Final summer season, I obtained a name from my neighbors, Dave and Dana, who had been excited about my Tesla referral code after driving my Mannequin Y. They’d determined to buy their very own Mannequin Y, however it took me a while to find the code since nobody had requested it earlier than. Just a few days later, I bought an e-mail from Tesla confirming my referral bonus—dinner with Elon or one thing of the kind. Nonetheless, I didn’t hear anything for some time and assumed they might quickly have a brand new Mannequin Y parked outdoors. Finally, I discovered that my referral bonus had been canceled, and to my shock, I seen my neighbors stepping out of a vibrant hearth engine crimson Chevy Blazer EV.
Right here’s what occurred: They visited their native Chevy seller and had been captivated by the Blazer on show. Dana affectionately named it “The Cherry Bomb!” The Blazer actually makes an announcement with its daring design. Not like the glossy curves of the Mannequin Y, the Blazer EV sports activities a chunkier look that displays Chevrolet’s lengthy historical past in automotive design. The model has a knack for tapping into American automotive tradition, and the Blazer EV aligns properly with present tendencies.
This car is decrease than a Suburban however actually not a sedan, giving it a slight station wagon vibe. In the event you look carefully, you’ll be able to spot some parts harking back to the Chevrolet Nomad, a basic that when eclipsed the Corvette in 1955. The Nomad embodied the spirit of journey promoted in Chevy’s “See the USA in your Chevrolet” advert marketing campaign, and the Blazer EV captures a contemporary interpretation with a mix of robustness and magnificence. It is simple to know why Dave and Dana had been drawn to this automotive—particularly given its placing RED exterior!
Nonetheless, the Blazer EV has encountered some challenges. Its arrival in showrooms was delayed as a result of varied software program points plaguing early fashions. When Edmunds added one to their check fleet, the automotive exhibited a number of warning messages throughout a visit to San Diego for a Chevy media occasion. They reported that the car transitioned from functioning properly to being practically unusable in simply in the future, displaying varied technical glitches that required a restart to resolve. Finally, Chevrolet paused gross sales to repair these preliminary issues.
Initially, the Blazer EV was slated to return in 4 trim ranges: LT 1, LT 2, RS, and SS. As of now, solely the LT and RS fashions can be found. Each characteristic an 85 kWh battery and twin motors, with the beginning worth for the LT at roughly $43,690, whereas the RS is priced round $47,095. Every affords an estimated EPA vary of 279 miles. Whereas the RS consists of extra options, the LT my neighbors opted for was geared up with all accessible choices, together with a big sunroof.
This overview will not delve into technical specs or metrics. As an alternative, it goals to offer an expertise comparability between the Blazer EV and the Tesla Mannequin Y, which I’ve been driving for the previous three years. First impressions? I admire the Blazer’s look! It might not be as glossy because the Tesla, however it exudes a extra muscular enchantment. Dana noticed that the hood seems longer than what she was accustomed to; their earlier car was a shorter Chevy Bolt.
Driving the Blazer EV is a pleasant expertise. Its acceleration rivals that of the Mannequin Y, together with comparable regenerative braking, each of that are extremely regarded options in electrical automobiles. Though the Blazer produces extra sound from its electrical motors than I’m used to, it provides a strong auditory expertise that some drivers might choose. The automotive stays quiet throughout regular driving, offering a distinction to the Mannequin Y’s close to silence. Briefly, the automotive is spacious, with sufficient head and legroom together with the comfort of bodily controls for fan velocity and radio quantity.
Dave and Dana steadily journey between Florida and the Midwest, a activity made less complicated with the Blazer EV, because of its compatibility with the Tesla Supercharger community. Whereas Dave reported charging speeds exceeding 150 kW, these charges dropped to about 100 kW thereafter. Though the Mannequin Y has some benefits in charging effectivity, the time distinction is minimal and unlikely to sway main buying choices.
In the end, has Chevrolet struck the best stability with the Blazer EV? The reply appears to be optimistic. Whereas it differs from the Mannequin Y, the Blazer stands out as an equally succesful electrical car. It doubtlessly affords extra cargo area as a result of its square-back liftgate and better roof. Given that customers admire selection, the Blazer EV emerges as a superb choice for anybody trying to purchase their first electrical automotive.
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