- Genesis revised its plan for EVs, switching to hybrids for the immediate future
- A Genesis GV70 with an EREV powertrain is rumored to arrive in late 2026
- Production will reportedly take place at Hyundai’s US plant in Georgia
The world is no longer certain about an EV-only future, with most automakers revising their plans to go electric. In this context, Genesis is reportedly working on a hybrid version of the GV70 SUV, rumored to debut in 2026 in North America, with a range-extender powertrain.
Genesis initially planned to only launch EVs after 2025, but the rapidly changing market conditions forced the Korean brand to rethink its strategy. The first reports about Genesis’ hybrids surfaced in February, without getting into specifics. However, in March, Hyundai Motor president, Jang Jae-Hoon, hinted at a more sophisticated type of electrification: “We plan to respond to the market in a way that goes beyond hybrids, not just Genesis HEVs”.
More: Mercedes Axes Plans For Range-Extender EVs After EQS Test With 1.0-Liter 2-Cylinder
Citing insider sources, the Korean Car Blog reports that an EREV (electric range-extender vehicle) version of the Genesis GV70 is already under development, specifically for the North American market. According to the publication, the start of production is scheduled for December 2026, suggesting it will arrive as a 2027 model year.
If the reports are confirmed, the Genesis GV70 will be the first model within the Hyundai Group to use an EREV powertrain, and chances are it will be followed by more. The EREV technology, popularized by Chinese automakers, combines the benefits of electric propulsion without the dependency on the charging network. Electric motors are solely responsible for moving the wheels, with a small displacement combustion engine working as a power generator for the battery pack.
Genesis GV70
The Genesis GV70 is already available in ICE and BEV forms, which means that the platform can be easily adapted to suit an EREV powertrain option without the need for heavy investment. The GV70 was originally introduced in 2020 and received a mid-lifecycle update in 2024, meaning it will likely stick around for a few more years before a new generation arrives.
The new Genesis GV70 EREV will reportedly be produced at Hyundai’s US plant in Georgia. The company recently confirmed that the factory, which was originally intended for BEV production, is being prepared to manufacture hybrid models.