Quote:
Originally Posted by KMPrenger
I can't believe GM doesn't have a small to midsize full EV or hybrid (Volt-like) CUV already roaming the streets. With the CUV boom right now, this is the vehicle that makes the most sense. Take the Volt, make a CUV out of it that actually looks nice = winner!
The 2018 GMC Terrain we own is on the delta platform that also underpins the Cruze (at least I'm fairly certain about that...). We are very pleased with our Terrain and its mileage so far, but a Volt like version would have been awesome to have also.
|
I think they pretend that the Bolt is a crossover, and from a legal perspective I believe it is (something about a flat cargo floor or something, I think). But yeah, you'd think there would be more hybrid & EV crossovers out there given the general demand for the CUVs right now. Its not just GM either, but pretty much everyone.
Maybe the OEMs thought it would be piling on too much risk at once, 4 years ago when these decisions were being made there was still uncertainty as to how popular crossovers would be. So to dump a lot of money into a crossover, then a lot more into a powertrain other than a standard gasoline engine might have been a non-starter.
Or it could simply be an engineering issue. With the big boxes typically being heavier and less aerodynamic, you get less efficiency out of a hybrid and less range from an EV (or you need more batteries which adds extra cost).