Buick to Add EV and Plug-In Hybrids in China

General Motors Co. says its Buick brand will offer several new powertrain technologies on new and refreshed models in China this year, and it plans to launch unspecified all-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles there by the end of the decade.

This year’s China powertrain additions include GM’s electrified range-extender system, downsized Ecotec engines and the 9-speed automatic transmission the carmaker co-developed with Ford Motor Co. The turbocharged engines will be available in 1.0- and 1.3-liter displacements.

The range extender technology combines GM’s electronic controlled intelligent variable transmission, permanent-magnet dual electric motors drive unit, a direct injection engine and a liquid-cooled lithium battery pack. A similar system is used to power the Chevrolet Volt hybrid sedan.

The Buick models in China will feature a single-cylinder architecture and pair the turbocharger with a twin injector system to boost performance.

All Buick vehicles sold in China this year will include a stop-start system that automatically turns the engine off during idling. And more than 80% of the engines offered by Buick in China by 2018 will be turbocharged, GM says. The carmaker has sold more than 8 million Buick vehicles in China since it launched the brand there in 1998.