Evaluation: The 2024 Chevy Blazer Electric Vehicle redefines American excitement.
This is due to the fact that unlike the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, Volkswagen ID.4, and similar crossover electric vehicles, the Blazer EV is predominantly intended for the American market, designed with the unique preferences and needs of the U.S. consumer as a focal point.
Following my time examining the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV recently, I came away with the impression that although it doesn’t set a new standard for electric vehicles, it is well-suited for the demands of driving in the US, and possesses numerous features that are likely to attract American consumers.
Key features include a practical driving distance on a single charge, a user-friendly system to locate charging points, and a design that is both recognizable and unique.
The aspect that initially made me skeptical about the Blazer EV was its dashboard design. General Motors had the option to develop a design that built upon what’s seen in the Bolt EV (or Volt), or it could have opted for a simple, tech-forward approach.
2024 Chevy Blazer Electric Vehicle RS Model
2024 Chevy Blazer Electric Vehicle
Upcoming 2024 Chevy Blazer Electric
The design adopted a flashy, Camaro-inspired aesthetic that initially appears busy, with obscured metal frames surrounding the components. As a model that contrasts with Tesla in certain aspects, the more one observes, the clearer it becomes that it diverges significantly.
For example, actions such as switching off the car, setting it to accessory mode, activating one-pedal driving, or illuminating the lights are all managed through digital buttons located beneath the volume control and on the far left side of the entertainment display. In my experience, this area is often hidden by both the gear lever and the edge of the steering wheel.
There are certain aspects of the Blazer EV that feel pleasantly familiar, such as its conventional door handles. There’s no need to familiarize yourself with a different system just to enter the vehicle; you simply approach and enter.
The design of the Blazer EV is commendable, yet it falls short in utilizing the full potential of the spaces afforded by the skateboard chassis design. The back seats can be folded down to create a nearly flat surface, which becomes completely flat with added pressure. The opening of the trunk is quite large, the threshold for loading is conveniently low, and beneath the cargo area, there’s a bit of additional storage. However, upon opening the front hood, one finds an absence of a front trunk (frunk). Furthermore, it’s not apparent what occupies the space beneath the foremost part of the central console inside the vehicle.
2024 Chevy Blazer Electric Vehicle
The Chevrolet Blazer EV transcends its classic emblem
With a bit of patience, the experience enhances. You can switch the dashboard display among various configurations, like an option where the navigation map dominates the view. For those who prefer it, the optional head-up display can serve as a substitute for the main screen. Plus, there’s an abundance of tangible controls and backup options.
The RS versions from GM that I had the chance to evaluate certainly challenged my perceptions. The vehicles I drove, each sporting a Radiant Red tintcoat finish and a black/Adrenaline Red cabin, gave off more of a vibe that you’d expect from a fun, leisure-time vehicle.
The interior of the Blazer EV might heavily draw inspiration from the Camaro, however, its exterior design takes the traditional Blazer to a new level. It boasts a more robust exterior with curvier lines, a bolder presence, and an overall more attractive shape. Additionally, the RS versions come equipped with a lightbar that turns on as you approach and leave the vehicle, reminiscent of KITT from the TV show „Knight Rider.“
2024 Chevy Blazer Electric Vehicle
Is the Chevy Blazer EV range overextending itself?
Recall the time General Motors committed fully to electric vehicles, showcased their substantial Ultium pouch cells as the cornerstone of this transition, and unveiled their advanced wireless battery management along with a fresh collection of EV motors?
Spending moments with the Blazer EV reinforced the notion that General Motors is heading in a positive direction, with the potential for these offerings to achieve great success.
Before anything else, there appears to be a multitude of options to sift through. General Motors intends to roll out the electric Blazer in configurations that include front-wheel, rear-wheel, and all-wheel drives, alongside battery packs of 85-kwh and 102-kwh. These will be available across three different models: the LT, RS, and SS.
