General Motors has finally given in to the reality that many have seen for a long time: its electric pickup trucks are not selling as expected.

The American brand confirmed that it will not move forward with plans to transform the Orion Assembly factory into a unit dedicated exclusively to the production of EV pickup trucks.

The reason is the low demand for models like Chevrolet Silvering EV the GMC EV Serra.

To get an idea of ​​the scale of the problem, GM managed to sell just 2,383 units of the electric Silverado and another 1,249 of the Sierra EV in the first quarter of 2025.

For the USA, these are very low numbers. Numbers that fell far short of what was necessary to sustain a dedicated production line.

Originally, the Orion plant would be converted to the production of electric pickup trucks in 2024. Then, the schedule was postponed to the end of 2025, with the justification of “aligning investments with the demand for EVs”.

Now, however, the decision is final: the unit will return to manufacturing gasoline-powered SUVs and pickup trucks from 2027. .

As a result, models such as the Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, combustion-powered Silverado, GMC Sierra, Yukon and Yukon XL should once again leave the Orion assembly line.

The few surviving EVs in the line — such as the Silverado EV, Sierra EV and Hummer EV — will continue to be assembled at the Hamtramck plant, known as Factory Zero, where the Cadillac is also produced. Escalade IQ.

Another surprise of the turnaround is the continuity of the Chevrolet Blazer gasoline. The model, which many thought had its days numbered, will get another chance and will be produced in Spring Hill from 2027, alongside Cadillac's electric Lyriq and Vistiq.

The same strategy applies to the Fairfax plant, which will build the Bolt EV 2027 and also the combustion Equinox, the latter with sales increasing by more than 30% in the first quarter of the year.

GM did not directly mention the more obvious reasons behind the decision, such as tariffs, at-risk incentives or the slow adoption of EVs in the United States. Instead, he opted for a more political approach.

CEO Mary Barra declared that the measure “demonstrates our commitment to manufacturing vehicles in the USA and supporting American jobs”, in addition to highlighting that “customers want to have options and a variety of vehicles they love” — a clear message that the combustion car continues with full force.

With a new investment of approximately US$4 billion, a similar amount to that planned for the factory's transition to EVs, the question remains: how much has GM already burned on a bet that didn't work out?