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.”