The Blazer EV is a jack of all trades because it gives a efficiency variant in addition to front-, rear-, and all-wheel drive
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The electrical revolution has hit just a few hindrances, however the parade of recent fashions continues. One of many newest is the Chevrolet Blazer EV and it’s designed to win over non-believers.
So what makes the mannequin attention-grabbing? The corporate’s resolution to keep away from a one-size-fits-all method. This leads to a singular crossover that provides front-, rear-, and all-wheel drive in addition to a efficiency variant and a variety of as much as 324 miles (521 km).
That’s simply scratching the floor, however there’s a Blazer EV for everybody. On prime of that, the mannequin has mainstream attraction because it appears good, drives properly, and doesn’t attempt to be completely different only for the sake of it.
FAST FACTS
An Electrical Crossover That Really Seems Like A Crossover
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Blazer EV RS RWD
Electrical car design is everywhere in the map as some are jellybeans, whereas others are hatchbacks masquerading as crossovers. The Blazer EV eschews each tendencies because it’s an electrical crossover that really appears like a crossover. That’s a refreshing growth and one we will simply get behind.
The look varies by trim, however the entry-level LT has a monochromatic look with 19-inch alloy wheels. We drove the sportier-looking RS, which is distinguished by black accents and bigger 21-inch wheels. Patrons may also discover extra LED lights in addition to choreographed lighting sequences whenever you method or go away the car.
Whereas there are refined styling variations between the three trims, all Blazer EVs have a completely enclosed grille and a rakish windscreen that flows right into a sloping roof. They’re joined by curvaceous bodywork, a dynamic beltline, and a powered charging port door that opens with a push.
When it comes to dimension, the crossover measures 192.2 inches (4,882 mm) lengthy, 78 inches (1,981 mm) huge, and 65 inches (1,651 mm) tall with a wheelbase that spans 121.8 inches (3,094 mm). Apart from being bigger than its ICE-powered counterpart, the Blazer EV is 6.6 inches (168 mm) longer than the Ford Mustang Mach-E and has an additional 4.3 inches (109 mm) between the wheels.
It’s additionally price mentioning the Blazer EV RS AWD has 7.9 inches (201 mm) of floor clearance, which is 2.1 inches (53 mm) greater than the Mustang Mach-E and 1.8 inches (46 mm) greater than the Kia EV6. This helps to elucidate why the mannequin appears and appears like a correct crossover.
An Upscale And Spacious Inside
Blazer EV RS AWD
Whereas some EVs strive too laborious to be completely different, Chevrolet properly prevented this error as prospects will discover a trendy and upscale inside. The outcomes converse for themselves because the RS variant gives a classy two-tone design with spectacular consideration to element.
Drivers sit behind a flat-bottomed steering wheel and discover themselves an 11-inch digital instrument cluster with an assortment of shows. These vary from comparatively fundamental to a full map view.
To the correct is a 17.7-inch infotainment system with Google built-in. It’s pretty intuitive and consists of Google Maps, however a number of settings are buried together with the drive mode selector. Even one thing as mundane as switching between seat heating and air flow takes an additional step.
On the intense aspect, there are devoted shortcuts for the headlights and the one-pedal driving mode. There are additionally a handful of bodily controls for adjusting the local weather management system and quantity.
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Placing shows apart, the cabin is notable for that includes metallic accents, turbine-style air vents, and padded touchpoints. They’re joined by gloss black trim and properly appointed door panels. Whereas these components aren’t exceptional by themselves, they mix to raise the cabin and make it really feel worthy of the value level.
The excellent news doesn’t finish there as designers put in two deep storage compartments within the heart console. They’re joined by a wi-fi smartphone charger, which has a grippy sample that might really feel at house in a Mercedes.
Whereas the cabin appears nice at first look, you’ll be introduced again to actuality by mediocre plastics that populate the decrease door panels and dashboard. The cargo compartment can also be relatively fundamental and also you received’t discover power-folding rear seats at the same time as an choice.
There’s loads of room up entrance and the seats have been completely comfy on a trek up the Laguna mountain vary. The crossover’s dimension additionally pays huge dividends for rear-seat passengers as they’ll discover 38.9 inches (988 mm) of legroom. That’s practically an inch greater than within the Mustang Mach-E and this 6′ 2″ scribe didn’t have any drawback getting comfy within the again.
Talking of area, the crossover has a cargo capability of 59.8 cubic ft (1,693 liters). That’s just about similar to the electrical pony automobile, however each path the Tesla Mannequin Y by a major margin.
When it comes to tools, the LT2 AWD has heated entrance seats which are wrapped in a leather-like Evotex materials. Different highlights embody a heated leatherette steering wheel, a wi-fi smartphone charger, an influence liftgate, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Patrons may also discover automated local weather management, a six-speaker audio system, and passive entry.
On the security entrance, there’s a number of driver help programs together with Adaptive Cruise Management, Computerized Emergency Braking, and Rear Cross Site visitors Braking. The mannequin additionally has IntelliBeam headlights, Blind Zone Steering Help, and Lane Hold Help with Lane Departure Warning.
The RS is analogous however provides a head-up show, heated and ventilated entrance seats, heated rear seats, and an ambient lighting system. There are additionally extra security options together with a rear digicam mirror and an HD Encompass Imaginative and prescient system.