Trimming down the selection: The upcoming SS model, set for release sometime next summer, will boast a maximum output of 557 horsepower and 648 pound-feet of torque courtesy of its Wide Open Watts performance feature. This will enable it to achieve a 0-60 mph sprint in less than four seconds. With the elimination of the $45,000 entry-level version, the Blazer EV range now begins with the Blazer EV 2LT, which is front-wheel drive and has yet to have its price announced.
The pricing for the Blazer EV 2LT with all-wheel drive has been set at $56,715, and the all-wheel-drive RS variant has a price tag of $60,215. Interestingly, the RS model with rear-wheel drive is slightly more expensive at $61,790, despite not being all-wheel drive. The reason for this is that both the RS AWD and the SS models are equipped with the bigger 102-kwh battery pack, unlike the rest of the models which come with the 85-kwh battery pack.
I had a short stint behind the wheel of the RS RWD, which boasts a 324-mile EPA range. Later, I took the RS AWD for a spin throughout the morning, which has a range of 279 miles according to the EPA. Essentially, I tested out both the single-motor variant with a larger battery and the dual-motor version with a smaller battery, yet both had comparable wheels, tires, and features. Although detailed specifications for each trim level are not yet available, it’s anticipated that both models will have a curb weight of less than 5,500 pounds.
2024 Chevy Blazer Electric Vehicle
2024 Chevy Blazer Electric Vehicle
Upcoming 2024 Chevy Blazer Electric
2024 Chevy Blazer Electric Vehicle
During my time testing both models of the Blazer EV, I observed an approximate consumption of 3.0 miles per kilowatt-hour under various driving scenarios, all amidst the pleasant 70-degree climate of San Diego. Throughout the drive, I focused less on the vehicle’s efficiency and more on getting a feel for its performance and handling.
Simply shifting the Blazer EV into Drive mode initiates a modest level of regenerative braking—certainly a greater deceleration than you’d experience in a standard petrol car, but not nearly as intense as the advanced regen settings found in some other electric vehicles. By pressing a button on the touchscreen, you can select either normal or maximum one-pedal driving, which significantly increases the regenerative action from the motors. However, what’s lacking is an intermediate option; there’s no „B“ mode for slightly enhanced braking, nor is there a mode that permits genuine coasting without any regenerative drag.
2024 Chevy Blazer Electric Vehicle
Upon initial driving, the Chevy Blazer EV seemed quite hefty, particularly when navigating turns, lacking the nimbleness present in other crossovers of similar dimensions. The rear-wheel-drive RS variant stood out in terms of handling, with its suspension adapting more readily during cornering. When pitted against competitors like the Mach-E and Ioniq 5, the Blazer EV comes across as more mature and solid, which could be seen as either an advantage or disadvantage.
The Blazer EV stands out for its size, surpassing the dimensions of many dual-row SUVs in its category. Stretching to an approximate length of 192 inches and constructed on a significantly extended wheelbase of nearly 122 inches, it compares in size to vehicles such as the Jeep Grand Cherokee or Honda Passport, as well as its own petrol-powered Blazer counterpart.
I dedicated a significant amount of time to the all-wheel-drive RS model, which utilizes a permanent-magnet motor for the front wheels and a less powerful induction motor for the back wheels. Driving this model quickly was more challenging, and it lacked excitement on the mountain and canyon path that GM had designated. The Blazer EV’s compact and inadequate front seats, coupled with a relatively elevated seating position, intensified this feeling—even though the RS’s 21-inch Bridgestone Alenza tires with their rigid sidewalls offered a solid foundation.
Once I found myself amidst the congestion of San Diego’s roads, I was reminded of the exceptional qualities that GM has honed in the Blazer EV. These qualities, which it shares with its predecessors like the Bolt EV, Volt, and Spark EV, include notably the seamless operation of its electric powertrain, as well as the responsiveness and accuracy of the acceleration. Additionally, the seamless integration of regenerative braking with traditional friction brakes offers a reliable and consistent feeling when using the brake pedal.
