As the predicted remaining charge dwindled to a mere 11%, a wave of anxiety washed over me. It was time to reverse course. Our initial ambition was to reach Rainbow Viewpoint, Bryce Canyon National Park’s most elevated vista. However, a daunting 80 miles of sub-freezing rural roads separated us from the comforting embrace of our hotel, and uncertainty loomed over whether Gorbo, our 2024 Chevrolet Blazer Ev, would persevere.
Reluctantly, we made a U-turn.
Several hours later, we rolled into the hotel parking lot, the battery displaying a reassuring 18% charge. In hindsight, we could have reached our destination, but the Blazer EV’s overly cautious range estimations prompted our retreat. Midway through my extensive 1,200-mile electric vehicle road trip, I found myself simultaneously appreciating the conservative nature of the range prediction and resenting the missed opportunity to witness a breathtaking panorama. Trust in the technology warred with a tinge of frustration.
This encapsulates my initial six months as a 2024 Chevy Blazer EV owner.
2024 Chevy Blazer EV owner review
Bryce Canyon holds a special place in my heart, making the missed viewpoint particularly disappointing. Nevertheless, we salvaged the experience with a memorable hike through the canyon’s majestic trails.
The ‘Great’ Aspects of the Blazer EV
I genuinely enjoy driving the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV every day. My model is a 2024 LT AWD, a launch edition variant akin to today’s 2LT trim, boasting additional features. It’s a remarkably quiet and refined vehicle, complemented by impressive software integration.
Its spaciousness is another significant advantage. During our 1,200-mile journey from San Diego to Utah, the Blazer EV effortlessly accommodated a substantial amount of camping equipment, including coolers, tables, chairs, extra clothing, and various other essentials. We even utilized its ample interior for sleeping, comfortably fitting two adults under 5’7″ behind the seats.
User-Friendly Google-Based Software Integration
The integrated software system is truly commendable. The inclusion of Google Maps eliminates any longing for Apple CarPlay. Furthermore, the seamless connectivity removes the persistent worry of CarPlay disconnections or the constant need for my phone. This freedom allows me to run errands without my phone, while still enjoying Spotify and effective navigation.
Impressive Ground Clearance for an Electric SUV
Ground clearance is another standout feature. With 7.9 inches of clearance, the 2024 Chevy Blazer EV surpasses most mainstream electric SUVs. While the Kia EV9 comes close, models like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 or Kia EV6 offer a more car-like 6.1 inches. Even Jeep’s electric debut SUV falls short with 6.4 inches. This, combined with the generous cargo area and spacious rear seating, positions the Blazer EV as the optimal electric choice for those seeking adventure, enabling camping trips or hikes off the beaten path with up to four adults.
Chevy Blazer EV Long term owner review
Despite carrying an excessive amount of camping gear, cargo, and provisions on our trip, rear visibility remained uncompromised.
For enhanced off-road capabilities, options like a Rivian, G-Wagen, or an electric pickup truck exist, but these come at a considerably higher price point.
Chevy Blazer EV fire-road capability
The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV‘s substantial ground clearance and short overhangs make it a competent companion on fire roads. However, its extended wheelbase, eco-conscious tires, and lack of a spare tire render it less suitable for more demanding off-road expeditions.
The ‘Just Fine’ Aspects: Acceptable but Not Outstanding
The EPA-estimated range for my 2024 Chevy Blazer EV LT AWD stands at 279 miles. While respectable within its class, it presents minor inconveniences during extended road trips.
In practical scenarios, depleting the battery to zero or consistently charging to 100% is uncommon. The Blazer’s route planning software tends to err on the side of caution, ensuring arrival at charging stations with a battery level exceeding 10%. Consequently, I typically reached charging points with around 20% remaining. Given the already moderate charging speeds and significant drop-off above 80%, I effectively utilized only about 60% of the battery capacity, translating to approximately 160-180 miles between charging stops. Despite this, charging sessions still averaged around 35 minutes.
Therefore, the range is deemed acceptable. It mirrors the range offered by AWD Kia EV6 or Hyundai Ioniq 5 models. A rear-wheel-drive, extended-range version is available for those prioritizing greater range. However, my trip highlighted the desirability of closer to 350 miles of EPA range for frequent road trippers. It’s worth noting that most individuals undertake fewer road trips than they anticipate, and the more frequent stops actually resulted in arriving in Utah feeling more refreshed compared to enduring an uninterrupted eight-hour drive.
2024 Chevy Blazer EV owner review
This particular charging station was the only substantial one for miles, necessitating a wait in line. Ironically, a Tesla Supercharger station with 120 stalls was situated within the same rest area, yet inaccessible to vehicles from other manufacturers.
Driving dynamics fall into the “just okay” category. The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV is a substantial, heavy crossover, lacking genuine driving excitement. Its 288-horsepower powertrain, generating 333 lb-ft of torque available instantly, provides ample punch for daily commutes. However, pressing the accelerator reveals its 5,300-lb mass, with performance tapering off relatively quickly. Handling in corners is commendable considering its weight, surpassing a Toyota RAV4 or Ford Escape, but thrill-seekers should look elsewhere. It’s competent, but not exhilarating.
