My relationship with the 2024 Chevy Blazer Ev started with a touch of anxiety. During a road trip to Bryce Canyon National Park, the predicted range dipped to a concerning 11%, prompting a U-turn. Rainbow Viewpoint, the park’s highest overlook, remained just out of reach. Eighty miles of frigid country roads stretched between us and our hotel, and the Blazer EV, affectionately nicknamed Gorbo, seemed to be throwing in the towel.
Despite the initial range apprehension, we made it back to the hotel with 18% battery remaining. Gorbo, it turned out, was more conservative than necessary, a trait that’s both reassuring and slightly irritating. This cautiousness, while preventing us from reaching the vista, also highlighted a core aspect of my first six months of 2024 Chevy Blazer EV ownership: a blend of trust and slight frustration.
This experience neatly encapsulates my journey so far. Bryce Canyon, a personal favorite, felt slightly incomplete, though we did manage to explore its depths.
What’s Impressive About the 2024 Chevy Blazer EV
Driving the 2024 Chevy Blazer EV daily is genuinely enjoyable. My model, a 2024 LT AWD (akin to today’s 2LT with launch edition perks), is a remarkably refined and quiet vehicle, underpinned by excellent software.
Space is another standout feature. Our 1,200-mile road trip from San Diego to Utah involved hauling a mountain of camping gear – coolers, tables, chairs, clothes, and more. The Blazer EV swallowed it all, even serving as comfortable sleeping quarters for two (albeit shorter than average) adults.
Radiant Red 2024 Chevy Blazer EV LT showcasing its spacious interior and family-friendly SUV design
The integrated software, featuring Google Maps, is a revelation. Apple CarPlay is hardly missed. The seamless integration means no more dropped connections or constant phone dependency. Quick errands without my phone are now hassle-free, with Spotify and navigation readily available.
Ground clearance is another unexpected win. Boasting 7.9 inches of clearance, the 2024 Chevy Blazer EV outstrips most mainstream electric SUVs. While the Kia EV9 comes close, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 offer a more car-like 6.1 inches. Even Jeep’s inaugural electric SUV falls short at 6.4 inches. Coupled with its generous cargo space and roomy back seats, the Blazer EV excels as the go-to electric SUV for camping trips and off-the-beaten-path adventures with up to four adults.
For superior off-road capability, options like Rivian, electric G-Wagens, or electric pickups exist, but at a significantly higher price point.
The abundant cargo capacity meant even with a mountain of camping equipment, rear visibility remained clear.
The Blazer EV’s ground clearance and short overhangs make it a competent companion on light trails. However, its extended wheelbase, eco-focused tires, and lack of a spare tire limit its suitability for serious off-roading.
Ample ground clearance and short overhangs suggest the 2024 Chevy Blazer EV is ready for light off-road trails. However, features like the long wheelbase and eco tires indicate it is not ideal for challenging terrains.
The “Just Fine” Aspects of the 2024 Chevy Blazer EV
The EPA-estimated range of 279 miles for my Blazer EV LT AWD is adequate for its class, but still presents minor road trip inconveniences.
Real-world usage rarely involves depleting the battery to zero or charging to 100%. The Blazer EV’s conservative range prediction often led me to charging stations with around 20% battery remaining. Considering the slower charging speeds beyond 80%, I effectively utilized only 60% of the battery capacity, translating to roughly 160-180 miles between charges. Each stop averaged about 35 minutes.
Therefore, the range is acceptable, comparable to AWD Kia EV6 or Hyundai Ioniq 5 models. A rear-wheel-drive, long-range version is available for those prioritizing extended range. Yet, the road trip underscored the desirability of a 350-mile EPA range for frequent long journeys. That said, most drivers undertake fewer road trips than they anticipate, and the increased stops meant arriving in Utah feeling less fatigued compared to marathon, non-stop drives.
This charging station was the only option for miles, resulting in a queue. Frustratingly, a vast Tesla Supercharger station with 120 stalls stood nearby, inaccessible to non-Tesla vehicles at the time.
Driving dynamics fall into the “satisfactory” category. The Blazer EV, being a substantial crossover, prioritizes comfort over exhilarating performance. Its 288-horsepower powertrain, delivering 333 lb-ft of instant torque, provides ample power for daily driving. However, its 5,300-lb weight becomes apparent under hard acceleration, and it quickly runs out of steam. Handling is commendable for its size, surpassing vehicles like Toyota Rav4 or Ford Escape, but it’s not engineered for spirited driving. It’s simply adequate.