Upcoming 2024 Chevy Blazer Electric
GM has perfected a system where, in models like the Volt, Bolt, and Blazer, engaging the regenerative braking paddle for a brief period while stationary activates a dashboard indicator that maintains the vehicle’s position until you’re ready to accelerate.
The car’s multimedia display allows you to choose from various driving settings, such as modes for snow/ice conditions and a Sport mode that marginally increases the sensitivity of the steering and gas pedal. The most significant change when you switch to Sport mode is aural; a deep, turbo-like whistle noise is artificially enhanced through the interior speakers. Luckily, you have the option to customize these features to create your own preferred My Mode.
The entertainment and information system is a major highlight. It’s almost identical to what General Motors is introducing in its other gas-powered vehicles, but with added elements for electric vehicles. Notably, it’s the first to eliminate compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, marking a distinct change.
GM has developed the interface using the Android Automotive OS, incorporating „Google Built-in“ which integrates Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play Store as built-in applications operating within the car.
Ryan Buffa, who oversees digital business strategy at GM, points out that there is typically a delay when projecting apps from phones, and vehicle information such as charge status or distance left to travel isn’t consolidated. As a solution, GM is introducing Google Built-In which provides a unified interface, eliminating the need for switching between systems.
It should be mentioned that despite the system being fast and efficient, we encountered multiple glitches during our test drive of the Blazer EV, including a recurring issue with a blank screen when adjusting the one-pedal settings. GM has acknowledged this problem and assured that a solution is forthcoming.
2024 Chevy Blazer Electric Vehicle
The Chevrolet Blazer EV comes equipped with charging preparation and integrated navigation for electric vehicle routes. When trialing certain destinations, the system seemed fully operational, providing recommended charging stations en route. Buffa confirmed that it utilizes data regarding the energy capacity of each stop to inform its routing decisions.
In addition, GM has introduced a pair of methods to activate preconditioning (which heats the battery to optimize its fast-charging capability): it can be triggered automatically when planning a route, or by pressing a dedicated button within the system’s interface. The implementation is straightforward and seamlessly incorporated.
The route planning feature for the Blazer EV will factor in the preference for roads equipped with Super Cruise technology, enabling a blend of this advanced feature with the necessary charging stops during your journey.
The automobile manufacturer specifies that the larger battery option can rapidly power up at rates reaching 190 kilowatts while the smaller option caps at 150 kilowatts. This means approximately 78 miles of driving range can be replenished in just ten minutes with the bigger battery. The charging port is situated on the front side panel of the vehicle, and currently, it’s equipped with a CCS connection rather than a NACS.
2024 Chevy Blazer Electric Vehicle
The Blazer EV comes equipped with both a heat pump to enhance driving range in colder climates and the capability for bidirectional charging. General Motors has confirmed that these features, based on its Ultium EV platform, will indeed be included. Additionally, GM has announced that by next year, its GM Energy system will enable the Blazer EV to supply up to 9.6 kW of power for home backup purposes. Furthermore, the vehicle has the ability to charge at a rate of up to 11.5 kW.
The Chevrolet Blazer Electric Vehicle performs well. However, justifying the purchase of the RS versions that I tested is difficult. They have a price point just above the $58,590 Cadillac Lyriq. Considering that the Lyriq is a closely related vehicle that excels in daily driving performance, offers a more serene cabin, and comes with superior seating, it presents a challenge for the Blazer EV RS models.
The soon-to-be-released Chevy Equinox EV, priced at $34,995, along with the Honda Prologue, are set to offer some internal rivalry. Interestingly, both will be manufactured at the identical factory in Mexico that produces the Blazer EV.
GM seems to have positioned the Blazer EV effectively due to the absence of significant competition, or because competitors are either traditional gas-powered vehicles or high-end models. There’s an urgent need for GM to increase the sales and distribution of the Blazer EV and other truly market-competitive electric vehicles.
Green Car Reports was able to provide this direct account thanks to GM, who took care of the transportation and accommodation costs.
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