Cadillac Embracing Plug-In Hybrids Over EVs
Cadillac’s future product plans include plug-in hybrid versions of nearly all of its vehicles.
This is to make sure that the brand can comply with new tightening emissions regulations, especially in China. “For us, the avenue to ensure that we are able to play in China is going to be through plug-in hybrids,” said Cadillac boss Johan de Nysschen.
De Nysschen also believes that, for now, plug-in hybrids are a smarter move than going fully electric. “We think that those cars anyway offer the advantage that they effectively can be a full EV, but they are not subjected to the constraints of a still-immature charging infrastructure,” he said.
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Unlike other brands, such as Mercedes-Benz and BMW, Cadillac can meet its requirements without having to go fully electric, as the American luxury brand falls under the General Motors fuel economy umbrella.
Though EVs are not in Cadillac’s immediate future, eventually the brand will look into selling a fully electric model.
The ELR was the first plug-in hybrid to be offered by the brand, while the new CT6 is the first all-new Cadillac to pack a plug-in powertrain. On board the CT6 is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to two electric motors and an 18.4 kWh lithium ion battery. This should allow the CT6 to travel about 30 miles on electricity alone.
[Source: Automotive News]
Stephen covers all of the day-to-day events of the industry as the News Editor at AutoGuide, along with being the AG truck expert. His truck knowledge comes from working long days on the woodlot with pickups and driving straight trucks professionally. When not at his desk, Steve can be found playing his bass or riding his snowmobile or Sea-Doo. Find Stephen on <A title="@Selmer07 on Twitter" href="http://www.twitter.com/selmer07">Twitter</A> and <A title="Stephen on Google+" href="http://plus.google.com/117833131531784822251?rel=author">Google+</A>
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I think it is a good strategy by Cadillac and them using regular production models instead of stand alone models like the ELR. The ELR would been O.K, if it came with a regular gas engine and had a sedan version of this as well.