Several companies, such as Ford and Jeep, are pivoting to launching more hybrids until EVs are more viable for every market segment. Now Hyundai’s luxury division Genesis has made similar statements, revealing plans to introduce its first hybrid model “as soon as possible”
TopGear spoke with the global head of Genesis, Mike Song, at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Genesis had previously aimed to begin exclusively releasing EVs from 2025 onwards, but tastes have adapted as expected. Customers, Song said, appear to currently be more interested in hybrids than in fully electric vehicles.
While Song didn’t provide specifics on which models will benefit from hybrid powertrains, he did confirm that Genesis “will apply it to as many models as possible.”
“Electrification is still our vision,” Song reiterated. Genesis launched its first EV, the GV60, for the 2023 model year, with the stylish compact crossover riding on the same platform as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6. Genesis quickly followed it up with electric versions of its G80 sedan and GV70 SUV. The Neolun concept unveiled earlier this year previews an even larger SUV, expected to be called the GV90. While the GV90 was expected to be an EV, there is a chance it could arrive with hybrid powertrains as well.
