GM has launched a smattering of EVs previously two years: the GMC Hummer SUV and its companion pickup truck, the Cadillac Lyriq and the Silverado EV pickup truck. However to date, none of them have had the success of the cheaper, smaller Chevy Bolt, the wedge-like all-electric hatchback that debuted practically eight years in the past.
To say the strain is on for GM and the brand new Chevrolet Blazer EV — a automobile designed to satiate People’ endless appetites for SUVs — is a little bit of an understatement. The load of GM’s EV success doesn’t relaxation completely on the all-electric midsize SUV; the upcoming Chevrolet Equinox EV, GMC Sierra pickup and Cadillac Escalade IQ, all of that are anticipated in 2024, share that burden.
Nonetheless, the Chevrolet Blazer EV is a crucial check piece for GM and Chair and CEO Mary Barra’s Ultium platform, the brand new electrical structure and accompanying Ultifi software program first revealed in 2020 that’s the basis of the automaker’s EV plans.
TechCrunch not too long ago drove out to San Diego to check the Chevrolet Blazer EV. The upshot? The Chevy Blazer EV hits loads of the correct notes from the outside design and inside touches to the person interface on its infotainment system and a well-planted drive. There aren’t any egregious missteps both, though some would possibly put eliminating Apple CarPlay and Android Auto into that camp. And fortunately, Chevy has designed and produced a fully regular SUV — a welcome reduction from the string of novelty EVs which have come in the marketplace in recent times.
The large miss is the higher-than-expected price ticket. Whereas Chevrolet has mentioned its least expensive model, the front-wheel drive LT trim, might be priced underneath $50,000, the opposite variations begin at $56,715, $60,215 and $61,790 with the costliest SS mannequin not even introduced but.
That value vary leaves me with this punchline: despite all of its wins, the Blazer EV, which is meant to be a quantity vendor, is just too costly for what it provides.
Nuts and bolts
Picture Credit: GM
First, the specs. The Chevy Blazer EV might be provided in three trims: the LT, RS and efficiency SS. The Chevy Blazer EV RS trim in all-wheel drive is already in manufacturing at GM’s manufacturing facility in Ramos Arizpe, Mexico. The LT all-wheel and RS rear-wheel drive variations are anticipated to enter manufacturing within the “coming weeks” with others following later within the 12 months, in response to the corporate.
If this appears like loads of decisions, you’re proper. Chevrolet is providing a great deal of choices. A purchaser not solely has three trims to select from — luxurious (LT), rally sport (RS) and tremendous sport (SS) — there are additionally two completely different 400-volt battery pack sizes and a alternative between entrance, rear and all-wheel drive choices.
The large unanswered query is whether or not this can thrill or overwhelm shoppers?
Chevrolet has couched the head-spinning variety of configurations as a aggressive benefit that buyers will reply to, in distinction to Tesla, which has taken the EV gross sales lead with a less-is-more enterprise mannequin. From the skin, it could possibly be construed that Chevrolet is providing all of those choices as a result of it isn’t clear on what shoppers truly need. If that’s the case, I’d count on these decisions to turn out to be extra restricted sooner or later as Chevrolet properties in on what shoppers are shopping for.
The press drive held in San Diego put reporters behind the wheel of the rear-wheel and all-wheel drive variations of the Chevy Blazer EV RS trim.
The RWD RS outfitted with a 102 kWh battery pack has an EPA licensed vary of 324 miles and a powertrain that gives 340 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. That RWD model, which has a bit extra pep in its step and longer vary, begins at $61,790. The RS AWD begins at $60,215.
A fast phrase in regards to the all-wheel drive powertrain, which is notably branded eAWD. On this powertrain, there’s a 241-horsepower permanent-magnet synchronous motor that powers the entrance wheels and a 90-horsepower induction motor on the rear axle. That rear motor isn’t working on a regular basis. As an alternative, prospects ought to consider this as an assistant motor that steps in if the roads are slippery or as they hit the accelerator.
