A car resembling the Buick Velite 7 first appeared in a document from 2017 describing GM's future electric vehicle plans. However, the image was quickly replaced with a covered vehicle.[2][3] In January 2020, the Velite 7 was photographed while being road tested under camouflage. At the time, it was speculated this was an upcoming variant of the Chevrolet Bolt which would be released as the Bolt EUV.[4] It was later confirmed the vehicle was the Velite 7,[5] although the Bolt EUV is a closely related rebadged Velite with some styling differences.[6] Undisguised photographs of the Velite 7 were released that month under a filing with the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.[7]
GM announced the Velite 7 in June 2020, highlighting the estimated range of 500 km (310 mi) under the NEDC testing protocol.[8] The Velite 7 was launched in July 2020, alongside a new PHEV version of the Buick Velite 6 wagon.[9]
The Velite 7 has a battery with 55.6 kWh capacity and a range of up to 500 km (310 mi) (NEDC), with an estimated consumption of 13.1 kWh/100 km (160 mpg‑e).[10] The traction motor has a maximum output of 130 kW (174 hp; 177 PS) and 360 N⋅m (266 lb⋅ft) torque.[10] Estimated acceleration is 0–100 km/h (62 mph) in 8.6 seconds.[10]
It has a wheelbase of 2,675 mm (105.3 in).[10] The cargo space of the Velite 7 behind the rear seats is 363 L (12.8 cu ft), expanding to 1,331 L (47.0 cu ft) with the seats folded down.[11]
