New patents could reveal electric Chevrolet SUV

New patent images filed by Chinese automaker SAIC may show plans for an upcoming electrified Chevrolet SUV.

The images reveal a vehicle bearing strong resemblance to Chevrolet’s current Equinox – sharing the car’s distinctive door treatment and forward-sweeping C-pillar.

Motor Trend points out the front end is similar to the 2022 Bolt EUV – further indicating the new car will use a partly or fully-electric drivetrain. As of yet, there’s no indication of power, range, or even a name for the new SUV.

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While SAIC manufactures its own vehicles under several brands, including MG, the state-owned group also builds cars for GM and Volkswagen at several plants.

The joint venture with GM began in 1997, with the first Chinese-made Buick Regal rolling off the production line two years later.

A number of Buick models are currently produced by SAIC, including the US-market Envision S crossover. Others are built exclusively for the Chinese market.

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Chevrolet Equinox

The third-generation Chevrolet Equinox was released in 2017, reaching Australia via Holden dealerships. Low sales numbers saw orders halted in 2018, before the entire brand was retired in 2020.

For the 2022 model year, just one engine will be available to American buyers - a 1.5-litre petrol turbo four.

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Chevrolet Bolt EUV

Right now, GM’s electric line-up is fronted by the compact Bolt hatch, which launched in 2017. It was joined this year by the Bolt EUV, which features a larger crossover body on the same base architecture.

Both cars use a 150kW single-motor drive unit, with a driving range of around 400km. Though the Bolt will not appear on our roads, it’s based on a concept designed by GM’s Australian design centre in 2015.

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The 2024 GMC Hummer will be all-electric

Looking forward, GM aims to have 30 new electrified vehicles on offer by 2025, and make the majority of its range electric by 2035.