Buick Electra E5.
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The Buick Electra E5 was the first Ultium-based Buick EV when it was introduced last year in China. It is a few inches longer than the great-looking Electra E4 we just talked about. But also roomier and more expensive.
Recently, GM introduced a cheaper model to better compete in the extremely competitive Chinese EV market., with a new version starting at $ 23,600. A slightly higher price than the new Electra E4 base model at $ 20,000.
Cars are obviously cheaper in China and these new prices compare very well with SUVs like the Tesla Model Y, starting at around $ 36,000. If the E5 was sold in the US, this could mean a starting price of around $ 40,000. Which would be much cheaper than the Chevrolet Blazer EV and slightly higher than the Chevrolet Equinox EV. This would put Buick in a strange position since the Electra E5 is actually a bit larger than both. And it’s a Buick…
I really think GM has to quickly fix whatever software issue they have with the Ultium platform in the US and bring the E4 and E5 to the US. By the end of the year or early next year, GM EVs will be fully compatible with the Tesla NACS charging system, which will take care of range anxiety for many. They also need to price them realistically for the market. Maybe not at $ 23,600, but something higher than the Equinox EV and still well under $ 45,000 to start.
After incentives, these new great-looking Buicks will actually be competing against most ICE cars. As they should be.
I’d like to see Buick intro these, one each year, to the US. But also with the option of a hybrid powertrain, if it can fit in this platform. Theres a need for a better built, better appointed EV than Tesla can make. But a lot of Tesla buyers are also the same kind of cult fanatics that worshipped the Prius, and nothing but a Prius was acceptable. That’s the definition of fashion. Tesla gets some things right – charging, good canopy for viewing, and their software for battery management. The question is can GM produce a worthy opponent on those fronts because I dont think they’ll win the Tesla fashion war. I hope these Buicks will do that.