GM’s answer to the growing lineup of electric crossovers is here officially with the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV. No, it’s in no way related to the gas-powered Blazer currently on sale, but it shares a similar zing to its design language. Chevy tells us it went for the Blazer EV name largely because of its brand awareness, but also because one day the gasoline-powered Blazer could be phased out. GM suggests that when that day comes, the Blazer EV would transition to simply being called “Blazer.”
Prior to this full reveal, we were shown a visual preview of the Ultium platform-based SS model, but specs were sparse. Today we have a small tranche to share, but GM is still holding back some essentials as it develops the car. Starting with the premium SS performance model, Chevy promises 557 horsepower and 648 pound-feet of torque from the dual-motor performance all-wheel-drive setup. There is no official 0-60 mph time yet, but GM says it will be less than 4 seconds in Wide Open Watts (WOW) mode. The SS also gets a performance braking system with Brembos up front, “track-tuned” suspension and standard summer tires that wrap 22-inch wheels — all-season tires are optional. The range for the SS is estimated to be approximately 290 miles. Of course, the SS looks the most aggressive of all the Blazer EV trims, as it has a two-tone look and unique performance styling all around.
Think of the SS as the equivalent of a Ford Mustang Mach-E GT model. It’s the high-performance variant of what is otherwise a very regular crossover. Even the price is comparable to a Mach-E GT – GM estimates a starting price of $65,995, but defines that as an estimate and not a final price.
As for the regular Blazer EV, you can choose between three different non-SS trim levels: 1LT (shown in gray above), 2LT and RS. The trim levels come with different drive and battery configurations, some of which offer multiple options. Stick to the basic 1LT and front wheel drive (from a single front engine) is the only option. Power figures for any trim outside the SS are not yet available. The 1LT comes with the smallest battery pack (GM isn’t talking about the battery pack specs yet) that GM estimates offer a range of 247 miles — the vehicle isn’t EPA rated yet, though, so that’s an approximation. The front drive only 1LT also comes with the lowest power electric motor. Chevy says the 1LT will start around $44,995.
All Blazer EV models offer the same charging technology. High charging speeds reach a peak of 190 kW, which GM says can deliver a range of 130 kilometers in 10 minutes. Level 2 charging accepts a charging rate of 11.5 kW.
If you switch to the 2LT, then front-wheel drive (with the same engine as the 1LT) remains standard, but a two-engine four-wheel drive system (not the performance AWD from the SS) is optionally available. The 2LT can be used with a medium battery pack with a range of up to 493 miles. A base 2LT model will cost about $47,595 when it launches.
Jump up to the RS trim (shown above in white), and things get complicated. The entry-level RS still comes with low-power front-wheel drive, but gets the medium battery and costs $51,995. However, you can opt for a large (larger than the medium) battery pack model that comes standard with rear-wheel drive. The rear-wheel-drive RS gets a different, more powerful engine than the front-wheel-drive Blazer EV. In addition, you can specify the RS trim with the dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup that is optional on the 2LT. The maximum range for the RS is 320 miles, making it the trim with the theoretically longest range. Unfortunately, we don’t have output figures for these different versions yet, but we expect the Blazer EV to follow a similar pattern to other EVs. The two-motor four-wheel drive versions will have the most power and acceleration, while the single-motor versions offer the maximum range with their respective battery packs. Specifying the “comfort and convenience” packages on the RS or 2LT unlocks the 1,500-pound towing capacity that the Blazer EV offers, but it’s only available on these models.
You also get some features/tech extras with the RS model. On top of the 2LT you get 21-inch wheels (standard 19), a power-operated (hands-free) tailgate, a center light bar with an illuminated bow tie, contrast stitching in the interior, heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel.
Every Blazer EV has a solid amount of technology, regardless of the equipment. As standard equipment, you get a huge 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen and an 11-inch digital instrument cluster. That infotainment system comes with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and GM’s EV route planning technology. Single-pedal drive is standard and all finishes get a powered loading gate door that opens and closes when pressed. All models get a huge panoramic glass roof with a sunshade if you prefer not to let the sun in. Super Cruise is available as an option in most trim levels, but standard on the SS. The rear-view camera mirror you’d find in many GM products comes standard, and a head-up display is optional.
In terms of size, the Blazer EV looks like it fits in a similar bucket to the gas-powered Blazer. However, the EV platform allows for a flat floor, making the rear seats even more usable without a tunnel. The tapered roofline could result in a cargo area that is partially compromised, but it still looks quite large. For frunk fans out there, we’re sorry to report that no frunk is available. GM used the space for other vehicle vitals rather than cargo. When we asked, GM said it prioritized cabin space over a larger front end and full storage space.
Like other GM electric vehicles, the Blazer EV is rolling out trim by trim. Both the 2LT and RS models will first go on sale in the summer of 2023. The SS will follow in the fall of 2023 and the base 1LT will hit the market in the first quarter of 2024. Despite the staggered launch, GM promises that every version of Blazer EV will be offered within the 2024 model year. Production will take place at the gasoline-powered Blazer plant in Ramos Arizpe, Mexico, and reservations for the Blazer EV are starting now.
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