Chevy Silverado & GMC Sierra: Hybrid Comeback on the Horizon?
by AutoExpert | 22 February, 2024
Hold up! Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra might be going hybrid after all. Okay, so remember when GM basically swore off hybrids? Like, they were all about pushing those electric trucks, right? Well, plot twist! Rumor has it, they're backtracking and plug-in hybrid versions of the Silverado and Sierra could be on the way. Trying to keep up with these guys is giving me whiplash!
So, What's With the Flip-flop?
GM was super gung-ho about skipping hybrids and hopping straight to electric, but here's the thing: EV sales aren't exactly setting the world on fire right now. Meanwhile, hybrid trucks could be that sweet spot for all the folks who still get freaked out about running out of battery on a long haul. Plus, word on the street is some important dealers are leaning hard on GM for more options... and ya know, money makes the world go round.
Hybrids: The Good, The Bad, The Ehh
Honestly, range anxiety with electric trucks is no joke, especially when you're using them for actual work. Hybrids could be the answer – get some of those electric goodies, but with a gas backup just in case. Is it perfect? Not really. But is it a smart move for GM? We'll see.
GM's Got Some Explaining to Do
Here's where it gets weird – apparently, they're in a mad rush to make these hybrids happen! They even ditched plans to replace those ancient Express and Savana vans with electric versions. And, get THIS, they supposedly had some smaller electric truck ideas like the Ford Maverick in the works, but those seem to be toast. What the heck is going on over there?
Flashback: Remember Those Old Hybrids?
Remember those clunky old Silverado and Sierra hybrids? Those were wild – gas engine plus electric motors, even that sci-fi regenerative braking thing. These new versions would be plug-ins, so you could top up the battery like a proper EV... kinda makes the old ones seem a bit pointless now, huh?
Okay, Your Turn – What's the Verdict?
So, hybrids: Stepping stone to full electric, or a lame compromise? Should GM stick to their all-electric guns, or is this a smart business move?