GM Ditches Plug-in Hybrids, Focuses on EVs; Equinox Plus Skips U.S. Market

General Motors recently launched the plug-in hybrid SUV, the Equinox PLUS, in China, but explicitly stated it has no plans to introduce the model to the U.S. market. CEO Mary Barra explained that GM remains committed to an all-electric strategy in the United States and is deliberately avoiding plug-in hybrid (PHEV) technology. She noted that most users rarely charge their PHEVs, effectively turning them into inefficient gasoline vehicles—where the added battery weight actually results in higher fuel consumption than conventional models. Data shows that the actual all-electric driving share of PHEVs falls far short of regulatory assumptions, with real-world fuel consumption 42% to 67% higher than EPA ratings. Stellantis has also discontinued plug-in hybrid models in the U.S. market. However, not all automakers are following this approach: Hyundai, Toyota, Volvo, Mazda, and others continue to offer plug-in hybrids, while Ford is shifting toward extended-range electric vehicles, using large batteries supplemented by gasoline-powered generators to extend driving range.