Buick has provided a first official glimpse into the Velite 7, its first all-electric SUV which will launch in China later this year.
Joining the likes of the Velite 5 extended range and Velite 6 and Velite 6 Plus electric vehicles, it is believed to be based on the Chevrolet Bolt. While the Velite 7 is a China-only affair, a Chevy-rebadged derivative should find its way to the United States eventually.
A modular lithium-ion battery, with an optimized design and improved cell chemistry, powers the Velite 7’s zero-emission propulsion system.
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The Buick Velite 7 features a liquid-cooling battery thermal management system, which is said to meet General Motors’ global standards for safety and reliability. More importantly, it promises a range of up to 310 miles (500 km), albeit under the very optimistic NEDC test cycle. This will likely drop to around 200 miles (320 km) in the real world.
“Buick is strengthening its EV lineup with an all-new entry for today’s consumers, giving them the functionality of an SUV and the confidence to go farther with an impressive 500 kilometers of range”, commented the executive director of Buick Sales and Marketing at SAIC-GM, Molly Peck. “We topped it off with a suite of leading technologies to meet the needs of progressive and eco-minded Chinese drivers.”
Further details will be announced closer to the electric SUV’s launch, but previous reports have indicated the Velite 7 is 167.9 inches (4,264 mm) long and has a 105.3-inch (2,675-mm) wheelbase. The electric motor allegedly develops 174 horsepower, but America’s variant, which will be dubbed the Bolt EUV (Electric Utility Vehicle), is expected with more than 200 HP.
