Buick introducing its first electric SUV in China this year
20 June 2020
Buick will introduce its first electric SUV, the VELITE 7, in China this year. Developed on GM’s global electric vehicle platform, the VELITE 7 compact SUV will offer an electric range of up to 500 kilometers (311 miles) under New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) conditions on a full charge.
The VELITE 7 features spaciousness, customer-focused connectivity and advanced driver assistance technologies.
Leveraging GM’s global EV expertise, the VELITE 7’s electric propulsion system is powered by a new modular high-performance lithium-ion battery that has higher energy density through improved cell chemistry and an optimized design.
Its battery pack has an advanced structural design and a liquid-cooling battery thermal management system that meet GM’s global standards for safety and reliability.
Buick has been a pioneering global brand in introducing electrified vehicles in China. The family includes the VELITE 5 extended-range electric vehicle, and VELITE 6 and VELITE 6 Plus electric vehicles.
Additional information about the VELITE 7 will be shared closer to its launch.
If it is 311 miles on NEDC, they'll be lucky to get 220 miles in the real world.
I have nothing against GM or Buick, but I wish people would stop using NEDC mileage.
Posted by: mahonj | 20 June 2020 at 06:30 AM
Well, for the unknowing, a good-sounding half truth leaves a better impression than disillusioning truth; that's good advertising.
Posted by: yoatmon | 21 June 2020 at 02:25 AM
In China they use the NEDC, get over it.
220 miles / 350 km real world is still a lot of EV range, so who cares. Besides, in China, where a lot of people live in mega cities, the real world range may even be higher than NEDC, or close to it, because most of the driving is city driving, meaning lower speeds and plenty of regen.
Also, why is the US using EPA range, when there is WLTP? same thing. Different countries use different protocols.
I agree, NEDC is a very outdated protocol. I've drivien the NEDC tests myself a few times. Acceleations are very low, a lot of idle time, low average speed, not realistic for most real world applications.
Posted by: Ing. A.S.Stefanes | 22 June 2020 at 12:01 AM
Since the Volt, I've been waiting for 10 years for Buick to come out with the new Electra, not that there are many around who remember it.
Posted by: Albert E Short | 22 June 2020 at 01:59 PM