With 557 horsepower and up to 648 lb-ft of torque, the SS variant is the most powerful option.
General Motors' first mass-market entry into the crucial electric SUV industry will be the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV. Although the Hummer EV SUV and Cadillac Lyriq officially made their debuts first, they don't have the same broad appeal as this new sporty-looking EV model. The Blazer EV, however, shares the same Ultium platform with those models and the future Silverado EV. This enables General Motors to offer the Blazer EV in a variety of drivetrain and powertrain configurations, enabling it to go 320 miles between charges, as stated by the manufacturer.
While GM has not yet provided any details regarding the batteries themselves, we do know that there will be two different options available: a normal battery and a bigger unit. In fact, GM had to increase the Blazer EV's wheelbase by nine inches in comparison to the current Blazer model because of the bigger battery. Additionally, customers will have the choice of ordering their Blazer EV with front-, rear-, or all-wheel drive. This is accomplished by utilizing Chevrolet's electric drive unit options, according to Doug Houlihan, executive chief engineer of the Blazer EV.
More specifically, a mix of three separate drive units will be present in allChevrolet Blazer EV versions. Only cars with front-wheel drive will have the recognizable front drive system. Then, customers can choose to equip those vehicles with an optional rear drive unit for all-wheel drive. For clients who want a rear-wheel drive experience and are in higher trim levels, a larger and more powerful rear drive unit is available. Customers of the Blazer EV SS receive a special performance AWD system that couples the smaller front drive configuration with the larger rear setup.
The FWD configuration is standard on the 1LT and 2LT models, although AWD is an option. The RS is the sole model that is available with any of the three powertrain setups, while SS is still only available with AWD. Every Blazer EV model will also be capable of one-pedal drive and regenerative braking.
The SS model's performance-focused powertrain offers up to 648 lb-ft of torque and 557 horsepower, which is adequate from an output standpoint. The SUV should achieve 0-60 mph in less than four seconds when combined with the SS' Wide Open Watts mode (similar to the Watts to Freedom option on the Hummer EV). Additionally, according to GM, the Blazer EV can travel 320 miles in RS trim on a single charge. However, going by market trends, this is only possible when the large battery and rear-drive configuration are used.
The range estimates for the 1LT, 2LT, and SS models will be 247 miles, 293 miles, and 290 miles, respectively. GM will provide us with more particular information as the SUV's release date approaches.
Depending on the model you choose, the Blazer EV is supported by 11.5 kW Level 2 charging as well as DC-fast charging capabilities up to 190kW when it ultimately becomes necessary to top off the battery. According to the automaker's estimates, buyers should be able to add 78 miles of range in just 10 minutes at the charger with that kind of speed.
GM has worked very hard to bring the Blazer up to EV segment standards, even if the Blazer EV's powertrain may be its most intriguing feature. The exterior appearance has a lot of Corvette and Camaro influences and is evocative to the present internal-combustion model. However, the proportions of the electric SUV are considerably more striking than before, maybe because to the short overhangs at each end. Even if the SS is without a doubt the model with the best aesthetics in the collection, the fascia works better in EV form.
That is partly due to the blacked-out roof components, a design choice made by the Mustang Mach-E. Contrary to the Ford, the Blazer EV carries the blacked-out theme along the A-pillars, which further reduces the vehicle's apparent bulk. The Blazer EV SS conceals its size better than many other SUVs when combined with the clever dual-tone mirrors. The SS's 22-inch wheels are more attractive than many range-focused designs we see today, and Houlihan remarked that this compromise enabled the team to provide grippy summer tires as an option.
With 19-inch wheels offset, Blazer EV LT vehicles have a more conventional monochrome appearance. The RS models adopt aspects of the SS styling, including the larger 21-inch wheels and black highlights.
Despite the Blazer EV's sloping roof, GM was also able to increase the cabin room thanks to its lengthened wheelbase. However, GM placed such a high value on passenger space that there is no storage room in the front trunk. Fortunately, the back yard has plenty of room for a supermarket run or a few large suitcases.
In the summer of 2023, the 2024 Blazer EV will start to appear in dealer showrooms, although only the 2LT and RS variants will be offered at first. The MSRPs for those versions will be approximately $47,595 and $51,995, respectively.
The Blazer EV SS, which will cost about $65,995, will be added to the range in late 2023. Customers will have to wait until the first quarter of 2024 to acquire the base 1LT model, at which point local governments will also be able to purchase a Blazer EV Police Pursuit Vehicle. The basic pricing of the 1LT is anticipated to be around $44,995. For comparison, the starting price of a base-model gasoline-powered Blazer 2LT is currently $35,290. Additionally, the base WT trim of the brand-new Chevrolet Silverado EV, with an MSRP of about $41,595, is anticipated to release in the spring of 2023. For that additional cost, hopefully the Blazer EV will result in some noticeable gains on the road.
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