Cadillac has confirmed that before making its foray into all-electric vehicle technology, it will outfit most of its models with plug-in hybrid powertrains, says Auto News.
Cadillac’s first plug-in hybrid model has already been revealed in the form of an ultra-efficient variant of the luxurious CT6. It is expected to reach the local market late next year and will lead the way for future hybrid models from Cadillac. It utilises a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to two electric motors as well as a lithium ion battery pack.
It remains to be seen if Cadillac intends to offer this powertrain unchanged across its model range or if it will instead create bespoke hybrids for each of its models. Either way, it will help significantly reduce the company’s collective emissions and allow it to avoid producing an EV until it is absolutely ready.
The key reason why Cadillac wants to roll out hybrids before EVs is that, unlike some of its European rivals, it doesn’t need an electric model to help reduce the average emissions across all its cars. Why? Because Cadillac still operates under General Motors which has a selection of very fuel-efficient models on the market, including the Chevrolet Volt.
The marque’s boss Johan de Nysschen did say that an EV is in Cadillac’s future: “Once we’ve covered all the bases then we’ll turn our eye to doing a full EV. It’s definitely not something I exclude.”
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