Chevrolet started a trend of using a separate platform for its alternative-energy vehicles going all the way back to the introduction of its first hybrid: the Volt. It seemed like Chevy’s designers and engineers wanted to create a separate lineup of vehicles that were distinct from the ones they used for conventional gas engines. We can see this with the Chevy Bolt EV and EUV, which are entirely separate vehicles with no similar gas-engine models. However, with the 2024 Chevy Blazer EV, it seems like the folks at Chevrolet have decided to begin rolling out a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) version of their most popular models, starting with the midsize Blazer SUV. This model will be joined by BEV versions of the Equinox compact SUV and the Silverado full-size truck in 2024.
This is similar to the approach that Chevy took when it began to offer hybrid powertrains on some of its more popular models after developing the technology with the Volt. Now, Chevy is leveraging GM’s Ultium platform to begin delivering BEV versions of its most popular models. The Blazer is a natural choice as it has stood out among Chevy SUVs, providing motorists with a midsize model that is fun to drive while comfortably seating up to five passengers.
Tapping Into the Power of Ultium
The 2024 Chevy Blazer EV is built using the Ultium platform, which consists of battery cells located in the lower frame of the vehicle. This design shields the battery cells from damage, as the frame is the toughest part of the vehicle. It also frees up space in the vehicle’s interior, providing you with more passenger space and cargo capacity than was found in BEVs with batteries located behind the back seat. This architecture allows for weight to be more evenly distributed throughout the vehicle, which improves handling, and the Ultium design makes it easier to service its battery cells.
The Blazer EV will feature numerous drive-type configurations. Some models will have one electric motor located on the forward axle to deliver Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), while others will have one to power the rear axle, giving you Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) performance. Finally, some models will feature two electric motors, one for each axle, giving you electric All-Wheel Drive (eAWD) capability.
The Blazer EV Heats up With Four Available Trims
Chevy has taken an interesting approach to the 2024 Chevy Blazer EV: it has chosen four different trims with decidedly different approaches to performance and style. This allows you to choose the Blazer EV that best fits your needs. Moreover, this is reflected in pricing with drivers paying more for a higher trim of the Blazer EV to get improved performance. Still, you get sporty, aerodynamic lines on whichever trim you choose. As Chevrolet Design’s executive director Phil Zak makes clear, “The Blazer EV’s design evokes the same sort of emotional response as Chevy’s performance cars.”
The entry-level Blazer EV 1LT has a single electric motor powering the front axle, for FWD, and an estimated range of 247 miles from a full charge of its battery pack. If you go one trim level up to the Blazer EV 2LT, you get a range of 293 miles from a full charge. In addition, you can opt for a twin-motor eAWD setup on the 2LT. Both the 1LT and 2LT ride on a set of 19-inch wheels and they feature a gorgeous solid, monochromatic look.
The 2024 Chevy Blazer EV RS is the model that offers you the greatest range. While it comes with FWD, you can opt for available RWD or eAWD on the RS trim, letting you get the kind of performance you want. If you choose an RWD model, then you get up to 320 miles of estimated range from a full charge. This is why this may turn out to be the model of choice for drivers who want to take their Blazer EV models out on long road trips. The Blazer EV RS rides on a set of 21-inch wheels and it looks sportier thanks to a distinctive black grille and black accents throughout the exterior to truly bring out whichever exterior color you choose.
The final model is the Blazer EV SS, which has been designed to deliver performance and acceleration that is unmatched by the other three models. As Chevy vice president Scott Bell explains, “The Blazer EV SS has the soul of a true sports car. And while it represents the pinnacle of performance for Chevy’s EV lineup, all models offer stirring capabilities that will surprise and delight true performance devotees.” The Blazer EV SS provides up to 557 hp and 648 lb-ft of torque courtesy of its twin motors. As a result, Chevy estimates that the Blazer EV SS can go from 0 to 60 mph in under 4.0 seconds when utilizing the Wide Open Watts performance mode. If you want to dial back the speedometer a little, then you can get up to an estimated 290 miles of range from a full charge. The SS also has the most unique look of the four trims, with a two-tone paint job, a black roof, and a trim-exclusive front grille.
Charging Made Easy
One of the best features of the 2024 Blazer EV is its standard 11.5 kW onboard charger, which makes keeping the Ultium battery charged easier than ever. If you want to charge the Blazer EV overnight, simply plug it into your home’s power source. There is Level 1 charging for homes with 120 volts and Level 2 charging if you have 240 volts for a faster charge. If you’re out on the road, you can keep the battery on the Blazer EV topped up at any of 40,000 DC Fast Charging stations across the country. GM estimates that you can get up to 78 miles of range with just 10 minutes at a DC Fast Charging station.
Plenty of Blazing Benefits
Chevrolet is signaling to the market that it has real faith in its new lineup of BEVs by including several novel benefits for buyers who purchase a 2024 Chevy Blazer EV. For example, the Blazer EV comes with an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty on the electrical propulsion components, including the Ultium battery pack. This is in addition to the standard bumper-to-bumper limited warranty that comes with all new Chevy models.
The BEV battery warranty is significantly longer than the powertrain limited warranty that Chevy includes with its conventional gas and diesel engine models, which runs for five years or 60,000 miles. This shows that Chevy has confidence that the electrical motor, battery, and other parts that power the Blazer EV will stand the test of time. Finally, Chevy is including the myChevrolet Mobile App with Energy Assist for owners of new 2024 Chevy Blazer EV models to help you locate your nearest DC Fast Charging Station when you’re out on the road.
The 2024 Blazer EV Is Hot Stuff!
Chevy has taken an interesting approach to the 2024 Blazer EV, allowing you to choose between four different trims that will give you unique exterior looks and differing performance for your vehicle. Still, no matter which one you choose, you’ll have the benefit of charging up across the country or in the comfort of your own home. You’ll also have the savings afforded by no longer being dependent on the price of gasoline and the exhilarating power of all-electric instant torque. The style of the 2024 Chevy Blazer EV sets it apart from the pack. Nevertheless, it still gives you the benefits afforded by a midsize SUV, with a roomy interior for up to five passengers, and a driving experience engineered to set motorists’ hearts on fire.
