The Chevrolet Blazer EV SS Promises To Be An Electrifying Perfo…

Chevrolet

Chevrolet is ready to bring some zing to the EV scene. The General Motors company has been around the block a few times when it comes to electric cars, but while the Bolt EV and its larger sibling are sensible cars, they’re not exactly the most thrilling offerings.

That’s all about to change. Poised to launch next year is the company’s new electrifying marvel, the Blazer EV.

Chevy is reusing its most iconic SUV moniker for the brand-new all-electric SUV, introduced at CES 2022. Even more thrilling, Chevrolet is breathing new life into the much-loved SS badge, which will now adorn a high-performance model of the electric SUV packing a remarkable 557 horsepower. The Blazer EV SS is geared to give Americans the blend of practicality and performance they yearn for.

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The Blazer SS is the first electric vehicle from Chevrolet to wear the revered Super Sport badge. Naturally, the SS is built for performance. It boasts an impressive powertrain configuration with two robust motors and an all-wheel-drive system. The total output is 557 hp and 648 lb-ft of torque.

Chevrolet has also introduced the Wide Open Watts (WOW) mode in the Blazer SS, a concept mirroring the Hummer EV’s “Watts to Freedom.” Cheesy name aside, this function allows the Blazer SS to accelerate to 60 mph from a standstill in less than 4 seconds. Truly, impressive numbers.

The SS variant of the Blazer EV comes fitted with Brembo brakes to keep that insane acceleration in check. It also features independent front and rear suspension, which is standard across all Blazer EV models.

Taking its sporty appeal a notch higher, the SS flaunts striking 22-inch wheels with a 6-lug design. The LT and the RS variants, meanwhile, cruise on 19-inch and 21-inch wheels, respectively.

Chevrolet is set to offer three distinct battery sizes for the Blazer EV, although the specific sizes of these packs remain under wraps. What we do know is that the SS promises an estimated range of 290 miles.

While this does fall slightly short of the range provided by the RS trim level, which boasts 320 miles, the equipped DC fast-charging capability will get you back on the road in no time. The SS can charge at a rate of up to 190 kW, translating into 78 more miles of range in just 10 minutes. This ensures quick turnaround times for those long trips.

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Chevy has also announced the launch of a Police Pursuit Vehicle (PPV) which will be modeled on the sporty SS base. The PPV will be equipped with the largest battery option and will offer either a rear-wheel drive or an all-wheel drive configuration.

Along with the front-wheel drive option on the LT models, these diverse drivetrain options on a single platform present a range of choices that would have been unthinkable prior to the advent of electric vehicles.

Matching the performance-oriented foundation of the SS, the PPV will also feature Brembo front brakes. However, the interior will see a reconfiguration tailored specifically to meet the operational needs of police officers.

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The Blazer EV SS is sure to be locking horns with the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Tesla Model Y in the electric SUV market. Both of these formidable adversaries bring their own sporty variants to the arena, respectively known as the GT and Performance.

The Blazer EV SS certainly looks the part for this fierce competition. With a long and low silhouette, it draws inspiration from a sporty crossover aesthetic rather than the traditional tall SUV blueprint.

While the 2024 Chevy Blazer EV bears certain stylistic semblance to the current Blazer, the electric model retains no components from its standard gasoline counterpart. Instead, it rides on Chevy’s Ultium platform, an underpinning that it shares with several other EVs from GM’s portfolio, including the Cadillac Lyric and the Chevy Equinox EV.

Interestingly, the Ultium platform is also shared as the foundation of the upcoming Honda Prologue.

Each trim level of the Blazer EV displays its own unique front fascia. The SS is the most aggressive-looking in the lineup. Key design elements include a special black front grille, unique rear skid plates, and a full-width LED light bar that adds to the sporty look. Special “SS” badging also proudly signals high-performance characteristics.

The aforementioned full-width LED light bar incorporates an illuminated Chevy logo. This light bar engages in a captivating lighting sequence as the driver approaches or walks away from the vehicle. Additionally, when the Blazer EV is plugged in and charging, the light strip transforms into a battery indicator, gradually filling up to reflect the car’s battery level.

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Speaking of charging, the Blazer EV’s charge port is nestled beneath a sporty indentation behind the front fenders. The charge port door doesn’t simply open, but smoothly ejects downward, delivering a futuristic and aesthetically pleasing experience.

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The interior of the Blazer EV SS is also host to a few features that set it apart from the rest of the lineup. An exciting highlight is the option for a fiery red interior, which is exclusive to the SS model. The unique color option enhances the sporty aura that defines the SS.

The Blazer EV is characterized by generous interior space with an abundance of advanced technology. An 11-inch digital instrument panel provides drivers with crucial information at a glance. Adjacent to it, a huge 17.7-inch touchscreen, angled slightly towards the driver, takes center stage. Along with the touchscreens, there are still a number of physical switches, including a volume nob integrated into the touchscreen.

All-in-all, the Blazer EV’s interior features a bold design, encapsulated by a sleek, futuristic dashboard, turbine-like air vents, and an abundance of shiny trim that adds a touch of modern elegance. Both the RS and SS models take this a step further, featuring a sporty flat-bottom steering wheel, ambient lighting, and a number of red accents to highlight their performance-oriented character.

These top-tier trims also offer heated and ventilated front seats, as well as heated rear seats as standard on the SS, ensuring passenger comfort isn’t compromised in the name of performance.

The Blazer EV is also laden with a suite of advanced safety and convenience features. Standard equipment includes automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and pedestrian detection with braking.

Options extend to reverse automatic braking and Advanced Park Assist. For effortless highway cruising, GM’s Super Cruise hands-free driving system is available. This innovative system features an LED strip at the top of the steering wheel, which illuminates green when Super Cruise is primed and ready. Lastly, the MyChevy app provides information on nearby charging stations.

While the Blazer EV SS doesn’t feature a frunk akin to its Tesla and Ford competitors, it doesn’t compromise on cargo space, offering ample room in the rear for all your storage needs. In fact, the platform’s longer wheelbase creates a more spacious back seat compared to the regular Blazer.

Initially expected to hit the market this fall with a starting price of $65,996, the Chevy Blazer SS will now be available sometime next spring. In terms of production, both the electric and gasoline-powered Blazers will be produced in the same Ramos Arizpe factory in Mexico.