After CEO Mary Barra vows to make the transition to electric cars more flexible, future Chevrolet hybrids will come from China
A new wave of hybrids is expected to appear in GM’s brand portfolio by 2027. This is the result of global CEO Mary Barra’s decision to make the transition to pure electric cars more flexible. Until recently, General Motors claimed that hybrids were not a technological challenge, but the market spoke louder.
But what will genetically modified hybrids look like and where will they come from? In Brazil, Chevrolet has no hybrid models. In the United States, there is only the Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray. Its only plug-in hybrids are sold in China – and that is where the new wave of cars from Chevrolet and other GM brands (such as Cadillac and Buick) will come from.
Mary Barra said that GM will introduce hybrids into its portfolio, but only in key segments. What’s more, it will not abandon the idea of producing only electric cars worldwide from 2035 onwards.
In Brazil, GM’s upcoming launches are two electric Chevrolets, the Equinox EV and the Blazer EV (August 1). The Equinox PHEV (plug-in hybrid) will also be offered in the United States, and it is possible (but not confirmed) that it will also arrive in the Brazilian market. For Brazil, the most likely arrival is the micro-hybrid system of the Chevrolet Monza, produced in China.
It’s unclear whether GM will import the Chinese Monza or use its technology to power the Onix line, which includes the Tracker, Montana and Onix Plus (a sedan very similar in size to the Monza). Another car planned for the United States is the Buick Velite 6 PHEV
No recoil on electric vehicles
According to the American site Motor Trend, GM will not back down on electric vehicles (EVs). GM’s electric sales grew 43% in the second quarter of this year, outpacing the industry’s 11% growth rate – and the automaker is growing in the EV segment even with less incentives from the U.S. government.
See Motor Trend’s report below:
- “The new 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV, which retails for less than $30,000 with tax credits, is now in production; the first 1,000 units were delivered at the end of the quarter.”
- “In the coming months, GMC will launch the 2024 Sierra EV, and Cadillac will add the 2025 Optiq, Escalade IQ, and deliver production models of the hand-built Celestiq flagship sedan.”
- “Next year it will arrive with the 2026 Cadillac Vistiq three-row electric SUV. The next-generation Chevrolet Bolt EV, due next year, represents a growth opportunity given the dearth of affordable electric vehicles on the market.”
- “And Buick’s first electric vehicle is coming, too, due in 2024. GM is also finalizing details with Tesla to use its chargers.”
Despite a certain alarmist tone from the Brazilian media, the fact is that GM is only adjusting its spending on electric vehicles to the growth of the sector, which is slower than expected two, three or four years ago.
One of those adjustments concerns the Ultium Cells joint venture, which deals with battery supplies. The opening of the Orion plant, for large electric pickups, has been pushed back to mid-2026 — a delay of six months (which isn’t much).
According to Motor Trend, GM plans to produce between 200,000 and 250,000 electric cars this year. To cover costs, 200,000 is already enough. However, if that volume doesn’t materialize, the company will have the flexibility to produce more combustion-engine vehicles.
GM still plans to produce 200,000-250,000 electric vehicles this year, with 200,000 being the break-even point to cover production costs. If that volume doesn’t materialize, the company will have the flexibility to produce more vehicles with internal combustion engines.
Source: Terra
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
