Yahoo Autos 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV Preview: Electric SUV includes 557-hp SS
GM’s answer to the growing array of electric crossovers is officially here with the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV. No, it’s not in any way related to the gasoline-powered Blazer currently on sale, but it shares a similar spunk in its design language. Chevy tells us it largely went for the Blazer EV name due to name recognition, but also because one day, the gasoline-powered Blazer could be phased out. GM suggests that when that day arrives, the Blazer EV would transition to simply being called “Blazer.”
We got to see a visual preview of the Ultium platform-based SS model’s design prior to this full reveal, but specs were slim to come by. Today, we have a small tranche to share, but GM is still holding back on a number of vitals as it continues to develop the car. Starting with the top-of-the-line SS performance model, Chevy promises 557 horsepower and 648 pound-feet of torque from the dual-motor performance all-wheel-drive setup. There’s no official 0-60 mph time yet, but GM says it will be under 4 seconds when in Wide Open Watts (WOW) mode. The SS also gets a performance braking system with Brembos up front, a “track-tuned” suspension and standard summer performance tires wrapping 22-inch wheels — all-season tires will be optional. Range for the SS is estimated to be approximately 290 miles. Of course, the SS is the most aggressive looking of all the Blazer EV trims, as it features a two-tone look and unique performance styling all around it.
Think of the SS as the equivalent of a Ford Mustang Mach-E GT model. It’s the high-performance variant of what is otherwise a very regular crossover. Even the price is similar to that of a Mach-E GT — GM estimates a $65,995 starting price, but defines that as an estimate and not a final price.
As for the regular Blazer EV, you can choose between three different non-SS trim levels: 1LT (pictured in gray above), 2LT and RS. The trim levels come with various drive and battery configurations, with some offering multiple options. Stick with the base 1LT, and front-wheel drive (from a single front motor) is the only option. Power figures for any trim outside of the SS are not available yet. The 1LT comes with the smallest battery pack (GM isn’t talking battery pack size specifics yet) that provides 247 miles of range, according to GM’s estimates — the vehicle is not yet EPA-rated, though, so that’s an approximation. The front-drive-only 1LT also comes with the lowest-power electric motor. Chevy says the 1LT will start around $44,995.
All Blazer EV models offer the same charging technology. Fast charging speeds peak at 190 kW, which GM claims can provide 78 miles of range in 10 minutes. Level 2 charging accepts a charge speed of 11.5 kW.
If you step up to the 2LT, front-wheel drive (with the same motor as the 1LT) remains standard, but a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system (not the performance AWD from the SS) is optionally available. The 2LT can be had with a medium size battery pack that maxes out at 293 miles of range. A base 2LT model will be about $47,595 when it launches.
