GM plans to reintroduce plug-in hybrids in North America.

Returning to plug-in hybrids: GM adjusts its strategy in response to lower-than-expected demand for fully electric vehicles.

Mary Barra, CEO of GM, announces that plug-in hybrids will help the company meet stricter future emission standards.

Commitment to electrification: GM focuses on fully electric vehicles while integrating plug-in hybrids to meet environmental standards.

General Motors is making a strategic change by bringing back plug-in hybrids in North America. This decision comes in response to lower-than-expected demand for fully electric vehicles. GM CEO Mary Barra announced that plug-in hybrids will play a crucial role in the company’s response to increasingly strict future emission standards.

Barra emphasized that while GM is focusing on expanding its range of electric vehicles (EVs) by 2024, plug-in hybrids will contribute to achieving these environmental goals. However, she did not specify the targeted vehicle segments or launch dates.

GM plans to synchronize launches “to help us comply with stricter fuel economy and exhaust emission standards that are proposed.” Barra assured that the program would be implemented cost-effectively, as the technology is already in production in other markets.

While GM works on electrifying its light-duty lineup with its Ultium architecture, the company aims to produce 1 million EVs per year in North America by 2025. However, unlike other automakers who are adding plug-in hybrid and conventional hybrid models to reduce carbon emissions, GM is focusing on EVs in North America.

Barra highlighted that EV launches such as the Chevrolet Equinox EV and a retail-oriented version of the Silverado EV will be GM’s priority this year. However, she added that plug-in hybrids will be introduced “when we need them from a compliance standpoint.”

GM had sold the Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid from 2010 until the end of production in 2019 to reconfigure an assembly plant in Detroit for EVs. The company also marketed a plug-in hybrid Cadillac called the ELR during the 2014 and 2016 model years. Although the Volt was one of the first plug-in hybrids on the market, its sales did not meet GM’s expectations.

With information from Automotive News.