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Here Are The Most Likely GM PHEV Candidates

Although General Motors was originally set to leapfrog hybrid powertrains entirely and transition straight from ICE-based products to an all-electric portfolio, GM recently announced a change in plans with the imminent reintroduction of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) to its North American lineup. As GM Authority covered previously, the GM PHEV technology required to make that a reality already exists. Although General Motors has yet to formally announce any details, we’re going ahead and taking another look at GM’s PHEV tech, this time considering what it might look like when it does finally hit the North American market.

GM PHEV technology is set for reintroduction in North America.

For starters, GM PHEV technology is already on sale in China, with additional GM PHEV models expected to go on sale soon. That includes the upcoming Chinese-spec 2025 Chevy Equinox, which, according to recent leaks, will mate a turbocharged 1.5L I4 gasoline engine with electric hybrid components to dole out roughly 200 horsepower.

All things considered, it would be relatively easy for GM to license that PHEV technology from SAIC-GM, the company’s Chinese joint venture, which would then open up the opportunity to assemble PHEV powertrains in North America. What’s more, the technology could be viable for pairing with any number of ICE engines, such as the turbocharged 1.5L I4 LSD gasoline, the turbocharged 2.0L I4 LSY gasoline engine, or even the turbocharged 2.5L I4 LK0 gasoline engine.

So then, with GM’s new PHEV powertrain in hand, what North American models would be the first to offer it? Well, the Chevy Equinox and GMC Terrain are the two most obvious answers, especially in light of the fact that the next-generation Equinox is already expected to offer a PHEV powertrain in China. The GMC Terrain, which shares several components with the Chevy Equinox, is the next logical step.

Once the new GM PHEV tech has been adapted for the North American market, the automaker could then apply it to larger, C1-based models like the Chevy Traverse, GMC Acadia, and Buick Enclave, possibly with one of the larger ICE motors mentioned above. The Buick Envision and Cadillac XT4 are also likely candidates. Even the Cadillac XT6 could offer a PHEV powertrain. To note, the North American Cadillac XT5 is currently not expected to live past the 2025 model year, at least for the time being.

It’s also rumored that GM is working on a hybrid powertrain for the Chevy Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500, with next-gen models expected by the 2027 model year – another ripe opportunity to offer a new GM PHEV in North America. From there, GM’s full-size SUVs are within reach as well.

All told, GM’s dealers are excited to see the return of PHEV models to the North American market. The question then becomes how eager buyers are to dole out their hard-earned cash to actually buy one.

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Jonathan is an automotive journalist based out of Southern California. He loves anything and everything on four wheels.

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Comments

  1. A hybrid does not need a turbocharged engine because the electric motor adds power as a turbocharger, plus most low and constant speed driving will be powered only by the motor. Do a test drive in a real hybrid and see for yourself.

    Not using a turbocharger simplifies the engine and saves on construction and maintenance, as the gas engine runs much less and has a much longer life. Oil changes are needed once a year.

    The best candidates for hybrid conversions are the Trucks and large SUVs where you will get the best gas savings and MPG.

    Reply
    1. I have a Ford Escape HEV no turbocharger, doesn’t need one, turbochargers are just another thing to need maintenance. If you have a PHEV be sure to run the gasoline engine at least a couple times a week. Full synthetic oil should be used on hybrids mainly because the engines have to start often from a cold or cooler state.

      Reply
    2. With the big SUVs and trucks, you are still going to need a big expensive battery to get any decent EV range.

      Reply
  2. Earth to GM (again). I don’t want to pay for, nor do I want, period, a PHEV. A HEV, maybe.

    Reply
    1. Every solution is not for everyone. I have a 2018 Ford Fusion plug in and its excellent, though Ford had to replace the transmission under warranty once.

      Reply
    2. And you have several working low cost hydrogen refueling stations near you?

      How about a 10,000 psi home regular?

      No, don’t have one of those either?

      Ah ! You plan on permanently parking your Hev on the front lawn and staring at it.

      Reply
      1. HEV is a regular hybrid. You’re thinking of a FCEV. But go off.

        Reply
    3. And you have several working low cost hydrogen refueling stations near you?

      How about a 10,000 psi home refueler?

      No, don’t have one of those either?

      Ah ! You plan on permanently parking your Hev on the front lawn and staring at it.

      I for one, don’t know how to live in a fairy land.

      Reply
    4. So don’t buy one.

      Reply
  3. If GM doesn’t have a compelling and priced appropriate hybrid half ton truck they will struggle, the fact they don’t already is a huge leadership misstep. The whole “let’s skip HEV and PHEV” was foolish right from day one.

    Reply
  4. something missing in the list is the next gen Malibu

    Reply
    1. Especially since it had one before. Come on GM…

      Reply
      1. BRING BACK the VOLT – or NOTHING ! GM really screwed up
        killing the VOLT !!

        Reply
        1. The volt died, because the Cruze died. The Cruze died because they shut down and sold the Lordstown plant. When the economy tanked.

