General Motors (GM) has repeatedly stated that electric pickups represent the next major trend in the US market. However, this trend appears to be off course, as reports indicate GM has indefinitely suspended the development of its next-generation large electric pickup models.

According to a report by Crain’s Detroit, GM had been developing upgraded, lower-cost successor versions for the Chevrolet Silverado EV, GMC Sierra EV, Cadillac Escalade IQ, and GMC Hummer EV, with a production target previously set for 2028.

An electric hummer EV. Photo: GMC

Suppliers have reportedly been informed that the program has been halted, with no alternative timeline provided. Industry experts now do not expect GM’s new large electric pickup models to launch before 2030, and potentially much later.

This does not mean GM’s current electric pickup models are discontinued. The article states that current models will continue to be produced at the Factory Zero plant in Detroit-Hamtramck, which is operating below maximum capacity. Experts also suggest that the Escalade IQ is sufficiently important to Cadillac’s plans to warrant continued production. However, this shift indicates GM's desire to allocate more time and resources to research and development for products that customers are currently purchasing in greater numbers: gasoline-powered vehicles.

The company appears to be redirecting resources towards the upcoming T1-2 internal combustion engine (ICE) pickup platform, which is expected to power future large pickup and sport utility vehicle (SUV) models. The Orion Assembly plant, once exclusively designated for electric pickups and now thriving after transitioning to ICE production, is preparing for future gasoline-powered vehicles. GM is also adding a sixth production day at the Flint assembly plant to meet demand for its Silverado and Sierra heavy-duty gasoline pickup lines.

Sources from Crain’s Detroit also suggest that plug-in hybrid versions of the Silverado and Sierra are under consideration. Additionally, GM has discussed range-extended electric vehicle technology with suppliers, an idea that competitors are pursuing. Ram expects to launch a range-extended pickup truck first, while Ford has signaled similar plans after abandoning the refresh idea for its F-150 Lightning electric lineup.

These developments are not random. Electric vehicle tax credits have been reduced, emissions regulations have been relaxed, and demand for expensive electric pickups has not translated into a sales boom. Large battery capacities and price tags reaching hundreds of thousands of US dollars remain a barrier for many pickup truck buyers.

GM maintains its long-term objective of electric vehicles. For now, the most profitable vehicles for Detroit are pickups, and pickup buyers are not yet ready to abandon their reliance on gasoline.

My Anh