in limited quantities. At this rate customers who want better MPG for long range travel may be tempted to go elsewhere.

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      1. They also could spend billions on a stop gave few would buy when that money could be used to develop better Longer range and faster charging batteries in lower cost vehicles that will make hybrids obsolete in the near future.

        Hybrids are Beta to the VHS.

        Also the money needed needs to to the future not the present. Hybrid sales are not all that great or profitable.

        Hybrid sales in 2013 were 3.2% today even with all the models out there they are now 5.2% there is no growth.

        EV models are not many mostly Tesla at this point and EV models are accounting for 3.2%. That will soon change as more models are introduced and they will surpass Hybrids.

        Let’s face it Toyota moved on for a reason.

        Reply
        1. I’ll offer you my example. I’m looking at a GMC Terrain that uses 25mpg with a 1.5L engine. If this model were hybrid, it could come with 42mpg and additional horsepower. We know gm has promised to produce ICE models alongside BEVs for years to come, so why not upgrade the ICE variants to hybrid technology? It would raise the average MPG rating, lower the use of fossil fuels, and lower fuel costs for consumers. It doesn’t make sense for gm to offer ICE models with low mpg when a solution is readily available and offered by their competitors.

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          1. Developing Hybrids are not much cheaper than an EV. It also is still subjected to the same emissions rules as any other ICE engine.

            They could spend billions on these models that may be relevant for a short while but sell at such a small volume that they never make back the money.

            That money that could push EV to the point it will lower cost more and speed up charge times they are no longer issues like range.

            Let’s face it Hybrids sell 5% of the market after 15 years. That number grows a slight bit with high gas prices and drops significantly when gas get cheaper. I wager most Hybrids never make back their ROI.

            We may have a bunch of people in this thread saying they should make ‘em but only 1-2 may actually buy one.

            GM has a specific set of money and if they can invest in short term hybrids that will not bring ROI vs EV that will at some point bring ROI what would they invest in.

            If Hybrids were the answer ever car today would be one. It just is not the answer to all the auto industry faces. They

            Reply
            1. Hybrids have become competitive in price to standard ICE recently. Suppose gm made the next-gen Equinox ICE a hybrid as a standard feature? I’d think that would lower costs, increase hybrid sales, and garner a ROI. They’re already in the battery and electric motor business, so IMHO, it could be a winning proposition and help cement gm as a leader in electric vehicles.

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              1. They are still more expensive and often offered on base models to save the cost. Maverick is a perfect example. You get what you pay for.

                All this takes time money and man power so it is a added cost. Also it take more, different and new parts which add to cost it is a losing deal.

                If there was real and easy profits there they would be doing it. The truth is there not there.
                GM works from real number not from this is a good idea post on a forum. In fact things like this are looked at six ways to Sunday. If they could leverage more out of this they would be.

                Most posters on the web don’t work in the industry for a reason.

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    2. CR.8. I agree with you.
      Move on people.
      Gasoline electric hybrids are dead.

      Reply
      1. “Move on people.” I guess that’s really easy to say if your lifetime hobby hasn’t been V8 powered vehicles and you fall into the use case where EVs work well for your lifestyle. At this point, I just hope they don’t ban ICE outright or make gas/synth gas prohibitively expensive.

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        1. John it is just your hobby. ICE is my Hobby and how I make my living in the racing and aftermarket industry.

          I have a lot more at stake here than just my hobby. I have a front row seat to all this and I can see exactly where all this is going.

          We the enthusiast are now the minor small group in all this so we have little sway like we used to have. The average buyer is open to much and as the prices and range increase many will easily migrate to EV. Those who don’t will be forced over due to regulations that will make ICE products impossibly expensive or impossible to sell.

          We in the aftermarket know there is no going back from this point in daily drivers. But we are still fighting with The RPM act to save racing and I wish more effort was in to save vintage and collector cars as they are major at risk right now. I do not see them being made illegal but I can see the fuels and oil being banned that we need to run them.

