First Drive of Chevrolet’s All-New Electric SUV
The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV is rolling-out to dealers across North America in what should be a popular reinvented SUV for the brand. To get the word out, Chevrolet invited the automotive press to Southern California to experience driving the 2024 Blazer EV from the beaches in Del Mar to the 6,273’ Mount Laguna in what turned-out to be a good test of power, handling and ride.
Choices
The 2024 Blazer EV was developed from the ground-up as a fully electric SUV using the Ultium batteries and platform. Built in Ramos Arizpe, Mexico, alongside the gasoline-powered Blazer, owners will have the choice of front (FWD), rear (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) along with power options.
There are three Blazer EV trims—LT, RS, and SS.
LT
eAWD
288 hp/333 lb.-ft. torque
85 kWh battery
150 kW DC Fast Charging: 69 miles in 10 minutes
279-mile EPA-estimated range
RS
RWD
340 hp/325 lb.-ft. torque
102 kWh battery
190 kW DC Fast Charging: 78 miles in 10 minutes
324-mile EPA-estimated range
eAWD (Permanent Non-Magnet AWD)
288 hp/333 lb.-ft. torque
85 kWh battery
150 kW DC Fast Charging: 69 miles in 10 minutes
279-mile EPA-estimated range
SS
pAWD (Permanent Magnet AWD)
557 hp/648 lb.-ft. torque
102 kWh battery
190 kW DC Fast Charging: 78 miles in 10 minutes
WOW Mode: Temporary blast of power delivers 0-60 in under 4-seconds
TBD: EPA-estimated range
Behind The Wheel
Journalists on the program were given 30 minutes in the Blazer EV RS RWD, then several hours in the Blazer EV RS AWD. We did not get seat time in the Blazer EV FWD or the SS AWD. The difference between the RWD and AWD Blazer EV is subtle but noticeable. The drive route designed by Chevrolet was chosen to demonstrate handling, ride, acceleration and braking, all of which both models handled well.
Testing the balance, the Blazer EV with rear-wheel drive took everything thrown at it, especially when it came to taking mountain corners faster than the posted limit. There was never a feeling of losing control. Once I got the feel for modulating the accelerator pedal, I set the one pedal driving with the regenerative braking at its highest level, and reaped smiles when negotiating curved mountain roads. When mastered, it is my preferred way to drive, letting the electric motors do the slowing and stopping, and rarely pressing on the brake pedal.
There are four driver-selectable drive modes–Tour (default), Sport, Snow/Ice and My Mode. Tour will get the best range, and Sport is when you want a bit more oomph, Snow/Ice is self-explanatory, but My Mode is one that allows the driver to be creative, programing in ride customization that includes handling, steering, braking and motor sound. Yes, Chevrolet has programmed-in motor sounds, as some people just can’t get used to driving a car with no engine sounds.
Why: Front, Rear, and All-Wheel Drive?
In speaking with one of the Chevrolet engineers about why the need to offer the Blazer EV in front, rear and all-wheel drive configurations, he responded it will depend on which part of the country it will be used. Those with wet and slick road conditions may go for front-wheel and all-wheel drive, while the drier parts may prefer rear- and all-wheel drive. Another consideration is the tow rating with the single motor (85 kWh battery) front- and rear-wheel drive models that are able to haul 3,500 pounds, while the dual motor (102 kWh battery) all-wheel drive is limited to 1,500 pounds.
I mentioned to the engineer the rear-wheel drive (which also has the longest range) felt well-balanced and was comfortable to drive, and would be the one I would select as almost all of my driving in Southern California is on dry roads. He concurred my choice, adding he lives in the Detroit area and found the rear-wheel drive to also be more than adequate in his weather extremes, which include snow. When visiting your local Chevrolet dealer speak with the sales representative about your traction options and needs for the Blazer EV.
Range and Charging
The different configurations and trims mean the driving range will vary, as shown above.
The 11.2 kW onboard charger is for Level 1 and 2 charging. For DC Fast Charging, the Blazer can charge at 150 kW. Regenerative braking (up to adjustable one pedal driving) takes kinetic energy when slowing or stopping and returns it to the battery.
Exterior and Interior
It may carry a Blazer badge, but there is very little to connect the all-new Blazer EV with its sibling gasoline-powered Blazer Clean Fleet Report reviewed here. There are similarities, as both have forward-looking exterior designs that take cues from the Corvette, but that is pretty much it. The Blazer EV is longer, lower and sportier, and has a sleek and modern design that doesn’t in the slightest way indicate it is propelled by electricity. It looks ‘normal’ for a SUV, but won’t blend with the pack. The lighting front and rear are unique and will be its hallmark design.
Sliding into the driver’s seat may at first cause a perplexed look as there is no Start button. Just press the brake pedal and the 11-inch driver information and the 17-inch infotainment screens come to life with bright colors and cool graphics. There is a lot of screen before you, but everything on it is easy to understand and navigate. The audio has FM/AM HD with SiriusXM and Android Auto and Google Built-in, but no Apple CarPlay. There is wireless phone charging and a Wi-Fi hotspot.
Seating is for five adults, with the flat rear floor giving 38.9-inches of leg room. The power front seats are heated and ventilated, with heated rear outboard seats on RS and SS.
The available Super Cruise, demonstrated here on the GMC Hummer EV, offers hands-free driving, including the ability to automatically change lanes.
Safety
The Blazer EV comes standard with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) through Chevrolet Safety Assist that include automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian braking, lane keep assist and departure warning, and forward collision alert.
As with all General Motors vehicles, the Blazer EV will be equipped with OnStar. A simple push of a button connects to a friendly representative to handle emergencies, directions and general assistance to make your driving experience safer and more enjoyable.
Pricing and Availability
The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer RS eAWD is on-sale now, priced starting around $60,215, including the destination charge. The LT eAWD will started about about $2,500 less while the RS RWD will begin at $1,500 more. The SS, which will likely cost more, is due next spring. Go to your local Chevrolet dealer or here for more information.
Observations: 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV
General Motors is on a roll, announcing several battery electric vehicles being built on the all-new, dedicated Ultium EV Platform. So far they have launched the 2023 GMC Hummer EV and Cadillac Lyriq EV; announced the Chevrolet Silverado EV and Chevrolet Equinox EV. These are all in the shadow of the Chevrolet Bolt and Bolt EUV, whose sales are up a whopping 55% since September 2022.
The Blazer EV is an important step for Chevrolet as all-electric vehicles expand from small cars into the wildly popular SUV category, and understand the challenges of converting current Blazer owners into buying an all-electric version.
Our take, after seeing it up close and getting some seat time, is it will be a fierce competitor for the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, Nissan Ariya, Volkswagen ID4, Subaru Solterra, Toyota BZ4X and Tesla Model Y. With three model options that will offer buyers choices of long range or performance, the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV should be a hit.
Make sure to opt-in to the Clean Fleet Report newsletter (top right of page) to be notified of all new stories and vehicle reviews, including a full report on its performance, charging speed, and driving range after having driven the Blazer EV.
Story by John Faulkner. Photos by John Faulkner and Chevrolet.
The post Flash Drive: 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV first appeared on Clean Fleet Report.
