General Motors has just renewed its commitment to Buick‘s range of green vehicles, simultaneously launching two new Velite models – the exclusive sub-brand family of electrified models for China. A few weeks after revealing the first details, the company officially launched the all-new Buick Velite 7 EV in the Asian country along with an updated version of the Velite 6 plug-in hybrid.
With them, Buick is expanding its EV presence in the in its largest-volume market through a strengthened portfolio, which includes distinctive design proposals and various powertrain solutions. In fact, the Velite 7 EV becomes the Tri-Shield brand’s first fully electric crossover, a key bid to win over younger customers and drive sales of zero-emission vehicles.
“There has never been such an ambitious rollout of two remarkable electrified products at the same time in Buick’s history in China. It demonstrates our long-term commitment to technology leadership in the electrification segment in our largest market,” said Executive Director of Buick Sales and Marketing at SAIC-GM, Molly Peck, in an official press release.
“With their contemporary styling, exceptional driving experience, trusted safety and reliability, and incredible connectivity functionality, we believe the Velite 7 and Velite 6 PHEV will change people’s perceptions of electric vehicles and convince more of them to make the move from traditional vehicles powered solely by petroleum to environmentally friendly vehicles powered by electricity,” she added.
The Buick Velite 7 EV introduces a design language evolution for the brand’s electrified vehicles, with a distinctive front fascia and sophisticated body panels. As reported last month, the subcompact crossover is equipped with an electric motor that produces 175 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, along with a 55.6-kWh battery pack that offers a range of up to 500 kilometers (about 311 miles) on a single charge.
As for the updated Buick Velite 6 PHEV, it adopts the brand’s latest eMotion propulsion technology. The system includes a 1.5L internal combustion engine, an electronically controlled variable transmission (E-CVT), and a high-performance electric motor that produces 181 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. Coupled with a 9.5-kWh battery pack, this powertrain offers a total range of up to 780 kilometers (485 miles).
