General Motors has big plans to introduce more electric vehicles, expanding from its lone offering in the US, the Chevrolet Bolt. One of the upcoming models is expected to be an SUV based on the Bolt platform, and it looks like Chevy's electric SUV is finally here... sort of.

CarNewsChina has revealed several photos of a new Chevy SUV called the Menlo EV, which will only be sold in China. The Menlo stems from the SAIC-GM joint venture, which also builds the China-only Buick Velite 6. There is a very low change the Menlo will ever be sold in the US, which is a shame because it looks far more attractive than the Bolt.

Even though the Menlo is based on the same platform as the Buick Velite 6 (pictured below), its electric motor is more powerful. The Menlo produces 174 horsepower, which is a healthy increase over the Velite 6's 114 hp rating. The range has yet to be announced but it should be relatively close to the Buick, which can travel around 187 miles on a charge. Buick sells the Velite 6 for the equivalent of around $25,000 in China, making it an affordable EV option. We expect the Chevy Menlo to be even less expensive, given its brand positioning below Buick.

The Chevrolet Menlo is set to make a debut at the Chengdu Auto Show in September. China-only models like this typically don't attract a lot of interest in the US but we think it looks more stylish than the current Bolt and could sell well Stateside. Chevy has already trademarked the name "Bolt EUV," so perhaps we could see some version of the Menlo for the US market in the near future. With an increased range and slightly higher starting price, this could be a strong competitor to the Hyundai Kona Electric and Kia Niro EV.