For those of you hoping the all-electric Chevrolet Blazer would blaze a retro trail, harkening back to the iconic and oh-so-desirable-today 1979 K5 Blazer, you’ll be disappointed to learn the just revealed EV is as 21st Century sport midsize crossover as you can get.
But judging from the images and information unveiled this evening in Los Angeles, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. One thing is for sure. You’ll have an almost dizzying number of choices when it comes to drivetrain and models to choose from. There are three of the former — front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive — and four trim levels — 1LT, 2LT, RS and SS (five if you include the Police Pursuit Vehicle, or PVV). We’re told there is also a range of full-charge ranges available, which means different battery sizes, but all that was forthcoming tonight is a GM-estimated range of up to 515 kilometres on the rear-wheel drive RS model.
2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV. Credit: Chevrolet
Ultium performance
As with all new EVs coming from the General, the Blazer EV uses GM’s Ultium platform, a very adaptable architecture that supports those multiple battery sizes and subsequent range options and the three available drive systems.
Just as with the limited range figures released today, we don’t yet have the full picture on charging capabilities and times for all powertrain packages, but we do know that the rear-wheel drive RS comes equipped with a 11-kW onboard AC charging module for home charging and public charging. According to GM, the RS has a high-speed DC public fast-charging capability up to 190 kW, which the automaker estimates will add approximately 125 kilometres of range in 10 minutes. The regenerative braking system includes one-pedal driving, which can slow the vehicle to a full stop without using the brake pedal.
The Ultium platform, as with most EV-specific architectures, provides a low centre of gravity, which should give the Blazer EV very good handling characteristics, and the independent front and rear suspensions will add comfort attributes.
And in terms of cargo space in the two-row vehicles, the platform allows for a flat cargo floor that makes loading and unloading much easier.
2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV.
2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV.
2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV.
2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV.
2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV.
2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV.
2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV.
Styling, inside and out
That Ultium platform gives designers a somewhat unique foundation to build upon, and the Blazer EV team has come up with a nice package defined by converging body lines and, in a nice homage to Chevrolet’s motorsport heritage, prominent front-fender extractor vents. The press release notes that Corvette and Camaro designs helped influence the electric crossover exterior and interior.
One styling cue all its own is how sequential orchestration of the front lighting increases in speed and intensity as the battery’s charge increases. The front lighting also conveys the state of charge while the vehicle charges.
That inspiration from Chevrolet’s sports cars and performance history carries over into the cabin with a flat-bottom steering wheel in the RS and SS trims and sculpted vents inspired by turbines.
All trims get as standard a massive 17.7-inch-diagonal colour touchscreen that controls the infotainment system and additional features. There is also an 11-inch-diagonal colour Driver Information Center in the instrument cluster. All trims get as standard heated seats and heated steering wheel. Other standard features include a powered-opening charge port door: It features a powered opening when the door is pushed, and a ‘Presence-based’ liftgate that can open hands free when the key fob is recognized by the sensors at the rear of the vehicle.
As to driver assistance Super Cruise, GM’s hands-free driver-assistance technology operable on divided and compatible highways in the Canada and the U.S., is available. Standard safety features come in the form of the Chevrolet Safety Assist suite of technologies, including Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Alert, Front Pedestrian Braking, Following Distance Indicator, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning and IntelliBeam. Optional features include Reverse Automatic Braking and Advanced Park Assist.
And as with all new Chevrolet EVs, navigation to charging stations and route planning is available through the MyChevrolet app.
That onboard tech gets a big boost thanks to GM’s new end-to-end vehicle software platform. Called Ultifi, it separates the vehicle’s software from the hardware to enable the frequent and seamless delivery of software-defined features, apps and services to customers over the air.
2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV. Credit: Chevrolet
What, when and how much?
As mentioned, there are no less than four models to choose from when considering the new Blazer EV. Here’s some details on each, including pricing and when they are expected to be available in Canada. Reservations are now open at reserve.blazerev.chevrolet.ca and all Blazer EVs will be produced at GM’s Ramos Arizpe, Mexico, production facility, which manufactures the ga-powered Blazer.
1LT/2LT: The LT models feature a monochromatic appearance and standard 19-inch wheels. The Blazer EV 2LT will go on sale next summer 2023 starting around $56,598. ($59,148 in Quebec). The 1LT, with a starting price around $51,998 and $54,548 in Quebec, is slated to arrive in the first quarter 2024.
RS: This trim has a real sport vibe, with a black grille, black accents and standard 21-inch wheels. It also upgrades with full LED exterior lighting and choreographed walk-up/walk-away animation that features a full light bar and illuminated bowtie emblem on the front. Inside it gets blue and red contrasting stitching. The RS goes on sale next summer 2023, priced starting at around $61,29810 ($63,84811 in Quebec).
SS: This model takes the sport and performance levels to the max, with an AWD powertrain featuring WOW (Wide open Watts) mode that, according to GM, provides up to 564 horsepower and up to 648 lb.-ft. of torque, and a 0-96 km/h sprint in less than four seconds. Design wise the SS has a unique front grille, a two-tone colour scheme featuring a black roof and A-pillars that complement the Blazer EV’s body colour. Twenty two-inch wheels are standard, as are ventilated front seats and heated rear seats. The sueded microfibre seating features Adrenaline
Red seating surfaces and available Argon Orange accents. The SS is expected to arrive later next year with a starting price around $80,998, or $83,548 in Quebec.
Police Pursuit Vehicle (PPV): While, obviously, not available to the general public, this purpose-built Blazer EV has a police specific interior designed for police officers with ample room to accommodate emergency equipment and gear. The PPV will also have the largest Ultium battery in the lineup, will be available with a dual motor all-wheel drive system, and high performance front Brembo brakes. No pricing released on this one.
One thing that will take some getting used to for new Blazer EV owners is the so-called ‘hands-free star.’ As there is no button to push to start the vehicle, the driver pushes the brake pedal after closing the door and the Blazer EV is ready to drive with sufficient charge. The key fob authorizes the hands-free start system.
And for those of you wanting an electrified K5 Blazer, worry not: I’m sure there are any number of EV conversion shops willing and ready to take your business.
Keyword: First Look: 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV