2024 Chevy Blazer EV tested and proven in Canadian cold weather

Chevrolet’s electric vehicle lineup has expanded with the first all-electric 2024 Blazer midsize SUV.

And like its counterparts, the Silverado and Equinox EVs, slated to hit dealerships next year, the Blazer EV will be powered by General Motor’s new Ultium battery platform. The flexible battery architecture costs less, is more powerful and uses less cobalt than the current batteries in the Chevrolet Bolt, according to the carmaker. And the battery technology, which will be in every GM EV moving forward, undergoes vigorous cold-weather testing in Canada at GM’s facility in Kapuskasing, Ont, the company said.   

“In Kapuskasing, we run our thermal performance tests as if it’s a normal car,” said Lawrence Ziehr, project manager of General Motor’s Ultium Energy Recovery Systems in Clarkson, Mich.

“The same test procedures are applied to diesel engines as they are to EV or gas vehicles ... We validate in minus 20 Celsius. We’re testing in all extremes.”

The automaker is committed to expanding its portfolio of EVs across its product line, said Scott Bell, Chevrolet vice-president.

“We are certainly living in disruptive times,” Bell said during the recent unveiling of the electric Blazer in Los Angeles. “We’ve been laser focused on the best path forward for our customers. We are committed to EVs for all, selling, servicing and growing our portfolio of EVs in every segment.”

At the launch, Chevy took the wraps off the first-ever Super Sport, or SS, badged Blazer EV. The SS model had beefy 22-inch wheels, a two-tone colour scheme in bright red with a contrasting black roof and A pillars, which made it stand out compared to the grey RS model beside it on stage. 

The SS will be the fastest Blazer to date, able to reach zero to 96 km/h in less than four seconds. It’ll have an exclusive performance AWD configuration and deliver up to 564 horsepower and up to 648 lb.-ft. of torque. Front-, rear-, and all-wheel-drive configurations will be available on other trims. And GM estimates the Blazer will have up to 515 kilometres of electric range. Charging will be available via a 11 kW Level 2 (AC) charger or a DC fast-charger with capability of up to 190kW – estimated charging time with the fast charger is approximately 125 kilometres in ten minutes.

To improve efficiency and maximize range, the Blazer EV will also have regenerative braking, which captures lost energy and stores it into the battery, and one-pedal driving, which allows the vehicle to slow down or come to a complete stop using only the accelerator pedal. Other cool technology includes a 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen, GM’s Super Cruise hands-free driving technology, and a hands-free start system so there’s no key or push button start – instead, close the driver’s door, press the brake pedal and the EV comes to life. Since there’s no transmission tunnel, the cabin floor is flat, creating more passengers and cargo space than the gas-powered version.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV will go on sale in the summer of 2023, starting with the 2LT and RS trims, priced around $56,598 and $61,298, respectively. The SS trim, approximately $80,998, will arrive in late 2023, followed by the base 1LT trim in Q1 of 2024, starting at $51,998.

Prices include shipping.