Late to the Hybrid PartyWith hybrid sales soaring in the U.S., General Motors has largely missed out on the boom. After all, the automaker's hybrid offerings are limited to expensive Corvette models, including the Grand Sport X, which starts at around $110,000. Meanwhile, Asian automakers with extensive hybrid lineups, including Toyota and Hyundai, are benefiting from the shift. But apparently, GM is not turning a blind eye.Mike Anderson, GM's vice president of propulsion engineering, told CNBC that "it's fair to say that [hybrids are] part of the plan." He also said GM is not "tone deaf" to its customers and is preparing to meet demand. No further details were disclosed, but according to AutoForecast Solutions, the Michigan-based automaker could begin offering PHEVs in late 2027 to early 2028 with an electric-only range of around 70 miles.ChevroletReading the RoomThe automotive data and consulting firm also noted that GM's PHEV portfolio could span from the Equinox to the Silverado, but the automaker has been cautious about pulling the trigger due to shifting customer preferences. At one point in the U.S. market, the EV transition seemed inevitable, helping explain why GM built such an extensive EV lineup. But EV sales have fallen sharply since the $7,500 federal tax credit expired last year, prompting automakers to rethink their strategies.For the uninitiated, PHEVs pair a combustion engine with electric motors and a battery that can be recharged by plugging in. So even if the 70-mile electric-only range is used up, drivers can continue using gasoline. Most PHEVs rely primarily on AC charging, with models like the Range Rover PHEV and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV being exceptions, as they also support DC fast charging.Because PHEVs serve as a bridge between combustion cars and full EVs, GM confirmed back in January 2024 that it would bring them back to North America. A few months later, CEO Mary Barra said the first models were expected in 2027. All-electric models like the Chevrolet Silverado EV, Cadillac Lyriq, and GMC Hummer EV arrived first, leaving GM with a noticeable gap as hybrid demand grew.ChevroletThe Silverado Has CompanyIf Chevrolet does launch a Silverado PHEV by 2028, the automaker will join its direct rivals in offering electrified full-size trucks. Ford offers the F-150 PowerBoost, which pairs a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 with an electric motor to produce 430 horsepower, while Ram offers the mild-hybrid eTorque system. The latter is also preparing the 1500 REV, a range-extended EV that uses similar hardware to a PHEV, except its combustion engine serves only as a generator rather than directly driving the wheels.For now, high fuel prices stemming partly from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East are encouraging car buyers to opt for smaller, more efficient vehicles like hybrids and sedans – segments where GM has largely been absent.Chevrolet
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