          It is time for the enthusiast to get real and stop lying to themselves about all this. Denial is not a smart way to deal with this. If these products are coming we need to let them know what they can do to make these models what we want them to be. If not you are just going to end up with a bunch of boring SUV models that will not fill your needs.

          Dodge is trying to seek interest to see what people want and they got the Electric Charger tossed back at them. Well you need to start stating what you want in EV or you will get only what they want to give you.

          Reply
          1. I don’t doubt anything you just said and see the same thing. Other than coming on here and expressing my point of view, there is nothing I can do about any of it. The collusion between huge corps and government is seemingly unstoppable.

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            1. Yes much of this has been decided. Just look up the WEC and the people involved. Also the things they have to pressure corporations.

              The ESG reporting is one major thing that they are blackmailing companies with.

              ESG stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance. Investors are increasingly told to apply these non-financial factors as part of their analysis process to identify material risks and growth opportunities in all their investments.

              ESG is being used to leverage companies to fall in line with their thinking globally or risk being attacked or excluded if they step out of line.

              Case in point now. Elon Musk was the poster child for the WEC. He bought Twitter to expose what all is just going on here and it has not even touched things globally yet. They are now out to destroy him if he persist in exposing what is going on.

              They hated Trump because he got in the way of Hilary. More like the others out there in various areas are being systematically attacked for speaking our as this whole push is to move to a one world government.

              They are for redistributing income globally and taking down the large economy we have to make us follow.

              Some think if we just don’t buy this will change. Sorry that is not going to work and you will just end up on a bus someplace.

              The big lies are winning out there and anything short of a global war will not stop it. And I don’t see them letting that happen either.

              I am not a conspiracy guy. I don’t believe in UFO’s from space and I don’t believe in the Lochness Monster. But I do believe in the powers of the globe are working to control all aspects of our lives.

              The head of the WEC was bragging on how that we will be able to track everyone’s individual carbon foot print. Talk about a tool to control where you go, what you do and even what you eat.

              While we are on the web complaining on EV or hybrid cars they are looking to control the temp of you home, the amount of meat you eat and just where you can travel or when you can travel.

              These people are preaching eating bugs for protein to eliminate cow fluctuance. Yes I saw a video Robert Downy JR did eating meal worms for protein. He said it will save the planet.

              Reply
              1. But yet if I ask them nicely to make something I want…..they will?

                I get everything you’re saying and agree, but your original post referred to ” If these products are coming we need to let them know what they can do to make these models what we want them to be”

                As if these companies are going to listen? You think the WEF cares about your hobby?

                Reply
                1. Developing Hybrids are not much cheaper than an EV. It also is still subjected to the same emissions rules as any other ICE engine.

                  They could spend billions on these models that may be relevant for a short while but sell at such a small volume that they never make back the money.

                  That money that could push EV to the point it will lower cost more and speed up charge times they are no longer issues like range.

                  Let’s face it Hybrids sell 5% of the market after 15 years. That number grows a slight bit with high gas prices and drops significantly when gas get cheaper. I wager most Hybrids never make back their ROI.

                  We may have a bunch of people in this thread saying they should make ‘em but only 1-2 may actually buy one.

                  GM has a specific set of money and if they can invest in short term hybrids that will not bring ROI vs EV that will at some point bring ROI what would they invest in.

                  If Hybrids were the answer ever car today would be one. It just is not the answer to all the auto industry faces. They

                  You can ask nicely but it has to fit the financial parameters and regulation they are working to. The truth is the customer is not always right.

                  Read what posted to Rich P above. The real deal is this you and only 5% of the market want these models. These models cost billions to develop but they will only be viable for 15 years or less. EV investments can help lower cost faster speed charge times and be viable for decades.

                  Reply
          2. When we don’t buy EVs and they go broke, I guess they will find out. But, but, “muh government”.

            Reply
        2. John: I’m reading a lot of your comments. Here’s what I’m not understanding. Do you like performance? Do you drive a lot? How many miles do you normally drive your V8 powered vehicles in a given time/trip?

