A few notes before delving into the rumors. First of all, yes, there is a Silverado EV, and it's an Ultium-based truck on a dedicated platform. This rumor refers to the internal-combustion Silverado and Sierra, with their legacy ladder-frame arrangements. Secondly, this is not GM's first full-size hybrid rodeo. The mild hybrid setup on first-generation trucks was mild indeed, but thelater Two-Mode Hybrid powertrain was more efficient (and, infamously, quite unpopular).

2008 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid Crew Cab 14

Lastly, GM has been relatively aggressive about introducing downsized engine options for the full-size line, including the 2.7-liter turbo I-4 that takes the place in the lineup as a base engine, much like naturally aspirated V-6 engines did in previous generations.

According to Autoweek, the PHEV truck push is a "crash program" intended to help ameliorate some of the drawbacks of EV trucks: severely reduced range when hauling or towing. A PHEV has far less significant limitations, utilizing its gas engine and gasoline's naturally superior energy density to help out when the battery is depleted. Theoretically, a regularly recharged PHEV GM truck would offer the best of both worlds.

029 2024 Chevy Silverado ZR2 1500 Diesel off road action

The report is light on other details. Our own intel suggests that despite being a crash program, GM wouldn't have either truck ready for sale this year. Expect 2025, probably as a 2026 model, at the earliest. But our sources and analysis put the notion of a PHEV Silverado and Sierra firmly in the "plausible, even likely" category. Alleviating the emissions impact of its traditionally heavy, thirsty, and large-emitting full-size trucks would appeal to a company whose EV plans seem to have been pushed back a bit.

But any delay wouldn't reflect any issues with hybridizing trucks in general. We don't expect any GM PHEVs this year. That said, we're eager to get more details about any potential PHEV pickups, and will be curious to see if it alters arch-rival Ford's electrified truck calculus. After all, the Ford F-150 PowerBoost and Maverick Hybrid are both regular parallel hybrids, delivering great economy but essentially nonexistent EV-only range.