2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV RST is pictured at the New York International Auto Show, in Manhattan, New York City, U.S., April 13, 2022. REUTERS
DETROIT, April 21 (Reuters) – General Motors is indefinitely delaying its next-generation full-size electric truck program, including the GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado, which was set to start in 2028, Crain’s Detroit Business reported on Tuesday, citing sources.
GM was planning for lower-cost new electric versions of the Sierra, Silverado, Escalade IQ and Hummer SUV and pickup, but suppliers were recently told the program has been halted and no new timetable has been issued, according to the business publication.
GM makes the electric trucks out of Factory Zero in Detroit, where the automaker recently laid off workers for about a month in response to slowing EV sales.
Crain’s reported that GM is expected to bring plug-in hybrid versions of the Silverado and Sierra to another Michigan plant where it will make gasoline-powered trucks. The automaker does not offer any hybrid vehicles in the U.S. but has previously said it would bring the powertrain technology to the market.
GM is also engaging with suppliers about developing a so-called extended-range EV propulsion system, Crain’s reported. Some automakers are offering that technology, which deploys a small combustion engine as a generator to recharge the battery, to persuade more customers to try an electric vehicle.
A GM spokesman said the automaker has “not disclosed any potential plans or timing for any next-generation battery electric trucks and we’re not going to engage in speculation.”
Reporting by Kalea Hall in Detroit; Editing by Matthew Lewis
