Buick Teases Velite 6 Plug-In Hybrid, EV For China

Buick has two new vehicles in the pipeline for China, and it’s provided a sole teaser image for the two. On Tuesday, the brand announced the Velite 6 plug-in hybrid and Velite 6 EV will join the portfolio alongside the Velite 5 and LaCrosse Hybrid.

The sole teaser image shows an angular taillight with a “Velite 6” badge. Other than the photo, we don’t know much else about the two cars. However, Buick did say the Velite 6 will be based on the Velite concept, shown two years ago at the Guangzhou Auto Show. The concept ushered in the “Buick Blue” strategy for China. The ethos involves a focus on new-energy vehicles.

The concept itself is a handsome looking hatchback, and we can expect that’s the form the two production cars will take. And we imagine the powertrain will be the real differentiator between the Velite 6 PHEV and EV.

On the powertrain side of things, Buick announced in March of 2017 that it would bring a new range-extended engine and two small-displacement engines to its cars in China. The extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) consists of GM’s EVT variable transmission permanent-magnet electric motor drive unit, a direct injection engine and a lithium-ion battery pack. Buick said the electric driving range should be around 62 miles, while the gasoline engine provides up to 435 miles of range.

It’s quite possible the Velite 6 plug-in will feature the new EREV technology, while we can only bet the Velite 6 EV borrows heavily from the Bolt EV’s propulsion method.