Electric Chevrolet SUV revealed in US

CHEVROLET might have inadvertently revealed the SUV version of its Bolt electric hatchback at the Barclays Global Automotive Conference in a presentation by GM CEO Mary Barra.

In a section of the seminar detailing GM’s green technology agenda, an image of the mystery SUV appeared alongside the details of plans for GM to roll out two electric compact SUVs by 2020.

The image of the as-yet-unnamed SUV looks to be ready for production due to its relatively pedestrian design cues, but stylistically it is quite different to the Bolt.

Design cues include sharply angled headlights with an LED daytime running strip along the bottom of the lighting cluster, a blacked out lower grille, front bumper air inlets and a segmented C-pillar shared by the Bolt, which gives the roofline a sleeker look.

No badge is to be seen on the grille, suggesting the vehicle may be proliferated across GM’s many brands.

While the SUV doesn’t share many visual similarities with the Bolt, it does bear a resemblance to the FNR-X concept revealed at the Shanghai motor show in April.

The two models share similar proportions and front fascia, with the FNR-X generally styled more aggressively as befitting of a concept vehicle.

Chevrolet chose not to disclose the performance details of the FNR-X, other than it uses a plug-in hybrid powertrain with two driving modes – V (for versatility) and S (for sport).

No details have been revealed on the powertrain underpinning the new production SUV, however if it is based on the Bolt it will likely share its battery-electric set-up.

The second-generation Bolt employs a 60kWh battery pack capable of developing 150kW/360Nm, and boasts a driving range of 380km.

Ms Barra also announced at the conference that GM plans to launch its next-generation electric vehicle (EV) platform by 2021, turning its emissions-free arm into a profitable business by selling one million units by 2026.

The roll-out will include the global release of at least 20 new all-electric and hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles by 2023, with the new modular EV platform to bring the total per-unit cost down by 30 per cent or more.

Ms Barra said the architecture will be able to support at least 11 vehicle types ranging from low-slung sportscars to large SUVs.

GoAuto has contacted GM Holden for comment on the relevance to the Australian market.