The automotive market’s projections for the take rate of EVs are not as anticipated. Sales are on the rise, but they aren’t what manufacturers predicted, so they are pivoting. For Ford, that meant removing a shift for the Ford F-150 Lightning production and moving workers to assist with the production of the Ford Bronco and Ranger. For General Motors, that involves bringing PHEVs to North America, something CEO Mary Barra recently discussed. That means there will be plug-in hybrid offerings for the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra.
Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra PHEV: Details
According to AutoWeek, in the same report that cites that GM canceled its small electric truck program, General Motors has begun a crash program to get plug-in hybrid (PHEV) versions of its Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra to market. We’re surprised GM didn’t consider this sooner, considering that PHEVs are an excellent segway for consumers to get a taste of what electrification is like and the benefits of it before fully committing to an electric vehicle. Not to mention the range. Ford already touts hybrid pickups with the F-150 and Maverick, and even Toyota has hybrid offerings for the Tundra and Tacoma. Even Ram is coming out with the Ramcharger, which will be a plug-in hybrid alternative to the all-electric REV. It’s a great middle ground, and that’s why they work so well.
Adding to the increase in fuel economy, which isn’t exactly something most truck drivers are concerned about, electrification will give the Chevrolet Silverado hybrid and GMC Sierra hybrid some added power, most notably added torque, which is always fun to play around with, though incredibly useful when towing or off-roading. It’ll also be interesting to see how far these PHEV trucks can go on a single gas tank and charge.
Whatever your view on electrification, we’re certainly happy that GM is looking to bring PHEV options to the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra instead of simply cutting out the middle truck and pushing consumers towards purchasing an electric truck. That still may be the case, but a smoother transition into something too few want is better than nothing.
