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Chevrolet is getting serious about its EV initiative, with affordable options like the Bolt EUV and more showy offerings like the Silverado EV. But crossovers will be the primary money-making part of the automaker's future lineup, and the 2024 Blazer EV is the first of many to come. Chevrolet's main goal with the electric Blazer is to offer a different variant for every buyer, from the 557-horsepower SS performance version to the more affordable 1LT, and even a police cruiser.
In all, there are four trim levels, 1LT, 2LT, RS, and SS. The latter is the first performance variant ever offered on a Chevy EV when it launches in the fall of 2023, with exclusive design touches and boosted output. The mid-range 2LT and RS will arrive earlier that year, in the summer to be specific. However, more frugal customers will have to wait until the end of 2024 if they want the $44,995 1LT.
The Blazer EV sits low for a more athletic stance, while the very short overhangs help in making it appear longer. Styling may seem a little busy with the abundance of creases and intakes, but this undoubtedly separates it from the simpler Volkswagen ID.4 and Ford Mustang Mach E. Starting with the cheaper 1LT and 2LT, they feature monotone exterior paint and standard 19-inch wheels. The RS gets a bit sportier with black trim, a blackened grille instead of paint color, and larger 21-inch wheels. Finally, the SS adds a bespoke front fascia with more intakes and gloss black trim, even bigger 22-inch wheels, and a two-tone paint theme.
But the real star of the Blazer EV's styling is the lighting on the RS and SS trims, with an LED signature that spans the whole front end, extending into a dual-element design at the edges. In the middle, an illuminated bowtie emblem lets you know that this is, in fact, a Chevy. Additionally, the vehicle either welcomes you or bids you farewell with unique lighting sequences that activate as you come nearer. There is yet another light show when the Blazer EV is charging, showing the vehicle's state of charge on the front light bar. The sequence also speeds up and becomes more intense as the battery level increases.
The interior is also very impressive, with a sporty dashboard design that includes a flat-bottom steering wheel and Mercedes-esque circular air vents. The performance-geared SS adds sueded microfiber seats and red contrast stitching for an even more interesting look. You won't fail to notice the huge 17.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which is tilted towards the driver for easier access. Right beside it, an 11-inch instrument panel displays the more essential information directly in front of the driver. Of course, passengers will find the cabin very roomy, thanks to a flat floor, ample storage compartments, and a stretched wheelbase that allows for better legroom.
As the range-topping variants, the RS and SS offer some extra niceties inside, including heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear outboard seats, and customizable mood lighting. The RS also features bespoke red and blue contrast stitching.
Like every other EV, Chevrolet made sure to include tons of tech features that competitors don't offer. First of all, you'll find that there is no button to start the vehicle. No, it doesn't read your fingerprints or facial features. Simply push on the brake pedal with the key fob nearby and the Blazer EV silently whirrs to life. And when it comes time to charge the vehicle up, the charging port automatically opens when the door is pushed. Other notable features include a hands-free tailgate, built-in charging station locator on the MyChevy app, over-the-air updates, and optional Super Cruise semi-autonomous driving. Additionally, the Chevy Safety Assist suite of driver-assistance features comes as standard.
The Blazer EV will be known as Chevy's sportiest SUV, so potent performance is very important. It all starts with GM's Ultium battery architecture, which will enable front-wheel, rear-wheel, or all-wheel drive systems. The battery pack sits low to the ground, allowing for an equally low center of gravity and improved stability. Independent front and rear suspensions also make the ride more comfortable for all passengers, as well as more responsive handling at the wheel.
For charging at home or in public, there is an onboard 11.5 kW AC charger for easy access anywhere. DC fast-charging is bumped up to 190 kW, adding 78 miles of range every 10 minutes. Total range can reach an estimated 320 miles on a full charge.
The pinnacle of Blazer EV performance is found in the SS performance trim, which features a unique AWD propulsion setup that produces 557 horsepower and 648 lb-ft of torque. This power output is the most of any Blazer EV. Enabling WOW mode (Chevy's take on GMC's WTF) blasts the electric crossover from 0 to 60 in just under 4 seconds, according to GM.
The Chevy Blazer EV aims to bring the all-electric experience to more customers than ever, with attractive amounts of interior space, exciting performance, and competitive range. The 2LT and RS will be the first to arrive, coming to dealers next summer with respective starting prices of $47,595 and $51,995. In fall of 2023, the more extravagant SS will show up with an asking price of $65,995. In 2024, the Blazer EV police cruiser will launch in the first quarter, followed by the $44,995 1LT base trim.
Blazer EV SS or Mustang Mach-E GT?
Images: Chevrolet
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