Buick Delays Launch of First EV in America

Introduction

Buick has made the decision to postpone the launch of their first electric vehicle (EV) in the United States. Originally planned for this year, the model, expected to be the Electra E5, will now be delayed due to various factors.

Reasons for Delay

The crossover was initially intended to be imported from China. However, the imposition of hefty tariffs has prompted Buick to reconsider their plans. Additionally, slower than expected electric vehicle adoption in the market may have influenced the decision to delay the launch.

Buick’s Lineup Transformation

Buick has recently undergone a significant transformation in their lineup. They have introduced the all-new Envista, redesigned the Enclave, and facelifted versions of the Envision and Encore GX. However, the brand’s first North American EV is still awaited.

Implications of Tariffs

The government’s decision to quadruple tariffs on Chinese-made EVs may have played a role in the delay. Buick offers the Electra E4 and E5 models in China, and it was expected that the latter would be imported like the Envision. However, with the increased tariff rate, this may no longer be a viable option.

Market Developments

GM CEO Mary Barra mentioned a desire to take a balanced approach as the market develops. This suggests that the delay in the launch of Buick’s first EV is also influenced by the slower growth of the electric vehicle market in recent years.

Electric Truck Production Delay

Barra also noted that third-party forecasters predict a steady but slower growth of the EV market in the coming years. In line with this, GM has pushed back the production of electric trucks at Orion Assembly for the second time. The production is now scheduled to begin in mid-2026, six months later than previously announced.