The 2024 Chevy Blazer EV is making waves in the electric SUV market, promising a blend of style, practicality, and modern technology. But what’s it truly like to live with this EV day in and day out? This long-term owner review dives deep into the experiences of driving a 2024 Chevy Blazer EV, exploring the highs, the lows, and everything in between. We’ll cover everything from road trip range anxieties to everyday usability, providing a comprehensive picture for anyone considering making the switch to electric.
The Great Aspects of the Blazer EV
After six months of driving the 2024 Chevy Blazer EV LT AWD, it’s clear there’s a lot to appreciate. This model, equipped with launch edition features and comparable to today’s 2LT trim, stands out as a remarkably refined and quiet vehicle, underpinned by excellent software integration.
One of the most immediate benefits is its spaciousness. A 1,200-mile road trip from San Diego to Utah put the Blazer EV’s cargo capacity to the test. Packed to the brim with camping equipment, coolers, tables, chairs, and luggage, the SUV handled it all with ease. Remarkably, the rear cargo area is so generous that two adults under 5’7” could even comfortably sleep in the back.
Beyond space, the integrated software experience is a major highlight. The inclusion of Google Maps directly within the infotainment system eliminates any longing for Apple CarPlay. This built-in system offers seamless navigation and eliminates the frustrations of dropped connections or the constant need for a smartphone. The freedom to run errands without a phone, yet still access Spotify and effective navigation, is a genuine convenience.
Ground clearance is another significant advantage. Boasting 7.9 inches of clearance, the Blazer EV sits higher than most mainstream electric SUVs. This surpasses competitors like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 with their 6.1 inches, and even outdoes Jeep’s first electric SUV at 6.4 inches. Only the Kia EV9 comes close in this category. This elevated stance, combined with a large cargo area and a roomy back seat, makes the Blazer EV an ideal electric vehicle for those who enjoy outdoor adventures, accommodating camping trips and excursions down dirt roads with four adults.
For those seeking even greater off-road capability, options like a Rivian, Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen, or an electric pickup exist, but these come at a significantly higher price point. The Blazer EV strikes a compelling balance of capability and value.
The “Just Fine” Aspects of the Blazer EV
The EPA-estimated range for the Blazer EV LT AWD is 279 miles. While acceptable within the electric SUV class, it presents some considerations for longer journeys. Real-world usage patterns, where drivers rarely deplete the battery to zero or consistently charge to 100%, impact the usable range.
The Blazer EV’s range prediction software tends to err on the side of caution, ensuring arrivals at charging stops with a battery level above 10%. This conservative approach, while reassuring, effectively limits the usable range to roughly 60% of the battery capacity in typical road trip scenarios, translating to approximately 160-180 miles between charges. With charging times averaging around 35 minutes per stop, range remains a factor to consider.
While a rear-wheel-drive, higher-range version is available, the road trip experience highlights the desirability of closer to 350 miles of EPA range for frequent long-distance travel. However, it’s worth noting that most drivers undertake fewer road trips than they might imagine, and the increased frequency of stops can actually lead to a less tiring overall journey.
Driving dynamics are adequately described as “just fine.” The Blazer EV is a substantial crossover, prioritizing comfort over exhilarating performance. Its 288-horsepower powertrain, delivering 333 lb-ft of instant torque, provides ample power for everyday driving and brisk acceleration from a standstill. However, its 5,300-lb weight becomes noticeable when pushing for more spirited driving, with performance tapering off at higher speeds. Handling is commendable for its weight class, surpassing vehicles like the Toyota RAV4 or Ford Escape, but it’s not designed for enthusiastic corner carving.
Similarly, the sound system and seats are satisfactory but not exceptional. The Blazer EV offers a quiet and smooth ride on highways, but the standard speakers and seats leave room for improvement compared to luxury EVs like the Cadillac Lyriq. While comfortable enough for a 1,200-mile trip, those seeking a more premium audio experience or plusher seating might consider upgrades or higher trim levels.
The Frustrating Aspects of the Blazer EV
Certain aspects of the Blazer EV ownership experience are less than ideal, starting with the MyChevrolet smartphone app. Its performance can be sluggish, often taking a significant amount of time to update the state of charge. Remote start commands are also inconsistent, failing roughly half the time. While workarounds like sending a lock command first or using the MyBuick app (surprisingly more reliable) exist, the overall app experience lags considerably behind the seamlessness of Tesla’s app.
Tesla Supercharger access, while a welcome addition for GM EVs, also comes with usability challenges. Despite GM enabling Supercharger access through its app, the native Tesla app remains far superior in consistency and user-friendliness. Furthermore, unlike Rivian and Ford, GM EVs do not yet support automatic payment and charge initiation at Tesla Superchargers, adding extra steps to the charging process.
The physical act of using Tesla Superchargers with the Blazer EV can also be cumbersome. The shorter cable lengths at many Supercharger stations often necessitate parking across multiple stalls or even partially off-pavement to reach the charging port. This less-than-ideal user experience is a consequence of the Supercharger network being designed primarily for Tesla vehicles. Newer V4 Supercharger stations with longer cables that can reach either side of the car offer a glimpse of a more user-friendly future, but these are not yet widespread.
Charging times can also be lengthy. Even on a 350-kW charger, achieving an 80% charge from 10% can take around 40 minutes under optimal conditions. This becomes particularly noticeable in cold weather, where winter range can be significantly reduced. A trip to Bryce Canyon highlighted this issue, where cold temperatures and elevation gain considerably impacted efficiency, underscoring the need for greater range in colder climates and for rural road trips.
Finally, quality control issues have surfaced. Persistent rattles from the headliner, even after replacement, and an erratic panoramic moonroof that frequently requires multiple attempts to close due to a sensitive pinch sensor, point to areas where GM’s manufacturing could be improved. These issues have already necessitated multiple dealer service appointments within the first six months of ownership.
Final Verdict on the 2024 Chevy Blazer EV
Despite these drawbacks, the overall ownership experience of the 2024 Chevy Blazer EV remains positive, largely due to its value proposition. Considering the cost of ownership over a two-year period, the Blazer EV delivers a compelling package.
It’s not a perfect EV, and the road trip experience demands more planning and adaptation compared to a Tesla. Adapters, third-party route planners, and potential quality concerns are part of the equation. However, in return, owners get a comfortable, stylish, and highly practical SUV at a competitive price.
The Blazer EV represents a learning curve, requiring a shift in mindset from traditional gasoline car ownership. It demonstrates that while GM is making strides in the EV space, there’s still work to be done in areas like software refinement, charging infrastructure integration, and overall quality control.
However, the advantages are undeniable. Lower running costs, a quieter and smoother driving experience, and modern, smartphone-era technology make the Blazer EV a compelling choice. It signifies that EV ownership, even with current limitations, is already “pretty damn good” and is poised to improve significantly in the future. Embracing EV ownership with a sense of curiosity, flexibility, and a willingness to improvise leads to an adventurous and rewarding driving experience.