The sound system and seats mirror this “just fine” assessment. Highway cruising is quiet and smooth, but the mediocre speakers and standard seats pale in comparison to the premium experience offered by models like the Cadillac Lyriq. A speaker upgrade is a potential future consideration. The seats were sufficient for the 1,200-mile trip, but lack the desired plushness.
What Needs Improvement in the 2024 Chevy Blazer EV
The MyChevrolet smartphone app is a significant pain point. Retrieving the state of charge often takes close to a minute, and remote start commands frequently fail. A forum tip suggesting sending a lock command first has improved reliability somewhat. A resourceful Redditor discovered that the MyBuick app, seemingly more responsive, also works with Chevrolet vehicles, possibly due to lower user volume. Despite these workarounds, the app experience remains sluggish, clumsy, and lags significantly behind Tesla’s industry-leading app.
Using the MyChevrolet app to access Tesla Superchargers is another source of frustration. While GM officially supports Supercharger access through the app, the native Tesla app is far more dependable and user-friendly. Automatic payment and charge initiation at Tesla Superchargers, features offered by Rivian and Ford, are notably absent in GM EVs, adding unnecessary steps to the charging process.
Accessing the Tesla Supercharger network, despite its convenience, comes with a social cost: feeling out of place.
The photo depicts a Chevy Blazer EV driver struggling to use a Tesla Supercharger, parked across multiple stalls due to cable length limitations and design incompatibility.
Parking across multiple stalls, or even partially on gravel, was often necessary. Positioning the Blazer EV close enough for the short Supercharger cable required multiple adjustments. This user experience is undeniably flawed, though not attributable to GM’s design. It underscores the limitations of a charging network originally designed for a specific vehicle type and its inherent inflexibility.
A subsequent stop at a V4 Supercharger station with 100 stalls and longer, more versatile cables offered a glimpse of a more user-centric future, a stark contrast to the current fragmented and frustrating reality. Charging times also lean towards the longer side, with a 10-80% charge at a 350-kW charger taking 40 minutes under optimal conditions.
The image shows a Tesla V4 Supercharger station with multiple stalls and modern design, emphasizing ease of use and a better charging experience for EV owners.
Cold weather range is another area needing attention, as highlighted by the Bryce Canyon experience. A 160-mile round trip from Springdale, Utah, to Bryce Canyon, plus park exploration, should have been well within the 279-mile EPA range, especially starting with a 100% charge. However, temperatures dropping to 8 degrees and a 4,000-foot elevation gain significantly impacted efficiency. Rural winter road trips demand more range buffer.
Finally, GM’s quality control is underwhelming. A persistent rattle from the headliner remains despite a replacement, and the panoramic moonroof frequently requires multiple attempts to close due to a seemingly oversensitive pinch sensor. Another dealer visit is necessary to address these issues, marking the third service appointment in six months of ownership.
The image humorously illustrates the awkwardness and challenges faced by non-Tesla EV owners when using Tesla Superchargers, highlighting cable reach and parking difficulties.
My Verdict on the 2024 Chevy Blazer EV So Far
Despite these drawbacks, I remain largely satisfied with the 2024 Chevy Blazer EV, primarily due to its value proposition. My $8,000 two-year lease feels justifiable for the overall experience.
It’s not a flawless EV. Road trips require planning and are less seamless than with some competitors. It’s not a Tesla “get in and go” experience. Adapters might be necessary, third-party route planners are advisable, and quality issues can surface.
However, knowing these limitations upfront, I’ve gained a comfortable, stylish, and highly practical SUV at a compelling price. There’s a learning curve, but that’s part of the appeal – understanding how an EV integrates into daily life. It’s not a perfect replacement for a gas car paradigm, but a different, evolving experience.
The 2024 Chevy Blazer EV reveals areas for GM to refine as they expand their EV offerings: software, charging infrastructure access, and quality control.
Yet, the Blazer EV offers considerable advantages. Lower running costs, quieter and smoother operation, and modern technology distinguish it from traditional vehicles. It instills optimism about the future of EVs. This current EV ownership experience, even with its imperfections, is still remarkably positive. It necessitates some adaptability, curiosity, and a willingness to improvise.
It’s an adventure, and I’m enjoying the electric ride.
