Genesis is highlighting its intention to introduce hybrids, which are currently absent from its product lineup, while retracting its previous commitment to cease selling traditional internal-combustion vehicles. Mike Song, the global head of Genesis, confirmed during a panel interview last week that the brand will keep offering ICE powertrains as long as there is demand. Song said that the company plans to release both hybrid cars and EVs with longer ranges. At the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July, Mike Song, the global president of Genesis, told Top Gear that the company plans to make hybrid cars “as soon as possible.” During a press meeting last week, Song pushed the idea even more while taking back earlier EV promises. Genesis had planned to start selling only electric cars (EVs) in 2025, but those plans have been pushed back because of slow acceptance. “We will continue to offer ICE, hybrid, and extended-range EVs as long as customers want them,” Song said. “We won’t decide our product plans; our customers will decide.” There are no hybrid cars available from Genesis right now; only three electric types. The chief operating officer of Genesis Motor North America, Claudia Márquez, wouldn’t say when the next hybrid cars would be added to the range. Our Customers Will Choose Hyundai, which is the parent business of Genesis, now offers hybrid drivetrains on cars like the Sonata, Elantra, Santa Fe, and Tucson. By adding range extenders like the ones on the Ram 1500 Ramcharger, the brand would be moving in a totally new direction. In range extenders, which are also called series hybrids, the engine never directly drives the wheels, which is what makes them different from other hybrid systems. It works as a generator instead of powering the electric motor or motors. There won’t be a hybrid version of every Genesis model, but most of the models with internal combustion engines are expected to get one. The company will have little choice but to go with an SUV like the GV70, which now comes with both electric and gas engines. The future could be clearer for smaller cars like the G70 hatchback.
