Chevrolet unveils the Blazer EV. The perfect competitor to the Tesla Model Y.
Ford, Rivian, General Motors… They all have the same battle: to catch up with Tesla within a few years. Although there is still a long way to go, these manufacturers are giving themselves the means to achieve their ambitions by unveiling more and more 100% electric models. The latest? It comes from Chevrolet with the Blazer EVa ready-made competitor to the Tesla Model Y.
Even if most manufacturers do not express it in this way, the objective for the years to come, is to catch up with Tesla in sales. The American manufacturer, which sold 936,172 cars worldwide in 2021, doubled its sales compared to 2020 and should most certainly exceed one million units sold this year.
Four versions available
Among the manufacturers eager to catch up with Tesla, there is General Motors. And with Chevrolet, which is part of the American group, GM unveils the Blazer EVa 100% electric SUV which intends to overshadow the Tesla Model Y. It will be a volume model (which should sell in numbers) which will compete in the range with the Silverado EV pick-up and the Equinox EV SUV.
If you have already glimpsed the silhouette of this model, it is normal, since it is not entirely new, the Blazer already existing in thermal in the Chevrolet range, but with a look different enough to differentiate the two products. . The Chevrolet Blazer EV is based on a modular platform called Ultium and shared with another electric SUV from General Motors: the Cadillac Lyriq. This platform allows the vehicle to have the right to several types of transmission (traction, propulsion and four-wheel drive) depending on the layout and number of engines fitted.
Figures modeled on those of the Model Y
In terms of figures, Chevrolet has not yet revealed everything since the model is supposed to leave the Ramos Arizpe factory in Mexico in exactly one year, in the summer of 2023. Nevertheless, the manufacturer gives some indications with its own range values before homologation under the EPA cycle. Thus, the most enduring Blazer EV could reach 515km with a single charge, i.e. within a few kilometers of the autonomy announced by Tesla and its Model Y Long Autonomy (525 km).
We also do not know the size of the battery of the different batteries, but it is a safe bet that for the most high-end versions, we will find the battery with a capacity of 100 kWh from the Cadillac Lyriq. Chevrolet announces charging power of up to 190 kW direct current and 11.5 kW AC.
Ready for chases
A sportier version called SS will also be there. It clearly targets the Tesla Model Y Performance, since the American firm announces a power of 557 hp and 879 Nm of torque, with a 0 to 100 km/h shot in less than 4 seconds via an unprecedented WOW (Wide Open Watts) mode. Autonomy would also be similar to the Model Y, with 466 km announced by Chevrolet for the Blazer SS against 488 km for the Tesla SUV. This SS version will also enter the police vehicle market with a model approved in the Police Pursuit category.
As you can see in the photos, the Chevrolet Blazer EV has a rather technological interior, with the presence of two screens of 11 and 17.7 inches. It also incorporates Ultifi electronic architecture which separates the software from the hardware to enable frequent remote updates across the entire vehicle. Thus, Chevrolet will be able to add functions for semi-autonomous driving according to changes in the regulations.
Soon in Europe and in France?
Chevrolet specifies that the Blazer 2LT and RS will be marketed in the summer of 2024 from, respectively, 47,595 dollars (approximately 47,000 euros) and 51,995 dollars (approximately 51,260 euros). The SS and 1LT versions will arrive later and will be available for 65,995 dollars (65,000 euros) and 44,995 dollars (44,360 euros). All prices are quoted exclusive of tax.
Chevrolet is no longer officially imported into Europe but this could change, since a return from General Motors to Europe cannot be ruled out according to recent announcements from the brand. A 100% electric feedback of course. For the moment, the only Chevrolet sold in France officially by partner distributors is the new Corvette C8 and its V8 ranging from 495 to 679 hp, a model at the antipodes of the Blazer EV.
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