Buick to Go All-Electric, First Car Launches in 2024

Jeff S. Bartlett
·2 min read
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The Electra nameplate returns, and the brand gets a new logo

By Jeff S. Bartlett

Buick announced today that it will launch its first electric vehicle in 2024, as it charges ahead to offer an all-electric product portfolio by the end of the decade. This move follows General Motors’ previous commitment to the EV market, with significant investments in batteries, platforms, and associated technologies.

The first electric Buick will wear a classic moniker: Electra. That apt name has been associated with large, luxurious sedans for decades, starting in 1959. The automaker has not shared details about what the future model will be, or rough specifications, but it has indicated that Electra will adorn a series of vehicles, rather than just a single model.

Buick also unveiled its Wildcat EV concept car, again borrowing from its history. That name has been applied to truly wild concept cars over the past 70 years—think some of the coolest Hot Wheels cars and Popular Mechanics cover illustrations.

This Wildcat EV interior showcases a screen-focused design that may appear in future production models.

Photo: Buick

This show car is meant to introduce the latest design language, revealing the types of lines, surfaces, and proportions that will be used on upcoming models. Buick points specifically to the new face for the brand, with a low-mounted, trapezoidal grille.

Signaling the new era is a redesigned Buick logo, which will appear on marketing materials and cars ahead of the electric transition.

Other GM brands have previously announced plans, with Chevrolet preparing the Blazer and Equinox EVs for sale in 2023, followed by the Silverado EV. Likewise, Cadillac is preparing the Lyriq SUV for market, and GMC already offers the Hummer EV. All these vehicles utilize GM’s Ultium electric vehicle platform, motors, and batteries. And although it was not explicitly mentioned, Buick is expected to pull from the same toolkit.

Wildcat EV demonstrates unique door openings.

Photo: Buick



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