          Reality: Most if not all EV’s are faster and have better overall performance than most v8’s. Most EV’s will go 225 to 300 miles per charge, which is more than likely farther than you normally drive. But the bottom line is that you still have the option of buying your v8, for now. Although it’s not the EV’s that are pushing the v8 out the door. It’s actually the higher performance 4 cyl and v6’s that are doing so.

          Reply
          1. No matter what the ICE engine is going to die. 1/3 of the states already have dates set. More will follow.

            Hybrids will not keep ice alive for more than 15 years in many places. Most others it will vanish soon after as they can not afford to sell half the market ICE and half EV.

            Most V8 are already gone at most companies. Many have or are killing V6. 3 cylinders are replacing 4 cylinders due to emission.

            The cost of these Turbo 3 cylinders far surpass what we used to pay for a V8.

            The box automakers have to work with is very small and hybrid and ice are both limited future tech and most automakers will not invest more in it.

            Again only 5 % buy hybrids and that is not much for the number of hybrids offered most are Prius to start with.

            Reply
    3. I’m just hoping I can get parts for my 5 ICE vehicles which range from 1950 to 2017 in 15 years.

      Reply
      1. Working in the parts market they will remain available for as long as there is money to be made. I do not see the older vehicles going away for at least &0 plus years.

        That is unless the government makes a move to remove them. Never underestimate CARB and California.

        Reply
  15. Give us a break, know it all

    Reply
  16. Hybrid makes 100% sense for towing, hauling, and family road trips.

    Pure EV makes 0% sense.

    So, of course, it makes 1000% sense that GM ringleaders are all-in on the 0% option.

    Reply
    1. Your 3 scenarios aren’t things most people do daily. For the other 80% of the time EV’s work perfectly. For the people that do towing and hauling daily ICE vehicles will be available to them for at least the next 13 years new. HD buyers even longer.

      Reply
      1. Actually, pure EV works well in urban areas where you can actually charge the vehicle overnight at home without running a cord over a sidewalk, have relatively short commutes, and don’t need to worry about battery life being cut in half in the winter. That excludes a lot of people. If only gm decided to offer OPTIONS to people to decide what works best for them.

        Reply
        1. Also, we are going to have a 5th driver and car in the family in several months. Where and how would we be expected to charge these vehicles? I don’t know if anyone at GM has a family, but between work and kids events, nobody has 30 mins -to a few hours to sit around at a charging station.

          Reply
          1. These vehicles have at least 250 miles of range. So, unless you’re driving 250 miles a day, they might only need to be charged weekly at best. I assume since you’re saying a 5th driver, they are probably a student who wouldn’t be driving much and mostly not on the freeway which means even more range.

            You’re not sitting waiting on it to charge; you’re sleeping at night.

            Reply
        2. Sounds more like suburbs, many urban dwellers don’t have garages and park on the street. How do they charge? What about apartment dwellers, how do they charge?

          Reply
      2. That’s exactly the point. Wow, you’re thick.

        Hybrid for all the other times using the vehicle, power and range for when you need it — like the scenarios I listed above.

        My current needs are met by my 2014 GMC Acadia 3-row crossover, including towing. I WILL NOT be forced into buying a HD truck just because there are no other offerings from GM that meet my needs in the future. The competition will be the recipient of my money.

        Reply
  17. I do think a non plug in hybrid is a good way to pick up good mpg in city, and also get good instant passing power on the highway. My wife has RAV4, basic no plug in hybrid. It’s fast and gets 41+mpg in both city and highway. The torque comes on instantly, and other drivers are surprised when you instantly blow past them. The vehicle operates seamlessly, no starter noise between modes.
    And the RAV4 has plenty of room inside.

    I think a non plug in hybrid would be a good offering for GM full sized pickups and SUVs. Picking up a good boost in city MPGs will lower operating costs in a big way.

    Keep in mind that once local States see gas tax revenue dwindle, the state vehicle registration fees for PHEV’s will go to the moon, and the states can justify the increases due to the heavy weight of the average EV, requiring more road repaving.

