- Dedicated investment ensures that Genesis remains unique in the technological revolution
- Genesis SUVs will go hybrid first
- Extended plug-in EV models arrive in 2027
In recent months Hyundai has increased its hybrid goals for the next few years, and its luxury Genesis model will be an important part of them.
The company confirmed in August that Genesis would add it integrated versions of all future models around the world, except for dedicated EVs like the GV60. That followed the decision that the brand would postpone the introduction of EVs only after 2025.
Across the Hyundai and Genesis brands, the automaker increased its hybrid goal during that period, too, aiming to accelerate to 690,000 hybrid sales in North America in 2028, up from 170,000 in 2024. 40% higher hybrid target for 2028 than it had previously set, so it's a deep refocus on how it envisions its assembly over the next few years—along with a mix of changes to its Georgia EV Metaplant.
As for the hybrids, while implementation may vary on a model-by-model basis, it means “obviously adding them to the meat of the portfolio, which is our SUVs,” according to Ash Corson, who leads Genesis' North American product planning. , in a small roundtable interview with Green Car Reports at the Los Angeles Auto Show last week.
“The American market here is the largest market going forward for Genesis in many respects,” Corson said. Therefore, the executive stressed, the hybrids it sells will be a good fit for the brand and the market.
2026 Genesis Electrified GV70
After the start Genesis hybrid SUV modelsto be revealed in 2025, it will come extended range hybrid plug-ins. Using a small battery, with a gasoline engine acting as a generator, this technology may serve as a sweet spot with a market that is not entirely ready to buy EVs only, and American regulators.
The president and CEO of Hyundai Motor, Jaehoon Chang, at the CEO of Hyundai Investor Day, in August, when this technology was introduced, called it “an important step,” and pointed out that they will be considered “.i the same as EVs by North American environmental standards”—thus allowing the company more flexibility. The system, which sounds similar to the one coming soon to the 2025 Ram 1500 Ramcharger pickup, also offers better price competition compared to EVs in the same class, according to Hyundai, because it reduces the price of the most expensive part, the battery pack.
Meanwhile, Chang also said that a so-called EREV system under development will be able to deliver all-wheel drive with two engines—something rival automakers have yet to achieve in such a system.
The Hyundai Motor Group EREV program has been confirmed at Hyundai and Genesis
Hyundai also promises an “EV-like driving experience,” and a combined range of up to 559 miles (900 km) for the electric powertrain, when running between a full charge and a full tank of gas. And it suggested that the system was designed to allow charging and refueling simultaneously.
Mass production of that EREV system in North America could begin as late as 2026 and reach the market in 2027, with application to the “D-Class SUV” models first—reportedly, the Hyundai Santa Fe and Genesis GV70, which are targeted for sales of about -80,000. units. The 2026 Genesis Electrified GV70 was recently unveiled at the show, with mid-cycle updates including a larger battery, more range, and a NACS charging port, making it an integral part of the next-generation model.
Corson, who didn't confirm exactly which model the system will work on, noted that for a family that has a garage charger but is on the go and has liquid systems, it could be a great option.
2026 Genesis Electrified GV70
Corson pointed to the “modularity in platform and powertrain level” that will help power these future models, and assured GCR that these hybrid Genesis hybrids will remain distinct from Hyundai hybrids and extended-range plug-ins.
The new CEO of Hyundai Motor Company, José Muñoz, has been the head of Genesis in the US, so he “knows what we need,” according to Corson.
“My team is the epitome of investment dedicated to Genesis' services,” added Corson, who noted that there are many investments from the company that help ensure that in all the different energy domains, Genesis and its passionate subsidiary Magma remain unique. Hyundai “in product, performance, and even stage” as they grow.