Looking identical with the Velite 6 that was
launched in April 2019, the Plus features a bigger 52.5 kWh battery that
enables it to cover up to 410 km on a single charge as per the NEDC
standards. In comparison, the regular Velite 6 has a 35 kWh battery and a
driving range rated at 301 km.
Besides having a larger capacity, the battery’s
energy density has been increased to 140 wh/kg, which in layman’s terms means
that it can store more energy, and its electricity consumption is rated at 13.1
kWh/100 km.
The battery can be charged to 80 percent of capacity
in 40 minutes using a direct current (DC) fast charger. A five-minute charge at
the same rate unlocks an additional 40 kilometers of range.
The Velite 6 Plus also boasts a more powerful
electric motor rated at 148 HP and 350 Nm of torque. The
automaker quotes a 0 to 50 km/h acceleration of 3.6 seconds and says
the vehicle offers “a smooth, quiet and natural driving experience.”
Buick’s new EV is also well equipped, offering
driver assistance systems such as Forward Collision Alert, Collision Mitigation
Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Side Blind Zone Alert, Electronic Stability
Program, and a tire pressure monitoring system. It also features a 10-inch
touch-sensing infotainment system which supports over-the-air (OTA) updates,
Super ID, and a virtual key.
The two Velite 6 models, which are Buick’s first
all-electric production vehicles, are available in China in six variants, with
prices ranging from RMB 165,800 and RMB 199,800 (US$ 23,460 – US$ 28,270) after
national subsidies for new energy vehicles. Buick also sells the Velite 5
plug-in hybrid, essentially a rebadged Chevy Volt, in the People’s Republic.
