The epic of the Chevrolet Blazer was quite one. Originally designed as a rival to the Ford Bronco with all its American ruggedness and its ability to climb steep trails, this iconic model has transformed into a mid-size utility by trading its backpacker weapons for practical conveniences and family comfort. Today, one of the most veteran models in GM’s history is embarking on the electric adventure with both feet, just like a large number of vehicles in the automaker’s catalog at the moment.
The Car Guide was in Los Angeles to discover the new Blazer EV 2024.
The specifications
The 2024 Blazer EV is based on GM’s Ultium platform, like the Cadillac LYRIQs. It will be offered in several configurations, including front-wheel-drive, rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models. The range will come in 1LT, 2LT, RS and SS variants.
Photo: Chevy
The SS name will also be affixed for the very first time to an electric vehicle of the brand. This Blazer SS will develop up to 564 horsepower and 648 lb-ft of torque thanks to a pair of electric motors. That’s when the WOW (Wide open Watts) function is activated. We can assume that this feature is inspired by the GMC Hummer EV’s canon WTF departure system… but with a more family-friendly acronym. Chevrolet claims that the Blazer EV SS can go from 0 to 96 km/h in less than 4.0 seconds – a figure that the Car guide will have to validate during our possible test.
The maximum range is estimated at 515 kilometers, but only on RS RWD models. All-wheel-drive models will likely post lower numbers. Anyway, it will be another evaluation criterion during our test, especially in the middle of winter.
Photo: Chevy
Among the limited information we received today is the fact that the Chevrolet Blazer EV will have a maximum fast charging capacity of 190 KW – depending on model, available charging infrastructure and weather conditions. This is higher than the Ford Mustang Mach-E, but lower than other EVs like the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Kia EV6. The Blazer EV will be able to draw 11kW from a Level 2 charger.
Finally, it will be equipped as standard with the one-pedal driving function to facilitate the regeneration of the battery while recovering the kinetic energy of the vehicle.
Photo: Chevy
Technology
The cabin of the 2024 Blazer EV welcomes its driver with a huge 17.7-inch screen, along with other available features like GM’s Super Cruise hands-free driving technology. The RS model will receive red stitching on its upholstery and throughout the cabin, while microfiber suede seats will be standard on the SS variant.
All models will come with heated seats and steering wheel as standard, but none of them will have a start button. The Blazer EV will instead have a hands-free system, where the driver only has to press the brake pedal after closing the door. Provided the remote is around, of course!
Photo: Chevy
Other cool features of the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV include the tailgate that opens automatically when the remote is recognized by the sensors on the back of the Blazer (no more one-foot stunts!), and a power-opening charging port door (like on a Tesla!).
In addition to the “civilian” models, the Blazer EV will be offered as a model Police Pursuit Vehicle (PPV) for police forces. Based on the Blazer SS model, the Blazer EV PPV inherits the largest battery in the range grafted on a pair of electric motors. This model will be armed with Brembo front brakes and feature an interior specifically designed for law enforcement.
Photo: Chevy
Price
Pricing-wise, the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV 2LT and RS will carry price tags of $59,148 and $63,848 respectively, and will go on sale in the summer of 2023. The performance SS variant will follow later in 2023, and will be priced from $83,548. The base 1LT model will go on sale in the first quarter of 2024, with a starting price of $54,548.
More details regarding performance, range and features for the full 2024 Blazer EV lineup are expected to follow in the coming months.