          Reply
          1. The Cruze died because people don’t buy as many small sedans anymore, the Volt died because even fewer people bought those than Cruzes. After they ended production of the Cruze, they sold Lordstown. Cruze gone first, then plant, not the other way around.

            Reply
    2. Exactly. No PHEV cars, then pass for me. The only reason I’d even consider going from my EV (backwards) to a PHEV is because my kids are now old enough to travel and do so by car. I love my Bolt EV, but not interested in traveling across country with the current (pathetic) public charging system. Maybe in 6 to 10 years, but not now. So getting a nice sensible car like the Malibu with a PHEV would be perfect. I could still be EV nearly 100% of the time where I live and yet drive across country using mostly ICE but with better MPG than the standard ICE Malibu.

      What I will never do? Buy any SUV or truck for that.

      Reply
    3. Malibu already has a Voltec design, would just need a battery and charger.

      Reply
  5. Any time you are ready, GM, I was ready 15 years ago.

    Reply
    1. I bought my Ford hybrid 12 years ago.

      Reply
  6. I bought a Volt in 2011 and it was a great car. Not a performance car or super fun to drive but very practical, competent and great mileage. I sold it in 2019 as it was about to turn to 100,000 miles and in a recent conversation with the buyer, learned that it has been trouble free for the next 4 years and 30,000 miles. They really should make those again. If they still have the tooling, they should make it look like the gen 1 Volt but with gen 2 mechanicals. Great car, could be sold for Bolt money, but much more practical until the infrastructure catches up. Maybe GM could finally outsell Corolla.

    Reply
  7. The Volt is a fantastic car (much of the interior finish came from cadillac). PHEV is a great way to go to get the benefits of an EV with none of the range anxiety and with minimal vehicle maintenance. As a reference point for some GM PHEV powertrains, the volt came in around 150hp, the ELR came in at 230 and the CT6 rings in at 335 (2L I4) with a whopping 432lb/ft of torque. That last powerplant should have been plugged into a Chevy Colorado or the Chevy Traverse 5-6 years ago . For some reason GM stopped short of making a PHEV utility vehicle that could tow 6K (think BMW X5 PHEV). Lack of home charging infrastructure both in and out of the home and range anxiety really hurt GM’s push to go full EV. It seems that the culture at GM was split on the best path to move into the future and the mark was actually right in the middle. They should have been adapting elements of the Ultium program back into the Voltec powertrains to make them better. Maybe explore sales programs to incentivize the installation of home infrastructure, like a rebate for having installation done within a certain window of time around the purchase. Also, make a PHEV that can go 70-100 miles on the battery (for longer commuters). Hello?!?!?! Anybody home?

    Reply
  8. I generally like Terrains, but my 2016 6 cylinder isn’t great for fuel mileage and the 2018 plus models are (weirdly) smaller. I could be a buyer of the larger new design with a PHEV.

    Reply
  9. I love my 2017 bolt. I replaced my ice suv with a ford escape phev. Other options I considered were the Toyota RAV4 prime and Volvo xc60. Still nothing from GM in that category.

    Reply
  10. At this point, if they could offer a Hybrid option of the New Equinox with more power that would be a hit. (If the price is right). That standard 1.5L Turbo engine is pathetic. It is underpowered to say the least. I really like the Equinox but since the death of the 2.0L option, there is no version for people who actually like driving. LOL

    Reply
    1. The ICE equinox no matter the power is not for people that enjoy driving. It’s a pathetic joke of a car. I wouldn’t make my worst enemy drive that thing.

      The EV should be fun though, with instant torque and low cg.

      Reply
      1. You say that then then you rent a NEW Toyota RAV4 and see that it’s worse. the Equinox is fine.

        Reply
  11. All these hybrids whether mild, full, plugin will be produced in low volume, priced high and sold in low volume.
    Put simply they will be compliance cars.
    We have seen this many times.

    Reply
    1. So your take is that GM is pivoting because they recognized customer demand is for hybrids and PHEVs… and they’ll just pay it lip service? Definitely an early nominee for “worst take of the year”.

      Reply
      1. Well, GM’s statement on re-entering Hybrid DID cite meeting fuel economy and emissions regulations (i.e. “compliance”), not consumer demand: “We are timing the launches to help us comply with the more stringent fuel economy and tailpipe emission standards that are being proposed.” However, you need to SELL them, not just OFFER them to count. As far as “seen this many times”, GM has certainly offered less-than-desirable packages (i.e. 2WD trucks and SUVs with tiny engines) to meet Truck CAFE requirements. (Then incentivize the sh** out of them when they don’t sell.) Didn’t GM and Chrysler both petition the government to (re-)classify car-based HHR and PT Cruiser as “trucks” to bail out low Truck CAFE, so they could keep selling big V-8s?? Not sure if that that classifies as “MANY” times, but there could be more examples.

        Reply
  12. “We have seen this many times.”

    Such as?

    Reply
  13. Had to buy a used Volt to keep using the technology GM perfected… now considering foreign made phevs because abandoned by GM in the SUV market…SAD and…dumb!

    Reply

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