    Reply
  18. They are full of crap saying customers don’t want hybrids… Toyota is RAV4 and Camry are going to hybrid only. The RAV4 Prime has a 2 year wait-list I believe? Toyota is probably the only company playing the long term game meanwhile others are taking gov handouts via the tax payer to fund these over hyped EVs.

    GM perfected the volt and like typical GM they killed it bc the profit is smaller vs fully electric or gas… But they’ll gladly give up customers to increase the profits. Idk if that is smart bc you’re gonna be converting potential GM customers to the competition.

    In what world does it make sense to have 2 EVs for work and then a gas vehicle for longer trips? Most families can barely afford 2 cars. Especially with insurance rates skyrocketing bc most of these new cars get in a fender bender they go straight to the scrap yard…

    We don’t even have enough rare earth minerals for what governments are demanding. Plus china owns like 90% of the minerals so we’re gonna prop our enemy up? Same with this net 0 crap. A company is building a new factory for batteries and it’s wiping out all of their gains in lowering emissions… 1 factory is literally wiping out all their progress on factory emissions. Now they are begging suppliers to reduce their emissions to prop their own numbers

    Reply
    1. Wouldn’t you just rent a car when needed instead of buying a car for long trips?

      Reply
      1. What an arrogant, garbage reply…

        Reply
        1. You think it’s cheaper to own a car versus rent one for longer trips? Unless you’re taking longer trips weekly. And by long I mean greater than 500 miles. Most EV’s could do that with a single 30-45 stop.

          Reply
          1. People want property, equity, and ownership. Why the hell would you waste $500 to $1000 on Hertz or Avis every time you wish to travel when it’s better spent on yourself and your family?

            Reply
  19. “Barra has gone on record saying that GM customers just aren’t interested in hybrid vehicles.”…….Just traded in my 2019 Buick Envision for a hybrid 2023 Volvo XC60 t8…….former customer GM is interested

    Reply
    1. Volvo is going all electric before GM. So this is the last hybrid Volvo you buy too.

      Reply
    2. Right-On! That’s what I’m going to do!

      To heck with “brand loyalty”. When the brand you really like no longer offers what you need or want, look elsewhere for it.

      It’s like most healthy human relationships. Don’t torture yourself trying to change the other person, if it’s not working for you, find someone who’s more copacetic.

      That not withstanding, however, ALL relationships must come to an end someday. Some sooner than others.

      Reply
  20. Turbo diesel Silverado for me.

    Reply
  21. I tow a 2800lb travel trailer. If GM continues on this tunnel vision path, I cannot buy a future GM vehicle. GM should ask it’s customers if hybrids are appropriate or not.

    Reply
  22. GM can do whatever they want. But their business plan is going to push me to buy my next vehicle from a manufacturer that does build hybrids, whether standard or plug-in. I don’t live in California or Florida where it’s warm all the time. I live where winter is cold and has snow and ice, where an EV will be terrible.

    Reply
    1. Newer EVs with heat pumps are not that bad in the cold any have AWD as options.

      Reply
      1. The towing range is poor and cold weather performance is poor whether you’re towing or not. I wish it were not so, but it’s the reality. This seems like it will be the case for another 5-10 years.

        Reply
  23. Good grief! What is wrong with GM’s management? All they had to do was to upgrade Voltec using present day technologies on the Ultium platform! I personally do not want a EV now but would gladly and easily consider a Voltec PHEV to save fuel costs. Sigh… we will have to deal with their decision to abandon hybrid propulsion.

    Reply
    1. People keep saying this. I guarantee no one would buy a Voltec/Ultium vehicle that cost $10k more than an ICE only equivalent. An EV would cost about the same price with none of the ICE liabilities (brake wear, oil changes, spark plugs, fuel system, emissions, etc).

      There’s a good reason many are dropping their hybrid models. It allows you to fund ICE vehicles longer and create EV models without dealing with the hybrid middleman that still has to do emissions testing.

      Reply
      1. They’d buy it over a EV that cost the same or more though! A skateboard design Ultium platform PHEV with range extender is a winning ticket. Really my issue is GM not having hardly any hybrid vehicles while their competitors do, and at the same time making this big jump to EVs trying to get ahead of what the market wants.