Chevy Blazer EV: Like, love and detest
Picture Credit: Kirsten Korosec
Chevrolet, or extra like its mother or father GM, made a strategic determination with this midsize SUV when it determined to present it the Blazer badge. In any case, the gas-powered Blazer lineup nonetheless very a lot exists and can share the identical seller ground house. The identify, nonetheless, is the place the similarities finish, with maybe the exception of getting virtually similar lengths.
All of it diverges from there. The Blazer EV has an extended 121.8-inch wheelbase — practically 10 inches longer than the ICE model — and it’s a skosh wider too. These specs mixed with a decrease roofline and athletic stance give the Chevy Blazer EV a sleeker look than its gas-powered cousin.
There’s a lot to love, and even love, in regards to the Chevy Blazer EV. Detest? Perhaps one or two objects made my checklist.
Opinions on the outside will probably fluctuate; Right here at TechCrunch it’s secure to say some of us hated it. However you must give GM credit score for giving the Chevy Blazer EV a character with some standout exterior options that hold it from trying like one more homogeneous Vitamin E pill-shaped nugget. The automobile is obtainable in eight colours with the “radiant purple metallic” and “galaxy gray metallic” because the choices that greatest spotlight the curves and edges of the Blazer EV.
Notably, the automaker does this with out making the Blazer EV appear to be a novelty automobile. That edgy-without-being-silly vibe continues into the cabin — a spot the place the automobile actually shines with just a few exceptions.
Chevrolet makes the a lot of the Blazer EV’s large stance, a choice that leaves the driving force and its passengers with loads of room; together with 59.8 cubic ft of rear cargo house. That roomy, spacious really feel even extends to the seats themselves. Whereas the seats weren’t essentially the most comfy I’ve ever skilled, they’re clearly designed to suit a spread of shapes and sizes.
Picture Credit: GM
As soon as contained in the Blazer EV, prospects gained’t have the ability to miss the big 17.7-inch central touchscreen and the 11-inch instrument cluster positioned instantly behind the steering wheel. A automobile with a big touchscreen doesn’t imply that there’s functioning software program or that’s it’s straightforward to make use of. Fortunately, the Blazer EV, the primary Chevy automobile with the Ultifi software program platform, will get a lot of the job carried out.
Let’s begin with the UX, or person expertise. The Chevrolet Blazer EV has a mixture of bodily knobs and buttons together with that large ol’ touchscreen. Chevy nails the steadiness between these choices and there’s loads of overlap for many who solely wish to use the touchscreen to function the HVAC and different options.
My favourite options: a big bodily knob is connected to the touchscreen (considerably paying homage to the knob on the Ford Mustang Mach-E) and an icons on the far left of the display that act like shortcuts to one-pedal driving. There are literally a few these shortcut icons clustered collectively, however the one-pedal driving icon is by far essentially the most helpful.
Many, most not too long ago Ford CEO Jim Farley, have knocked GM for abandoning Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which initiatives a person’s cellphone to the middle display. My expertise behind the wheel and within the passenger seat left me much less cautious than earlier than.
The Chevy Blazer EV is supplied with Google Constructed-in, which is powered by its Android Automotive working system and integrates Google companies together with Google Maps and Google Assistant instantly into the automobile. The Google Play Retailer, YouTube and third-party apps akin to Spotify are additionally out there. This translate to pretty easy operations for the person and a much better expertise than what many different wonky infotainment methods supply. Though it ought to be famous that at first of my drive I needed to swap out automobiles as a result of a software program bug that didn’t permit entry to any of these options. This ought to be mounted with a software program replace and hopefully gained’t be a lingering challenge.
As for these misses: the operation of the inventory to shift into impartial, drive and reverse is awkward and the “sport” mode is, properly not precisely sporty. Despite the littlest of additional oomphs off the road, there didn’t seem like any distinction from the traditional drive choice known as “tour.” The Chevy Blazer EV RS doesn’t have managed or lively suspension, which implies switching between modes doesn’t change the journey really feel. The steering suggestions was additionally lower than inspiring within the RS.
That may appear fairly choosy contemplating all the automobile’s wins. However for any automobile priced above $60,000 expectations ought to be excessive.
