Hyundai Motor Company is reportedly nearing completion of its rear-wheel-drive hybrid system development and entering the commercialization phase. Genesis, which previously had no hybrid models, is expected to incorporate this rear-wheel-drive hybrid system due to the slowdown in the electric vehicle market.

Hyundai is reportedly in discussions with suppliers to produce key components for the rear-wheel-drive hybrid system. The Namyang Research Institute of Hyundai has been leading the development of this system since the end of last year. Hyundai Transys is expected to manufacture the rear-wheel-drive hybrid transmission.

Industry experts anticipate that Genesis models will be the first to feature the rear-wheel-drive hybrid system. Currently, Genesis has no hybrid models in its lineup, which consists primarily of rear-wheel-drive internal combustion engine vehicles.

While the release date for Genesis hybrids remains undetermined, their introduction would contradict the company's previously announced plan to launch only electric or hydrogen fuel cell vehicles for new models starting next year. Hyundai had stated in its "Futuring Genesis" presentation that it would cease introducing new internal combustion engine models from 2025.

Separately, Hyundai plans to implement a new hybrid system in its large SUV, the Palisade. The new Palisade hybrid, set to be unveiled at the end of this year, will combine a 2.5L turbocharged gasoline hybrid engine with a 6-speed automatic transmission. This setup is expected to significantly improve performance compared to the existing 1.6L hybrid engine.

Production of test vehicles is set to begin at the end of this month, with quality assurance processes for mass production already underway. Hyundai applied the body-integrated hybrid battery design to the new Santa Fe last year. The company has also resumed engine development, which had been temporarily halted, and is pursuing the development of extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs).

Genesis currently offers a lineup of sedans including the G70, G80, and G90, as well as SUVs such as the GV60, GV70, and GV80. Among these, the G80 and GV70 are electric vehicles that use batteries integrated into conventional internal combustion engine vehicles. The GV60 is the only model based on the dedicated electric vehicle platform E-GMP.

Hybrid models, which will combine internal combustion engines with electric motors, are expected to be added to this lineup. The Genesis models rumored to receive hybrid powertrains include the GV70, GV80, and G80.

The GV80 hybrid and G80 hybrid are reportedly scheduled for mid-2026, while the GV70 hybrid is expected to launch in the domestic market in the latter half of the same year.

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