        Reply
  24. The Toyota Camry Hybrid is rated over 50 MPG in the city, over 50 MPG highway, and over 50MPG combine. This is what I have been asking for, a nice size ICE automobile that seats 5 comfortably and gets 50MPG combined.

    Reply
    1. And Toyota is being crushed in the EV space and considered a laggard. Great they have a hybrid now, but how will that help them 5-10 years from now? Toyota is playing checkers while others are playing chess.

      Reply
  25. Yeah, hybrids aren’t any good… /S. Try getting a RAV4 Prime. Good luck! Obviously the demand is there.
    Meanwhile I’m looking exclusively at Toyota and Honda for my wife’s next people mover because GM doesn’t even offer a mild hybrid, let alone a plug-in.
    Electric cars when the nearest charging station is 50 miles away is a non-starter. Not to mention the electricity issues coming in due to the trend to unreliable electricity production.

    Reply
    1. Why wouldn’t you charge at home? Who cares about the nearest charging station to your home?

      Reply
      1. Ridiculous, simplistic comment. What happens when you’re 950 miles from home…..in the mountains?

        Are you next going to tell all of us to not leave outside a certain radius from home, and to not go to the mountains, coasts, or any other destination that people travel to for vacation?

        Reply
    2. Buick_regal: You must live in an apartment? Otherwise I’m confused. Do you live 50 miles from your house? Not only that, but many business’s now have charging available there.

      I have zero problems with people who don’t want an EV now or even say they won’t want one in the future. But the misinformation going around is silly at best. From what I’ve read, GM is and will be offering ICE along side EV for many years to come. Some will like and go with EV. Some won’t, and that’s ok.

      Lastly, people (sheep) are paying way over MSRP for a Rav4 Prime and same for the Honda models. For what you would pay over MSRP, you could just buy a good car from GM with ICE and drive it several years before you would make up the difference in the premium charged for the Rav4 Prime.

      Reply
      1. Dan B, I don’t think misinformation is the problem here. It’s more of the government/automaker mandate that’s coming….and you damned well know it’s coming.

        The entire government + manufacturer marriage is a disaster waiting to happen, like it has always been.

        Reply
        1. morrisangelo: Sorry, but I just can’t agree there in terms of misinformation. Are you reading the comments on this article and others like it? People are on here saying things that make me question who or what they are listening to.

          I’m ok with people now wanting to go EV. If I lived in certain areas of the country, I wouldn’t either. And don’t take me wrong, I love ICE and sill probably have one till my death. But EV is the way things are going and if you don’t like it, fine. But let’s keep things on topic and truthful. Fact is, almost nobody drives more than 100 to 150 miles in one sitting any more. Thus, charging at home is perfect during the night. Also technologies are on the way, with some here now, that will change this conversation totally.

          Reply
          1. Dan B,

            I appreciate your mindful response and I understand your point of view. I’m also in agreement on people wanting or not wanting EVs based on their individual needs and wants. That’s the way it should be as that’s a personal choice not being forced on them.

            To me, this isn’t about misinformation because anyone who wants one will figure out if said information is valuable to them. The same for those who can’t use one. If someone wants an EV, they’re going to sort through the fluff to educate themselves.

            My basic premise remains. This is more about an automaker and government “power marriage” getting dangerously close to dictating what you will drive and choosing what you will buy. That will not end well, especially for the company who will be left holding the bag while government moves on to its next crisis.

            This also borders on the government and, say food producers, dictating what you will eat…and then the government and power companies dictating what electricity you get to have, and so on…

            Government may have good intentions and big dreams in the beginning, but as a body, it has a very long history of being lousy at decision making and money management.

            Reply
  26. Prediction – GM will go bankrupt because of their all-EV stance. Other companies cannot make hybrids fast enough. We had an EV. After the third battery failed we returned it under the Lemon Law. People are waiting for hours to get a charge in California with less than 2% of the cars EVs. Wait until 20% of the cars are EVs. Companies still selling gasoline powered cars (including hybrids) will sell a lot of cars while GM goes belly-up.

