Cadillac Not Planning Second Generation ELR

If you’re one of the 69 Canadians who bought a Cadillac ELR in 2014 or 2015, then congratulations! You are now the owner of one of the rarest cars in the country, after it was confirmed last week that GM would not be giving the Caddy-that-plugs-in a second generation.

Cadillac brand President Johan de Nysschen told Automotive News that “we don’t plan further investment” in the stylish coupe.  The ELR, which de Nysschen referred to as “one of the most beautiful cars on four wheels”, was initially well received. But launching at an Escalade level price of $78,250, it was a hard sell. Cadillac later added features and performance, as well as cutting the price by $10,000 in the US, but sales failed to rise to GM’s expectations. It was not stated when ELR production was expected to stop, but with the redesigned Volt out now, moving them is likely to get harder.

Reports from GM Authority state that instead of the stand-alone ELR or a pure electric vehicle, Cadillac is planning to offer a plug-in hybrid drivetrain option to the majority of its line. 

This likely means the return of the Escalade Hybrid, and it will be very interesting to see what Cadillac can do when they apply the battery and hybrid powertrain technology they’ve developed from the ELR and Volt to their largest, most luxurious, and most expensive vehicle.