General Motors’ Large Electric Vehicle Ambitions Center on the 2024 Blazer EV
General Motors has big ambitions for electric vehicles, and the 2024 Blazer EV is a crucial gear in the machine. This mid-sized two-row SUV is aimed at the heart of the electric vehicle market under the Chevy brand for the average American consumer. GM considers it the perfect electric vehicle for the average American and expects to sell it in large numbers.
However, like the company’s overall electrification strategy, the Blazer EV has not been without its challenges. GM’s large-scale electric vehicle production is experiencing delays, making the importance of early entrants like the Blazer EV even more significant.
Chevy is entering a highly competitive space with the Blazer EV, boasting undeniable strengths like a great range and stellar performance. It also features Super Cruise driving assistance technology. However, the vehicle has some shortcomings, such as a stiff ride for a family car, an infotainment system without Apple CarPlay that needs further development, a disjointed design, and a pricing structure that makes it less competitive than before.
One would think a natural competitor for the Blazer EV would be the Ford Mustang Mach-E or the Tesla Model Y. However, these are compact SUVs. The Blazer EV, being a mid-sized SUV, is seven inches longer and four inches wider than the Ford. It also has a corresponding price tag. The 2LT version starts at $56,715, while the RWD RS version costs almost $62,000. This puts the Blazer EV into the territory of three-row SUVs like the Kia EV9, rather than the range of excellent hybrid or gasoline options. It feels like the Blazer EV is stuck in the middle, not offering the best of anything for that kind of money. Being a decent electric crossover is no longer enough to move the needle.
Specifications of the 2024 Chevy Blazer EV:
AWD
RWD
Base Price (as tested)
$53,195 ($60,215)
$56,715 ($61,790)
Drivetrain
Dual-motor all-wheel drive | 85kWh battery
Single-motor rear-wheel drive | 102kWh battery
Horsepower
288
340
Torque
333 lb-ft
325 lb-ft
Empty Weight
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
Number of Seats
5
5
Cargo Capacity
25.6 cubic feet behind the second row | 59.8 cubic feet behind the first row
Overall, the 2024 Blazer EV represents an important step in General Motors’ electric vehicle strategy. While it comes with some notable drawbacks, its strengths in range, performance, and driving assistance technology make it a compelling option for consumers looking to switch to electric vehicles. As the electric vehicle market continues to grow and evolve, it’s clear that the Blazer EV will play a significant role in General Motors’ efforts to capture a larger share of the electric vehicle market.