    Do the tree huggers buying EVs realize that for the first 60,000 miles an EV puts more carbon in the atmosphere than a gasoline powered car – fact based on numerous studies. Children in Africa are being used to mine minerals needed for EV batteries – they will all die from cancer.

    Disposal of EV batteries in 10 years will be an environmental nightmare.

    Reply
  27. All I want is a 7th Gen Camaro with a V8, man.

    Reply
  28. Huge mistake!
    I have wanted a plug in hybrid like the Volt for years before the Volt appeared .
    No way an EV would work for me or make sense. Add the Volt to the long list of GM vehicles I want but GM dropped. After 50 years of buying new GM vehicles, I am done.

    Reply
  29. remember super charging affects the life of the battery, if you keep super charging your battery you will cut its life and will the car companies honor the warranty ? If you need repairs who will fix your EV not the local car repair? Nothing last forever

    Reply
  30. GM is deuisional: Confirmed.

    Toyota is wise to mainstream hybrid rather than force EVs which aren’t ready for primetime yet

    Reply
    1. says Mike until Toyota goes full in on EV’s. Then the story will change.

      Reply
      1. So, in like 2035-2040. Toyota is actually playing the game smart, offering cars for legit everyone.

        Reply
  31. It is very entertaining to read all the comments. I hope that this thread is being saved so in 20 years it can be read for further entertainment value. Progress in automotive technology is inevitable. I’m 74 and this whole EV-PHEV-ICE issue reminds me of the switch to unleaded gas, catalytic converters, fuel injection, seat belts/airbags, and all the other changes that folks were for and against. Hundreds of times I heard: “I’m never going to buy a car with airbags”, “I’m never going to buy a car that has fuel injection”. I’m sure a few of them have stuck to their statements, but most realized that improvements in efficiency, safety and lower emissions were OK.

    Reply
    1. chipster: Your wisdom has shown in your words. Very well said. In the past, I’ve made the comparison to the late 1800’s and early 1900’s when the horse and buggy was being replaced by the car. I’m certain many back then said they would never drive one of those things. And yet they have made the change just like you point out with other features. I also feel you are correct in that 20 years from now we will all look at these comments as being silly (especially mine!!) haha. Things change and we need to be willing to conform to those changes. No, I don’t feel EV is right for everyone now, but it may be right down the road.

      Reply
  32. In 2013 I decided we wanted a plug in hybrid, because our solar was producing more than we needed. Looked at the Volt and the Ford C-Max/Fusion twins. Bought the C-max because it had a lot of room in it for it’s size, and the Volt was cramped. The Wife kept ‘borrowing’ it so much that in ’14 I bought a second C-Max.

    Still own both. Lifetime gas mileage according to the lie-O-meter is 140 MPG for the ’13, and 105 MPG for the ’14. The difference is how much we use the engine on both. The ’13 even tells me that over 80% of the mileage covered has been on electric or Regen. Love the PHEV system, we have driven all over the western US using the motor (37MPG), but Ford dropped them, just as it was finally gaining traction

    Time to get a new car, and Ford has also dropped the ball. We would LOVE to buy a larger Ford Edge with plug in hybrid, but they won’t make one. Not gonna wait for the New Chevy Blazer EV, so we have decided to get a Bolt EUV for our run around car. Now I have to find a dealer that will sell me one at list with no addons.

    PS: I love V-8’s. Got a ’55 T-Bird’ 56 Ford restorod, and an ’03 Mustang GT.

    Reply
    1. Grumpy Rick: What about the Ford Escape? That’s a little bigger than the C-max and you can get it with the PHEV. But the Bolt should be good too. I ordered a 2023 Bolt (MSRP of $28,285) and hopeful it will be in around April of next year. Perfect vehicle for my area and driving and I can charge once a week at home or work for very little. My only complaint? I hate the ugly black plastic around the wheels and bottom. But I’m thinking about having it removed and painted.

