This mysterious model would be Buick’s first EV in America.
You probably saw Dr. General Motors’ Evil has pledged to save the world by using electric vehicles. Buick shows off a new EV in a Twitter thread promoting this commercial and promises it will be available for sale this summer.
Buick has not yet provided any information about the vehicle. The teaser image shows an LED running light that looks like a small, swoopy bulb with a vertical section at the exterior. Although it’s difficult to see, the hood seems to have curvy sculpting. The bottom disclaimer states “concept vehicle seen”, so it’s possible that the production version might be different.
General Motors applied for a trademark on December 20, 2021 for the term Buick Electric. The paperwork is still listed by the United States Patent and Trademark Office as “awaiting examination” at the time of writing.
This application was not simply a renewal of its protection.
Although the filing does not prove that Buick plans to call the vehicle Electra – the automaker doesn’t yet possess the trademark – it is easy to see why reviving the old name would make sense for an EV. Hearing “electra” immediately evokes electricity.
An alternative name option is available in another trademark filing. General Motors filed a trademark application to reserve Velite the term for US vehicles on January 26, 2022.
China is now home to the Buick Velite plug-in hybrid and electric vehicle family. The Velite 5 PHEV sedan. The Velite 6 is a hybrid EV that can travel up to 255 miles (410 km) in NEDC range. A plug-in hybrid version is also available. The Velite 7 also has a crossover EV, but has a NEDC range that is 311 miles (500 km).