Hyundai's Genesis rethinks BEV push; plans to launch first hybrid models in 2025 amid EV slowdown
Arvind · Feb 21, 2024 02:30 PM
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Hyundai is gearing up to introduce hybrid vehicles under its Genesis luxury brand next year, targeting consumers who are hesitant about making the full leap to full-electric vehicles, reports The Korea Economic Daily (KED).
This strategic move by the Hyundai Group, which also encompasses Kia, aligns with companies like Toyota, which has achieved significant success with its hybrid models amidst a cooling BEV market. This unexpected market shift has seen declining incomes for BEV-only stalwarts like Tesla, Polestar, and Nio.
In a bold step forward — or backward, depending on one's perspective — the Hyundai group initiated the development of hybrid engines and systems for the Genesis lineup towards the end of last year. The first of these could be a 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain, a step up from the 245 PS/367 Nm 1.6-liter turbo hybrid offered on the Kia Grand Carnival Hybrid in selected markets.
According to sources, the Genesis G80 sedan and the GV70 SUV will be among the first to receive the hybrid powertrain.
Genesis currently offers a range of models including the G70, G80, and G90 sedans, along with the GV60, GV70, and GV80 SUVs.
The Genesis GV60 is based on the same platform as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6
Of these, the G80 and GV70 are offered as BEVs based on existing combustion engine platforms, while the GV60 is built on Hyundai’s dedicated E-GMP BEV platform.
The cooling BEV market has prompted a strategic pivot towards incorporating hybrid technology, a move echoed by other global automakers like General Motors, Ford, Stellantis, and Volkswagen, who are also adjusting their BEV strategies.
Hyundai originally planned to transition all new Genesis models to full electric starting in 2025.
According to the same report, hybrid offerings will also extend to Kia models soon after, with updated models of the Palisade, Santa Fe, and Staria all slated to launch this year. A hybrid version of the Kia Seltos is also set to be unveiled this year.
Arvind can't remember a time when he didn't wheel around a HotWheels car. This love evolved into an interest in Tamiya and RC cars and finally the real deal 1:1 scale stuff. Passion finally lead to formal training in Mechanical Engineering. Instead of the bigger picture, he obsesses with the final drive ratio and spring rates of cars and spends the weekends wondering why a Perodua Myvi is so fast.