      Reply
      1. Looked into that also, but dealers around here have never seen one. Tried to buy a Maverick also, and after waiting a year for the rush to calm down, they still have few to sell, and jack up the price 5k. Stick a Fork in me, I’m done.

        If I get the same treatment from Chevy, I guess I will simply not buy for at least another year. Not interested in anything over priced. My overall plan is the Bolt for daily running around, and a Plug in SUV or MiniVan for family car when they become less scarce. I even thought of a plug in RAV4, but dealer who sells at list price says it will be 18months to two years wait to order one.

        Reply
  33. This article has sure kicked up a lot of responses on a very touchy subject. The biggest problem is some manufactures and government entities are telling the consumer “WHAT you will drive”. EV’s sure has a future but let free enterprise and competition determine determine the future. Customer’s will decide what they want, can afford and practical for their needs. Pollution is a real problem but as everything else it can be managed and reversed but it won’t be a 180º turn. Sure producing electricity and batteries can and will pollute but it can be better managed at the source than at every household.

    In 10 plus years it will be better known if EV’s can be produced economically to own and drive. Many changes will need to be in place such as a road tax for EV’s. When government realizes that 100% EV’s is not yet practical, the voters will scream, and if no change, the politician’s will be voted out. So change can come.

    Reply
  34. Right on George

    Reply
  35. A couple of Carolina Ya- Hoo’s shoot a few deer slugs into a substation transformer and kill power to an entire country…. So where’s the “electricity” for all of those vehicles coming from? Someone remind me just one more time?

    Reply
  36. OK, it’s decided. Too many insults hurled amongst a group of car lovers! No more comments! Santa will be closely monitoring all those who violate this edict (coal in your stocking).

    Reply
  37. What states are mandating Evs in the near future, liberal states. I believe there are a lot of southern states not pushing this on everyone because these states realize they just don’t fit everyone’s situations/needs! And government shouldn’t be telling us what we should be spending our money on.California, NY, mass, and a few other liberal states shouldn’t control what kind of car I buy. They already control most election results, but with declining population in these states things will change along with the stupid ev crap being forced on us.hopefully.

    Reply
  38. I would be interested in a plug in hybrid Tahoe but never an all EV one. We drive to Florida from Michigan 3 to 4 times per year. Sometimes we split the drive and sometimes we don’t. Expecting an EV to be able to drive 11 or 22 hours with a few 10 minute charge ups is unrealistic compared to an ICE vehicle. GM needs to ask their large SUV and pickup owners what they want in the near future. These are the folks who keep the lights on at GM and ignoring the folks who buy the most profitable vehicles is reckless!!!!

    Reply
  39. “Hybrid Vehicles Unnecessary On Path To EV-Only Future, Says Mark Reuss”

    Meanwhile you claim the 2026 Next Gen Silverado/Sierra might be hybrid or how about 2024 ERay C8?

    Reply
  40. Mary Barra saying GM customers not wanting hybrids is just plain wrong.

    Reply
  41. I would love to have bought a Volt, but at 2X the price of my 2012 Cruze Eco (42mpg) it made no economic sense. An EV makes no sense for me in Montana, but at some point, if priced right, I might like a plug in hybrid. After the nightmare experience purchasing my 2023 Traverse, I am done with GM after 50 years of loyalty. BMW 330E is tempting.

    Reply
    1. Shouldn’t let the purchasing experience mess up buying GM vehicles though.

      Reply
  42. MARK that’s dumb. I’d buy a hybrid before I buy an EV. You’re going to make me buy a Toyota, GM….. even saying that makes me gag. Stop making dumb decisions Mark.

    Reply
    1. You might buy a hybrid, but everyone else is moving to EVs. Most hybrids in the past have been more commuter cars rather than cross-country haulers. And EVs make the perfect commuter car for the vast majority of people who have more than one car and a place at home to charge.

      Reply
      1. Most hybrids are used for cross country also. I just drove 10.5 hrs to Miami from SC and only filled up twice spent $50 in all. If I was driving an EV it would take 12 hrs

        Reply
  43. Lol this didn’t age well

    Reply

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