GM is aiming to reintroduce plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) powertrains to its North American lineup by 2027. To that end, we’re expecting GM’s full-size trucks to offer hybrid variants in order to help GM compete with Ford, Toyota and Ram. That said, we’re also expecting the launch of a new Chevy Equinox PHEV crossover in the not-so-distant future. In fact, GM Authority has already spotted a potential Chevy Equinox PHEV prototype testing on public roads. Which leads us to ask – could the new Chevy Equinox PHEV be built at the GM Fairfax facility in Kansas?
Chevy Equinox PHEV prototype
Here’s why that makes sense. Although GM already offers a plug-in hybrid variant of the Equinox in China via its SAIC-GM partnership, the automaker won’t export it to North America any time soon, per a GM Authority interview with Chevrolet Global Vice President Scott Bell. Rather, a new North American-spec Equinox PHEV appears to be under development, as spotted by our spy photographers. What’s more, its production would likely coincide with GM’s latest investment plan, which includes $4 billion spread across three U.S. plants – Orion Assembly in Michigan, Fairfax Assembly in Kansas, and Spring Hill Manufacturing in Tennessee.
Of these three, Fairfax is the most likely candidate. GM already confirmed that Fairfax Assembly will support Chevy Equinox production starting in mid-2027, which aligns with its previously stated goal to reintroduce new PHEVs to the North American market around the same time frame. In addition, the facility is also slated to handle production of the next-generation Chevy Bolt EV and support GM’s “affordable family of EVs,” which means the installation of batteries and electric motors.
Meanwhile, GM’s San Luis Potosà facility in Mexico will continue to produce the gasoline-powered Equinox and GMC Terrain. As such, if the new Chevy Equinox PHEV is built at Fairfax, it’s unlikely there would be a GMC Terrain PHEV model variant, at least for now.
What’s your take? Does the possibility of a new Chevy Equinox PHEV grab your attention? Let us know in the comments!
Comments
Most Americans would prefer it be an HEV and not a PHEV, but Mary doesn’t care.
Source? Sample group size? Website your opinion was formed?
common sense!
GM never publicized the advantages and proper use of the VOLT. There are a lot of VOLT owners who love their car! Plug it in at home and it’s ready for the next day’s drive. Our gas use is almost nil – 178 mpg over 48,000 miles. If the person has a place to recharge at home, a PHEV is a no-brainer. Otherwise, a Hybrid is the way to go.
There is a difference in what are called a PHEV. GM never took advantage to publicize an important difference.
The VOLT is mechanically an electric vehicle with a battery sized to meet the daily drive needs without using ANY gas. There is a gas engine that is used to produce electricity for the electric drive system in conditions when the battery is depleted or when the driver is on the highway or just wants more performance. Therefore, the Chevy with the VOLTEC system is an “extended-range, electric vehicle”. This is contrasted with a Toyota PHEV system. Toyota uses a bigger battery in their Hybrid to give the vehicle more Electric range. When asked to explain the difference between our Gen2 VOLT verses our RAV4 Prime, I tell them the VOLT is an extended-range EV while the RAV4 Prime is an extended-range HEV. The RAV4 Prime calculates to 96mpg lifetime over 43,000 miles.
I don’t want all that electric powertrain complexity.
I want the simplicity of a gas powertrain!
PHEV – good move, going full EV is not going to sell to a significant part of the market. There is probably going to be a significant economical advantage to having the partial EV capability that many consumers will buy into.
I think hybrids are a good bridge to a fully electric future. Hybrids can fill the gap while battery technology improves and becomes practical and safer. In my opinion, current EVs simply don’t offer the range required for most trips. They are also significantly more expensive that a comparable gasoline powered car or SUV and, in my opinion, not worth the additional expense. If Cadillac offers a hybrid when the lease is up on my 2024 XT6 Platinum, I’ll consider it. If not, I keep my 2024.
Your 2024 may not be a good buy at the end of the lease. After GM got caught in 2020 with vehicles worth more than the end of lease purchase amount they relooked their calculations. I sold my 2020 lease back to the dealer for over $5,000. My 2023, I wasn’t able to buy because the purchase was more than it was worth. I like the hybrid too and wonder why GM was so reluctant to go with them?
I have a 2009 Chevy Equinox, and I wll replace it soon, but I expect the PHEV to have a large battery for at least a 50 mile EV range. Many PHEV owners never charge their battery if the range is not enough.
I’ll never own a GM car again due to their not providing warranty support for their mistakes. I’ve owned 4 Volts since 2012. I would consider a lease and dump it at the end.
My wife commented to me yesterday that she would have bought a n equinox PHEV if they sold one in the US instead of the car we bought.
Per the Chevrolet China website, the Equinox hybrid has a range of 1,088 km or 676 miles. Very good indeed!
Having had 4 great Volts, I’m in, at least for a lease. Glad Mary Finally Got It. I’ve been saying for years that the GM strategy to go all in on EV’s was Stupid!
Plug in hybrids are complex. Gas engines are simple.