“I’m thinking of getting a compact SUV and I’m tempted by the plug-in hybrid engines. I’ve always had GM products and I’ve seen the Plus version of the Chevrolet Equinox on the web. Unfortunately, I don’t see it on the Chevrolet configurator. Why? » – Paul Desbiens
Answer
Due to the decline in the sales curve of electric vehicles, several car manufacturers have decided to take a step back in their offensive in the world of electric cars. As a result, many argue that hybridization and plug-in hybridization may be the way to go for a few more years.
On GM’s side, despite having one of the most diversified portfolios in terms of electric vehicles, they will also take a step back and redirect part of the investments towards hybrids. For GM, this avenue is logical, especially since it has the technology.
So, you might think that the new 2025 Chevrolet Equinox Plus with a plug-in hybrid is a natural fit for North America. After all, even though it’s built in China, GM already imports the Buick Envision for us, so this would just be one more step. However, based on GM’s statements, this Equinox PHEV isn’t what the automaker wants for us.
This refusal seems all the more strange since we already have the Equinox in this new configuration in 2025, the integration of the Plus model would only be logical. This is all the more true since, in terms of mechanics, the product seems interesting with its 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine coupled with an electric motor. In addition, even if the North American autonomy figures do not exist, we can imagine a relatively good autonomy due to the 24.4 kilowatt-hour battery, the largest in the segment.
GM responds rather tersely on the reasons for its refusal. GM’s global vice president maintains that it is simply not “suitable” without further justification. GM’s big boss goes in the same direction while remaining just as vague: “We have to do what makes sense for this market (North America). We have to be very careful in how we invest in volume in the portfolio (hybrid/plug-in hybrid).
Basically, GM seems to have a plan for some form of hybridization, but it doesn’t include, at least for now, the Plus version. GM had one of the best electric/plug-in hybrid technologies in the industry with the Volt’s powertrain. It will be easy for the automaker to reintroduce it, how and when that will happen remains to be seen. Obviously, the Toyota RAV4 Prime, Ford Escape PHEV, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, and Hyundai Tucson PHEV/Kia Sportage PHEV don’t have to feel threatened by GM.
