Earlier this year, GM announced that it will reintroduce plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) to the North American market, a major shift from The General’s prior strategy to leapfrog hybrids entirely in a bid to transition straight to all-electric vehicles. Currently, GM is launching several new PHEVs in China. That said, GM has no plans to import these models to the U.S., as confirmed by GM President Mark Reuss.
Reuss addressed the issue during a recent media event for the Chevy Equinox EV attended by GM Authority.
“That’s our tech,” Reuss said, referencing the PHEV technology driving the Chinese PHEV models. “We know how to do it, and we’re going to do a few. I can’t tell you what yet, but wouldn’t be imported [from China].”
General Motors previously announced plans to reintroduce PHEVs to the North American market without specifying models or a launch timeline. Although General motors still plans to transition its light-duty vehicle fleet to zero tailpipe emissions by 2035, PHEVs are considered a logical interim step in the face of rising fuel economy and emissions standards, as well as declining consumer interest in new all-electric models.
During the PHEV announcement earlier in the year, CEO Mary Barra emphasized that “deploying plug-in technology in strategic segments will deliver some of the environmental benefits of EVs as the nation continues to build its charging infrastructure.”
The development of PHEV technology, such as the turbocharged 1.5L ICE and 140 kW motor combo found in the Chinese-spec 2025 Chevy Equinox, demonstrates that General Motors already possesses the technology necessary for launching new North American PHEVs. The Chinese-market Equinox incorporates a lithium iron phosphate battery pack.
However, the way in which GM’s PHEV technology will manifest on U.S. shores remains to be seen, especially in light of recent developments in U.S.-China trade relations. Earlier this week, the Biden administration announced 100-percent tariff on Chinese-made EVs, as well as new tariffs on Chinese-sourced EV components and critical minerals.
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Comments
So where will the next PHEV vehicle be assembled? Mexico or Korea?
But not from China or Russia, provided they don’t get really desperate.
Yes, that’s what I expect.
Just wait until they go after ICEs assembled in China. Bye bye Envision and Lincoln Nautilus. Both of which should be made here or in MX.
Short term Mary has got herself into trouble again.
She’s getting close to retirement age, the short term is all that matters to her.
This nightmare has to end soon.
Even if she retires. she likely pick her successor….or suck-sessor rather and they’ll continue to do whatever they need to keep Blackrock and the GOV happy.
I’ve said it before, they could just make white 1999 era Silverados in Mexico from 100% Chinese parts and get away with it they would it if it would move the stock up .005 points.
I’m not holding my breath on this one either!
All they tell you is that it won’t be imported from China. Why can’t GM tell you which plug-in hybrid models they are working on and the schedule for production? What’s the big mystery?
GM under Ms. Barra has been Monkey-See, Monkey-Do. They don’t say anything because they don’t know themselves yet.
And there should be no reason to. Make them in the same factories in the US, Mexico, and South Korea along side the ICE versions like Toyota does. No Excuses!
What about Canada? Why is Mexico and South Korea a better place to manufacture?
Canada may need liberated soon. It’s a mess.
Canada too. I just don’t recall Canada having a GM plant as of late. Mostly Ford and Stellantis.
Oshawa, CAMI for vehicles and St. Catherines for engines.
Thank you. Forgot about CAMI.
GM, since the 1980’s , should have followed the lead of Toyota. GM is no longer a vehicle leader, so follow a successful company and adjust accordingly.
In thirty years GM has gone from the world number one car maker to the sixth place it finds itself today. Even Nissan has surpassed GM in sales. GM profits and stock price remain mediocre.
As an America who wants to see gm succeed, I hope that they have not put too many of their eggs into the Chinese basket.
We are all hoping that. It seems now they are waking up to the fact the Chinese are finished with them and are trying to re-expand into other more friendlier markets. Although they are doing this with EVs only.
You can’t be loyal to a company that doesn’t want your loyalty anymore. And one that is making bad business decisions that will haunt the U.S. economy forever! China drives decisions here? Really?
Chevrolet Volt anyone? We have both a 2017 and a 2018 Volt PHEV’s. We also had 2013 Volt for several years. Originally launched in 2011. I feel like I’m living in an alternate universe. What wormhole did GM and the public pass through that we somehow avoided. BTW: The Volts are great automobiles. Very, very inexpensive to operate and can driven nearly anywhere.
Really can’t understand why they don’t bring back a new version of the Volt. They were working on a small SUV built on the same platform and sales were increasing at the end so it seemed likely. I would be interested for sure.
That is just what I was thinking, dust off the mothballs, and fire up the Volt plant, the last version was actually a pretty nice car.
American automakers have given away their own car secrets for the past 20 years. There was never going to be a longstanding agreement or strategy in China. I’ve been waiting on PHEV or EV form Buick only to find out China gets everything they want first. Remember who bailed GM out of bankruptcy? You and me as taxpayers. 2027 is when they will have PHEVs in the U. S. I’m not going to wait that long. The competition again, is already two years ahead of GM. Why?
At one point the Volt was said to have an SUV version ready to go. I think going back to this and producing it now would work well. Car version and SUV might be best. Improve the tech and upgrade a bit and maybe build it in the same factory if you can convert some production back to it. Seems like going to this as it was liked and a good thing is good. Certainly would be interested in one.
So what about the great pay program in the contract for GM workers? 150% of nothing is still nothing. This country has been sabotaged from within. I am concerned about Cadillac CT series and XT series. Were that all going to be made in China also? Uncle dumbledorf Joe has sealed their f ate with his new tariff. Mary you have ruined GM,
No surprise, communist China gm rules what the company approves.