Earlier this month, Cadillac Society reported that Cadillac backtracked on its ambitious plan to go all-electric by 2030. Introducing plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), which bridge the gap between battery electric and gasoline-powered vehicles, might seem like a good middle ground between internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and EVs, but the luxury marque has no intention of selling PHEVs – at least not yet.
According to a report from Newsweek, Cadillac stated that it will offer ICE vehicles and EVs side by side as it transitions to an all-electric lineup in the future, leaving PHEVs out of the equation. That said, internal data collected by Cadillac suggests that 60 percent of luxury buyers are considering a battery electric vehicle (BEV) as their next ride, and Caddy isn’t short on EVs to answer this demand, including the Escalade IQ, Lyriq, Celestiq, Optiq and Vistiq.
Even so, some buyers are resistant to the idea of purchasing a BEV, hence the luxury marque’s decision to continue offering ICE vehicles. While PHEVs aren’t in the cards right now, Stephanie Obendorfer, Cadillac communications senior manager, says the luxury marque hasn’t written the idea off entirely and is keeping a thumb on the pulse of market trends.
“While Cadillac will offer an all-EV portfolio by 2030, we will let customer behaviors determine the rate we go exclusively EV. Our fresh ICE and EV portfolio and flexible manufacturing put us in a good position to transition at the rate of the market,” Obendorfer stated.
Doing so allows customers the “luxury of choice” when it comes to purchasing either an EV or ICE-powered vehicle, according to John Roth, Global Vice President of Cadillac. While full electrification may be more appealing to a younger buyer demographic, the luxury marque doesn’t want to risk alienating its older customer base, which may be reluctant to purchase an EV.
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David Kersey
BIG mistake. PHEVs are perfect for someone who is not ready to 100% commit to an EV. I’m a LONG time Cadillac loyalist who I suppose will have to remain an ICE driver.
Tim Jackson
I think it’s a missed opportunity. Since PHEVs are technically the most complex to produce, I’d think Cadillac is the perfect marquee for that. Again, they make a CT6 PHEV and I’m onboard. Big, powerful, and flexible.
Joe Hall
I am older, I would prefer a PHEV or ICE over an EV for my next Cadillac or other car that would then likely he a hybrid.
Steven Ciccariello
I’m one of those seniors who does not want an electric vehicle or plug-in. I’m glad Cadillac is letting the market determine their direction. Will Cadillac now consider selling the “refreshed XT5” that China is getting with the 33 inch infotainment screen, upgraded interior and exterior?
GM Owner
I am 73 years old, have driven cars since 1967, I presently drive a domestic hybrid sedan, but I consider going go a gasoline station worse than just plugging in at home and charge overnight. My home has a photovoltaic energy storage sysyrm, so I charge for free. No one can get fuel for free fron the heavens! Cadillac should go for all electric. Gasoline is obsolete and pousonous.
JE
I owe an Opel Ampera/Chevy Volt and it´s technology (EREV) is the best PHEV technology on the market. I really don´t see why GM doesn´t produce another EREV car. Nobody on the market has a PHEV with a technology as good as that one.Sometimes I don´t know what have the directors of GM instead of a brain.
Jim
I am so glad to hear the ICE vehicles will still be produced, at least for a little while longer. The latest science (as science is never “settled” but evolving) legitimately questions the true cause of global warming, the effectiveness of the current efforts, and whether or not the cost of the current efforts is worth the money that could likely be much better spent elsewhere to improve the planet and all of its inhabitants. I know that many if not most, do not want their current global climate change, almost religious-like views questioned by anyone, even the most knowledgable climate scientist on the planet, and will try to denigrate anyone bold enough to look at ALL the science with an open mind continually but again thats not how science works. Not to mention once governments get their non-science hands on anything they can find a way to make it benefit them, they are unlikely to change course (as science often does) and it’s just sad really. So sorry but not sorry. Flame away…