Similarly, the sound system and seats are adequate. The Blazer EV offers a quiet and comfortable ride on highways, but its average speakers and seats leave me slightly envious of Cadillac Lyriq owners. A speaker upgrade might be considered in the future. While the seats proved sufficient for the 1,200-mile journey, I personally prefer a more luxurious seating experience.
The ‘Stinky’ Bits: Areas for Improvement
The MyChevrolet smartphone app is a primary source of frustration. Retrieving the state of charge often takes close to a minute, and remote start commands frequently fail. A helpful online forum member suggested sending a lock command beforehand to “wake up” the vehicle, which has improved the success rate. An astute Redditor pointed out that the MyBuick app, surprisingly, functions with Chevrolets and appears more reliable, possibly due to lower usage rates among Buick owners. Even with these workarounds, the app experience remains sluggish, cumbersome, and lags significantly behind Tesla’s app in terms of responsiveness and user-friendliness.
Attempting to use the MyChevrolet app to initiate charging at Tesla Superchargers is ill-advised. Despite GM’s official support for Tesla Supercharger access through the app, the native Tesla app is vastly superior in consistency and user experience. Ideally, GM EVs would support automatic payment and charge initiation at Tesla Superchargers, similar to Rivian and Ford, eliminating the need for either app. Unfortunately, GM has not yet implemented this seamless integration.
While Supercharger access is appreciated, the user experience for non-Tesla vehicles is far from ideal and can feel somewhat awkward.
2024 Chevy Blazer EV owner review
Observe this vehicle, awkwardly positioned in the gravel. Another EV owner empathized with the charging predicament.
In most instances, I had to occupy two parking stalls, and in one case, resort to parking on gravel to reach the Supercharger. Positioning the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV close enough for the short Tesla charging cable required multiple adjustments, entering and exiting the vehicle to inch closer. This user experience is undeniably flawed, though not attributable to GM’s design. It reflects the unfortunate reality that the nation’s premier charging network was designed primarily for a single brand, resulting in inherent inflexibility.
On the return trip, a V4 Supercharger station with 100 stalls and extended cables that could reach either side of the car offered a glimpse of a more user-centric future, contrasting sharply with the current patchwork and frustrating charging landscape. Charging times also lean towards the longer side. A 350-kW charger ideally takes 40 minutes to replenish the battery from 10-80%.
2024 Chevy Blazer EV owner review
Isn’t this a more harmonious scene? All vehicles charging without the need to occupy multiple stalls. If only restroom facilities were also available.
The extended charging times become particularly inconvenient in cold weather. Our Bryce Canyon experience underscores the limitations of winter range. A 160-mile round trip from Springdale, Utah, to Bryce Canyon, with approximately 20-30 miles within the park, should have been well within the 2024 Chevy Blazer EV‘s capabilities, given its 279-mile EPA range and a 100% starting charge. However, temperatures plummeted to around 8 degrees Fahrenheit on the second morning, and the 4,000-foot elevation gain significantly impacted efficiency. For rural road trips in cold climates, extended range is a necessity.
Finally, GM’s quality control leaves something to be desired. A faint rattle persists from the headliner despite its replacement. The panoramic moonroof frequently requires multiple attempts (sometimes up to 11) to close properly, with its pinch sensor seemingly malfunctioning just before sealing. Another dealer visit will be necessary to address these recurring issues.
This marks the third dealer service appointment within six months of ownership.
2024 Chevy Blazer EV owner review
It’s quite remarkable that this is the officially recommended procedure for utilizing the nation’s leading charging network.
Final Verdict: A Bargain EV with Room for Growth
Despite these shortcomings, I remain largely satisfied with the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV, primarily due to its compelling value proposition. The cost of ownership, approximately $8,000 over two years, strikes me as reasonable for the overall experience.
The road trip experience isn’t entirely seamless and necessitates some planning. Unlike a Tesla, spontaneous, thoughtless journeys aren’t yet the norm. Adapters are required, third-party route planners are advisable, and potential quality issues may arise.
However, these were anticipated aspects. In return, I’ve gained a comfortable, reasonably stylish, and exceptionally practical SUV at a competitive price point. There’s a learning curve involved, but that’s precisely the appeal for me. I’m actively exploring how an EV integrates into my lifestyle. The conclusion is that it doesn’t seamlessly replace the ingrained gas-car paradigm, but it presents a compelling alternative.
The 2024 Chevy Blazer EV also highlights areas where GM needs to focus its efforts as it accelerates its EV transition: software refinement, charging infrastructure access improvement, and enhanced quality control.
But this vehicle offers numerous advantages. It’s more economical to operate, quieter, smoother, and generally more pleasant to drive. The integrated technology feels contemporary, akin to smartphone interfaces rather than outdated systems. And it fuels my optimism about the future of EVs. This represents the current state of EV ownership, likely the most challenging it will ever be, and it’s still remarkably good. It simply requires a touch of curiosity, adaptability, and resourcefulness.
It’s an adventure, and I’m enjoying the electric ride.
