GM Bypasses Hybrids for EVs, Plug-Ins

General Motors Co. says it will focus its alternate powertrain development on electric and plug-in technologies rather than standard hybrid systems.

Global product development chief Mary Barra tells reporters the company decided over the past few months to "center on the plug."

Like other major carmakers, GM has been pursuing virtually all "green" technologies as it assesses regulatory shifts and consumer interest in the options. Now, Barra says, "We need to make educated bets" on long-term alternatives.

She acknowledges that conventional hybrid technology is "important." Barra also says GM will continue to expand applications of its eAssist mild hybrid system, in which a small electric motor and relatively small battery boost power briefly but cannot propel the vehicle alone.

The company's first plug-in, the Chevrolet Volt sedan, got off to a slow start last year. But January-October volume has tripled year over year to 19,300 cars.

Plug-in models such as the Volt will continue to gain popularity over the next several years, mainly because they offer much of the efficiency of an EV without range anxiety, according to Barra. She says the company expects its sales of vehicles with drivetrains that include some form of electrification to reach 500,000 per year by 2017.