A spy shot of the 2021 Buick Velite 7

Chevrolet is developing a crossover variant of the Bolt EV, which will appear in 2021 as the Bolt EUV (Bolt Electric Utility Vehicle).

However, a slightly modified version of the Bolt EUV will be sold by Buick, and we just spotted a prototype. Images of the vehicle were recently posted on a Chinese government website, as well as on the website Autohome.

The Buick version will be known as the Verite 7 and will likely only be sold in China. Some readers may recall that the last Chevrolet Volt was also rebadged as a Buick for the Chinese market. It was sold as the Buick Verite 5. Velite is Buick's sub-brand for electrified vehicles in China.

Judging from spy shots and leaked images, the Velite 7's design was inspired by Buick's 2018 Enspire electric SUV concept. Interestingly, the Velite 7 design was first unveiled at the 2017 General Motors investor meeting. [GM's BEV2 battery-electric platform, which debuted in the Bolt EV, should underpin the car, which should have a range approaching the Bolt EV's 238 miles. The Bolt EV's front single electric motor should also be shared with the Verite 7.

Note that the BEV2 platform is a placeholder until GM announces a new BEV3 platform for EVs with a range of 300+ miles; the first BEV3-based model is expected to be a Cadillac crossover due next year or the year after.