A Powertrain For Everybody
The Blazer EV lineup will get just a little sophisticated, however we drove rear- and all-wheel drive variants.
The RS RWD prices $61,790 and has a 102 kWh battery pack, which gives an EPA-estimated vary of 324 miles (521 km). The battery powers a rear-mounted motor producing 340 hp (254 kW / 345 PS) and 325 lb-ft (440 Nm) of torque. When it comes time to recharge, a 190 kW DC fast-charging functionality permits the crossover to get roughly 78 miles (126 km) of vary in as little as 10 minutes.
The $60,215 RS AWD has a dual-motor all-wheel drive system with 288 hp (215 kW / 292 PS) and 333 lb-ft (451 Nm) of torque. That isn’t the one change because the mannequin has a smaller 85 kWh battery pack, which reduces the vary to 279 miles (449 km) whereas additionally decreasing the quick charging functionality to 150 kW.
The identical powertrain may be discovered within the 2LT AWD, which begins at $56,715. The trim may also be provided with front-wheel drive and we will anticipate to study extra about that model quickly.
Talking of future variants, the Blazer EV SS will arrive subsequent spring to battle the Mustang Mach-E GT. It is going to come geared up with a sport-tuned suspension, Brembo brakes, and a 102 kWh battery pack.
Extra importantly, the crossover may have a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system growing 557 hp (415 kW / 565 PS) and 648 lb-ft (878 Nm) of torque. It will allow the mannequin to speed up from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in lower than 4 seconds when utilizing Large Open Watts (WOW) mode.
A Comfy Crossover That Doesn’t Rock The Boat
Blazer EV RS AWD
The Blazer EV is designed to win over mainstream customers, so it’s not shocking that the mannequin drives like a conventional crossover.
The Ultium-based EV has an impartial entrance and rear suspension, which is concentrated on consolation and simply handles minor street imperfections. Whereas the crossover remained composed on twisty mountain roads, it weighs between 5,337-5,591 lbs (2,421-2,536 kg) and also you’ll be reminded of that reality should you strive pushing issues just a little too far.
Comfy can be utilized to explain extra than simply the trip because the cabin is hushed except for the hum of the electrical motor(s). Nevertheless, the pedestrian warning system is pretty loud and may change into tiresome at low speeds.
The driving expertise may be fine-tuned by choosing between Regular, Sport, Snow/Ice, and My Mode. The variations are pretty pronounced because the steering is gentle in Regular mode whereas Sport mode provides some much-needed heft.
Probably the most notable setting is My Mode, which permits drivers to pick out their preferences for acceleration, braking, and steering. They’ll additionally modify the “motor sound,” and lots of drivers will seemingly need to flip it off altogether.
Talking of issues that aren’t for everybody, the Blazer has a one-pedal driving mode that begins to gradual the car as quickly as you raise off the accelerator. Drivers will get used to it with time, however they’ll keep away from it altogether.
On the subject of braking, there’s a Regen on Demand paddle on the left aspect of the steering wheel. You merely pull it again and the regenerative braking system springs into motion to gradual the car.
As for the brakes themselves, they’d no drawback coping with the crossover’s substantial weight. In addition they appear to generate fairly a little bit of juice as we gained roughly 15 miles (24 km) of vary coming down the mountain and that’s not even factoring within the distance traveled whereas doing it.
Sadly, it’s not all excellent news because the Blazer EV RS AWD has a towing capability of 1,500 lbs (680 kg). That’s 2,000 lbs (907 kg) lower than the Mannequin Y and 800 lbs (363 kg) lower than the Hyundai Ioniq 5.
Efficiency is so-so as neither variant is especially quick or partaking. The expertise within the all-wheel drive mannequin is downright anticlimactic because it’s heavier and fewer highly effective than the Mustang Mach-E.
The distinction is relatively stark as the electrical pony automobile has an additional 58 hp (43 kW / 59 PS) and 95 lb-ft (129 Nm) of torque when geared up with Ford’s extended-range battery. That being mentioned, the rear-wheel drive variant has extra energy than rivals from Ford, Hyundai, and Kia.
All of this provides as much as a driving expertise that’s comfy, quiet, and type of uninteresting. There’s nothing incorrect with that, however I hoped for one thing extra partaking, particularly after driving the Cadillac Lyriq final 12 months.
A Crossover That’s Extra Than The Sum Of Its Components
The Blazer EV isn’t excellent, however it appears good and has an upscale inside with loads of area. Patrons may also discover a huge 17.7-inch infotainment system that appears like a smartphone because of Google integration.
Whereas efficiency is solely enough, ranges of 279 and 324 miles (449 and 521 km) are inconceivable to disregard. Tremendous Cruise can also be coming quickly and it’ll enable for hands-free operation on greater than 400,000 miles (643,738 km) of street in the US and Canada.
Pricing isn’t too shabby both when you think about the crossover qualifies for the $7,500 federal tax credit score. This implies you will get a well-equipped LT2 AWD for $50,210. If that’s an excessive amount of, the Equinox EV will begin at $34,995 earlier than incentives.
All informed, the Blazer EV is a well-rounded car that scores loads of hits however not many house runs. That may sound like faint reward, however it’s a profitable mixture and one that can make going electrical straightforward for an usually skeptical public.
