Right now, at this very moment, we're living through the greatest shift in the automotive industry since the invention of the industry itself. Our transition away from fossil fuels has implications of vast magnitude; electric vehicles will redefine environments, industries, governments, and societies. Viewed so broadly, this shift seems daunting, insurmountable—but a narrower scope reveals how attainable it really is.Some already know.
Most judges agreed it has real presence."The electric swagger wagon has arrived," buyer's guide director Zach Gale said,"and it wears a Chevy bow tie." Riding on a wheelbase nearly an inch longer than the Chevrolet Tahoe's yet about 18 inches more compact nose to tail, the Blazer EV's stance is buffed up by short overhangs. Its width is slightly more than the Corvette Z06's.
Convenience begins as soon as you sit behind the wheel—the Blazer EV is ready to drive. Seat-pressure and key-proximity sensors eliminate the need for a start button."Chevy didn't mess around with storage," Gale said about the roll-top cubby and deep, covered bin in the center console. The long wheelbase enables abundant space, as well, with a huge rear seat and a large cargo area; it feels big inside without being enormous outside.
The Blazer EV we tested was the sporty-looking RS trim. Its midsize lithium-ion heart sent electrons to a dual-motor AWD system producing 288 hp and 333 lb-ft of torque, good for a 6.0-second 0-60 time. We also recorded a 131-foot 60-0 stop and 27.4-second, 0.63-g lap around our figure eight. Compared to other mainstream EVs, these results aren't exceptional. Rather, they're more like those of a normal crossover and very similar to those of the gas-powered Blazer RS.
Regardless of what vehicle they power, Ultium batteries are built for sustainability and longevity. Their chemistry mix uses 70 percent less cobalt than the Bolt EV's batteries while being more stable and durable for repeated fast charging. Chevrolet warranties the Blazer EV's battery for eight years or 100,000 miles—three years and 40,000 miles longer than it does the Blazer's gasoline engines.