Genesis Bets On Hybrids And Range Extender EVs

• Geneis describes its broader approach to electrifying its lineup, which will include non-plug-in hybrids and range extenders alongside full EVs.
• Its next-gen EVs will be built on a new rear-biased platform that promises to prioritize driving fun, especially in the Magma versions.
• The GV60 Magma will be the first in the manufacturer’s new line of high-performance vehicles.

Hyundai’s luxury brand Genesis has changed course on its pledge to go fully electric within the next 10 years. The good news for fans of electrification is that instead pivoted to a dual strategy that also involves hybrids.

In fact, the automaker said its next-generation hybrids will not only bring efficiency and performance gains compared to today’s models, but they will also borrow features that until now have mostly been reserved for pure electric vehicles.

Last year, the global head of Genesis, Mike Song, said buyers clearly wanted hybrids more than pure EVs, and the company was already working on new electrified models to meet this need. Now the company is already testing prototypes for its future hybrid lineup, which also includes extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs).

According to Manfred Harrer, a lead engineer responsible for powertrains, performance will be a key concern guiding the creation of Genesis’ next-gen electrified vehicles. Harrer said, “With my roots in vehicle dynamics and performance, my latest mission to marry Genesis’ premium luxury approach with a performance approach is incredibly exciting.”

Genesis GV60 Magma Concept

Photo by: Genesis

We don’t know much about the brand’s upcoming EREVs, but Harrer did share some notes after getting some seat time in a prototype.

He added that “The beauty of EREVs lies in combining EV driving characteristics—instant high torque and serene cabin space—with a longer range. But there’s more to EREVs than range. There’s also the ample power for towing capacity—the energy to tow something like a horse trailer—which remains an unsolved issue with EVs.”

Genesis’ new EREVs will be smaller-battery versions of the manufacturer’s future EVs, which will also get a combustion-powered generator to alleviate range and charging anxiety. They will all be built on a new platform (likely shared with Hyundai and Kia), and we are assured that they will be fun to drive.

Photo by: Hyundai

All vehicles built on the new platform will have a rear-wheel-drive bias, and this will positively impact the way they drive, assures Harrer, who goes on to explain that “We can’t do much about the weight of the underfloor batteries in EVs.” However, “different types of tires could be used at the front and rear to enhance the grip level. Another way would be balancing the drivelines.”

Hyundai recently revealed some of the specifics of its new hybrid system, which will likely find its way into Genesis models too. One innovation it introduced is having both the integrated starter-generator and the hybrid traction motor in the gearbox. This is being done to improve smoothness and reduce noise and vibration in a transmission that is rated to take up to 340 horsepower.

Two combustion engines will be used to power the hybrid system. The first is a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, which, in conjunction with the electric motor, produces 329 hp and 339 pound-feet (460 Nm) of torque in the 2026 Palisade. Hyundai notes that with the hybrid system, fuel efficiency is improved by up to 45% and power goes up 19% compared to the non-hybrid model with the same engine.

For midsize models, Hyundai will use a smaller 1.6-liter turbo four giving a slightly lower torque output of up to 280 lb-ft (380 Nm). This is already powering the 2025 Santa Fe, but it should become a lot more common in the next few years.

2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid

Photo by: Suvrat Kothari

The Palisade is the first Hyundai hybrid with vehicle-to-load (V2L) bidirectional charging. This allows it to charge external appliances from its 1.65-kilowatt-hour battery. V2L will be a feature of all future Hyundai (and Genesis) hybrids, so it won’t just be reserved for the brand’s EVs.

Manfred Harrer also discussed the 600+ hp Genesis GV60 Magma, the menacing hot version expected to debut later this year. It will become the first Genesis to bear the Magma designation, which will be used for all of the manufacturer’s top performance offerings. Exciting prospects are just over the horizon for Genesis and Hyundai, and the company says you’ll be happy no matter which powertrain you choose.