GM has launched a smattering of EVs prior to now 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 stress is on for GM and the brand new Chevrolet Blazer EV — a car designed to satiate Individuals’ unending appetites for SUVs — is a little bit of an understatement. The load of GM’s EV success doesn’t relaxation solely 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 essential take a look at 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 lately drove out to San Diego to check the Chevrolet Blazer EV. The upshot? The Chevy Blazer EV hits loads of the appropriate notes from the outside design and inside touches to the consumer interface on its infotainment system and a well-planted drive. There aren’t any egregious missteps both, though some may put eliminating Apple CarPlay and Android Auto into that camp. And fortunately, Chevy has designed and produced a completely regular SUV — a welcome reduction from the string of novelty EVs which have come available on the market in recent times.
The massive miss is the higher-than-expected price ticket. Whereas Chevrolet has mentioned its most cost-effective model, the front-wheel drive LT trim, might be priced below $50,000, the opposite variations begin at $56,715, $60,215 and $61,790 with the most costly 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 affords.
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 unit 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 yr, in line with the corporate.
If this appears like loads of selections, 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 selection between entrance, rear and all-wheel drive choices.
The massive 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 surface, it might be construed that Chevrolet is providing all of those choices as a result of it isn’t clear on what shoppers really need. If that’s the case, I’d count on these selections to change into 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 concerning 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 a substitute, 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 father or mother 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, concerning the Chevy Blazer EV. Detest? Possibly one or two gadgets made my record.
Opinions on the outside will doubtless fluctuate; Right here at TechCrunch it’s secure to say some of us hated it. However it’s important to give GM credit score for giving the Chevy Blazer EV a character with some standout exterior options that preserve it from trying like one more homogeneous Vitamin E pill-shaped nugget. The car is on the market 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 like a novelty automotive. That edgy-without-being-silly vibe continues into the cabin — a spot the place the car actually shines with just a few exceptions.
Chevrolet makes the a lot of the Blazer EV’s broad stance, a choice that leaves the motive 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 probably the most comfy I’ve ever skilled, they’re clearly designed to suit a variety of dimensions and shapes.
Picture Credit: GM
As soon as contained in the Blazer EV, prospects received’t be capable to miss the big 17.7-inch central touchscreen and the 11-inch instrument cluster positioned instantly behind the steering wheel. A car 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 car with the Ultifi software program platform, will get a lot of the job executed.
Let’s begin with the UX, or consumer expertise. The Chevrolet Blazer EV has a mix of bodily knobs and buttons together with that massive ol’ touchscreen. Chevy nails the stability between these choices and there’s loads of overlap for individuals 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 harking back to the knob on the Ford Mustang Mach-E) and an icons on the far left of the display screen 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 probably the most helpful.
Many, most lately Ford CEO Jim Farley, have knocked GM for abandoning Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which initiatives a consumer’s telephone to the middle display screen. 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 providers together with Google Maps and Google Assistant instantly into the car. The Google Play Retailer, YouTube and third-party apps equivalent to Spotify are additionally out there. This translate to pretty easy operations for the consumer and a much better expertise than what many different wonky infotainment techniques supply. Though it must be famous that to start with of my drive I needed to swap out autos on account of a software program bug that didn’t permit entry to any of these options. This must be fastened with a software program replace and hopefully received’t be a lingering subject.
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 possibility referred to as “tour.” The Chevy Blazer EV RS doesn’t have managed or lively suspension, which implies switching between modes doesn’t change the trip really feel. The steering suggestions was additionally lower than inspiring within the RS.
That may appear reasonably choosy contemplating all the car’s wins. However for any car priced above $60,000 expectations must be excessive.