With the Chevrolet Blazer EV, GM takes on the Tesla Model Y
Eager to match and even surpass Tesla, General Motors is finally introducing an electric car destined for mass transit. The Chevrolet Blazer EV is aimed squarely at the Tesla Model Y, but won’t go on sale until summer 2023.
Like compatriot Ford, General Motors is promising investors it can match Tesla’s volume by 2025. At the moment it’s all about communication. The GMC Hummer EV can only reach limited volumes. The same applies to the Cadillac Lyriq, deliveries of which are starting as the group’s top brand has had relatively limited distribution for many years.
The real quantities must come from Chevrolet, which is presenting vehicles for the time being without delivering them. Such is the case with the Silverado EV pickup truck or the Equinox EV SUV. This is also the case with this new blazer, the delivery of which for the first versions will actually start in summer 2023. Production takes place in Mexico at the Ramos Arizpe plant.
Performance and range matched to the Model Y
From the start, let’s be clear that the Blazer EV is aimed at the Model Y. An obvious fact, confirmed by the characteristics announced by GM. The autonomy can thus reach 512 km in the EPA cycle when the Model Y Long Range indicates 525 km. The most powerful version, the Blazer SS, has 557 hp/879 Nm, a range of 464 km and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 4 seconds (488 km and 3.7 s for the Model Y Performance) .
The originality of the Blazer, its Ultium platform shared with the Lyriq allows it to offer versions with traction, propulsion or all-wheel drive. An unprecedented offering in the non-utility market. GM will also capitalize on its presence in the police vehicle market, where Tesla is still struggling to break through, by immediately releasing a Blazer homologated in the Police Pursuit category and based on the SS.
Even more than the petrol Blazer, which will continue its career in parallel, the Blazer EV positions itself as a dynamic SUV. Its reduced height is combined here with a very long wheelbase for unusual proportions. Inside, too, there are some Camaro reminiscences, but very up-to-date 11- and 17.7-inch screens, as well as the lack of a start button. The Blazer EV includes all of GM’s latest technologies: Ultifi electronic architecture for remote full-vehicle updates, hands-free semi-autonomous driving (depending on the road), Super Cruise, etc.
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On the electrical side, we don’t yet know the size of the batteries of the different versions. The models that announce the greatest autonomy should use the 100 kWh battery of the Cadillac Lyriq, which announces 499 km of autonomy. A similar autonomy as the Model Y, but with 25 kWh more … Tesla remains a step ahead of GM in terms of efficiency. The loading hatch is motorized. The charging power reaches 11.5 kW with alternating current and 190 kW with direct current.
