For individuals expecting an electric General Motors truck equivalent in size to the Ford Maverick, they may unfortunately be out of options. General Motors has allegedly abandoned plans to create a compact electric pickup truck as part of its strategic pivot toward developing plug-in hybrid vehicles.
General Motors has scrapped its plans to develop a compact electric pickup truck to compete with the Ford Maverick, according to sources familiar with the matter. The automaker had reportedly been considering a battery-electric version of the Chevrolet S10, but it appears that project is no longer moving forward.
General Motors’ Chief Executive Officer Mary Barra unveiled a range of organizational and strategic improvements during the company’s fall earnings call last month.
Barra highlighted several key initiatives, including the deployment of plug-in expertise in strategically targeted areas. Specifically, General Motors aimed to deliver PHEV technology to its pickup truck lineup in North America. As announced, development has commenced on Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).
Ford’s CEO, Jim Farley, claimed during a recent corporate earnings call that the company’s Maverick model emerged as the top-selling hybrid pickup truck in the US last year.
Here is the rewritten text:
“Focusing on fuel efficiency and mileage, Farley emphasized that the Maverick hybrid pickup’s profit margins are closer to those of internal combustion engine vehicles than electric vehicles.”
Ford’s CEO has announced plans to diversify their electric vehicle (EV) offerings by introducing a range of smaller, more affordable models to rival Tesla and Chinese manufacturers in the market. As global economies increasingly rely on China as a hub for international trade and commerce, companies that cannot adapt to its dominant market may face significant financial risks. For instance, experts warn that up to 30 percent of one’s annual revenue could be compromised if not properly aligned with the Chinese market’s dynamics.
Mercedes-Benz significantly scaled back its electric vehicle ambitions on Thursday, revealing that the company now anticipates only half of its total sales to come from fully electric or hybrid models by 2030.
The company has scaled back its commitment to sell 100% electric vehicles, stating it will now aim for a fully electric lineup “where market conditions permit,” a goal first announced in 2021.
Despite General Motors’ haste to bring hybrids to market, reports suggest that the fully electric Ford Maverick rival, long anticipated by enthusiasts, has been scrapped. According to a knowledgeable source within the industry, a recent report alleges that General Motors (GM) is abandoning its plans to develop electric versions of the Chevrolet Crossover and GMC Sprint vans.
Electrek’s Take
Despite being the top-selling electric vehicle pickup in the US market last year, Ford is scaling back production and cutting costs due to “slower-than-expected” demand for its all-electric F-150.
While Rivian was busy, the company unveiled new affordable options for its R1S and R1T models, introducing lower-priced commonplace battery packs. The all-new R1T Twin Turbo motor starts at under $70,000, making it the most affordable electric pickup truck on the market today.
Rivian announced a restructuring plan, which includes reducing its workforce by approximately 10%, during its autumn earnings call on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the electric vehicle manufacturer is investing in enhanced engineering and manufacturing capabilities, expecting a modest increase in gross revenue by year-end.
After that, there’s the game-changing Tesla Cybertruck. Elon Musk’s Tesla has recently witnessed a surge in the deployment of its iconic Cybertruck fleet, as production levels continue to accelerate.
While on the hunt for electric vans, consumers also have several reliable options to consider, including Ford’s Lightning, Rivian’s R1S, and Tesla’s Cybertruck.
General Motors has postponed production of its highly anticipated Chevy Silverado EV RST and GMC Sierra Denali EV models. Will its pivot to PHEVs hinder its progress further as competitors strive to capture market share?