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. 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 500 km, albeit under the very optimistic NEDC test cycle.
This will likely drop to around 320 km in the real world.
Further details will be announced closer
to the electric SUV’s launch, but previous reports have indicated the Velite 7
is 4,264 mm)long and has a 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.
