Buick Announces Plug-in Crossover

Most of the new alternative fuels vehicles on the market are quite boring and that's why I've stayed away from posting on CarThrottle about the latest developments in the field. However, the source of power - in this case, electricity - isn't the problem. It's the vehicles they're used in. For instance the Toyota Prius isn't exciting for enthusiasts, but the Tesla Roadster sure is.

This case though is different for a few reasons - I think the introduction of a Buick plug-in crossover is a landmark development. Are bigger and greater things really in store for Buick? I hope so, but there is one thing that is a bit unnerving to be about the whole thing....

This image!! We've known for quite some time that a Saturn Vue-based Buick small crossover was slated to slot in below the Enclave. Buick is expanding it's lineup to become a better competitor to Lexus and this new model is part of the plan. Wit the Vue Plug-In not part of the Penske-GM Saturn production contract, the technology needed a new home. What better place than Buick?

Problem is, the image released shows the Vue Plug-In simply with a Buick grille. That is absolutely not what this new crossover should be. Thankfully, most think it's just an image being released just to build buzz and not the final product. Common sense says that it will get unique sheetmetal. BUT, if the new Buick does end up simply being a rebadged Vue, I will be sorely disappointed. Because that is definitely not what Buick should be!

Apart from the image, GM did release some impressive information about the vehicle. In early testing, the crossover is achieving a 10-mile range on electric power.  Lithium ion batteries will be supplied by LG Chem - the same battery supplier for the Volt.  If everything goes as planned, it will be the first plug-in crossover in production.