Buick Velite 5 is a Rebadged Chevrolet Volt for China

Buick in China is getting a version of the Chevrolet Volt extended-range EV called the Velite 5. The car will be the brand’s first EREV when it launches soon in the emerging market.

GM only provided one rear three quarter shot of the Velite 5, but that’s all we needed to learn this car will essentially be a rebadged second-generation Volt. The car uses the same direct-injected 1.5-liter I-4 gas range extender engine, which can charge the liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery pack and drive the permanent-magnet electric motor. An electronically controlled CVT directs power to the wheels. GM estimates the Velite 5 will have an all-electric driving range of more than 100 km (roughly 62 miles), though it’s unclear by what standard. The Volt has an EPA-estimated EV range of 53 miles. Total range on the Velite 5 is estimated at over 750 km (466 miles).

The Velite 5 arrives on the heels of the Velite plug-in hybrid concept’s debut at the Guangzhou auto show last November. Though that car was a five-door hatch like the Velite 5, it didn’t look anything like a Chevy Volt. At the time, GM said the Velite concept was part of a mission to advance the new Buick Blue alternative energy strategy, which would include hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid, and EREV models. Perhaps Velite will be the branding we’ll see on all green Chinese-market Buicks going forward.

Source: GM

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