As the predicted range dwindled to a concerning 11%, a wave of anxiety washed over me and my companion, Meg. Rainbow Viewpoint in Bryce Canyon National Park, our intended destination, began to feel impossibly distant. Eighty miles of freezing country roads lay between us and the comforting reassurance of our hotel, and the question hung heavy in the air: would Gorbo, our Blazer Ev, make it?
Reluctantly, we made the U-turn.
Two hours later, we pulled into the hotel parking lot, the battery indicator displaying a comfortable 18%. In hindsight, we could have reached the viewpoint, but the Blazer EV’s decidedly cautious range estimation had instilled a sense of unease, prompting our premature retreat. Midway through my extensive 1,200-mile EV road trip, I found myself wrestling with conflicting emotions – gratitude for the conservative range predictions, yet frustration at missing out on Bryce Canyon’s breathtaking panorama. Trust and annoyance, a fitting summary of my initial six months with the Blazer EV.
{width=213 height=120}Bryce Canyon’s allure is undeniable, making the missed opportunity to fully explore it all the more poignant. However, we did manage to experience the canyon’s majesty through a memorable hike.
The Positives of Owning a Blazer EV (What’s Great)
Driving the Blazer EV daily has been a genuine pleasure. My model, a 2024 LT AWD, a launch edition variant akin to today’s 2LT, offers a refined and serene driving experience underpinned by impressive software integration.
Space is another significant advantage. Our 1,200-mile journey from San Diego to Utah saw the Blazer EV transform into a veritable cargo van, swallowing camping gear, coolers, tables, chairs, and luggage with ease. We even utilized its cavernous interior for sleeping – the area behind the seats comfortably accommodating two adults under 5’7″.
Gallery: 2024 Chevy Blazer EV Long-Term Owner Review
Front view of Radiant Red Blazer EV LT
Side profile of Radiant Red Blazer EV LT
Chevy Blazer EV Bryce Canyon Hike
Source: InsideEVs
The integrated software, featuring Google Maps, is a standout. The seamless navigation and infotainment experience negate any longing for Apple CarPlay. The independence from constant phone connectivity is liberating, allowing for phone-free errands while still enjoying Spotify and reliable navigation.
Ground clearance is another significant advantage. Boasting 7.9 inches of clearance, the Blazer EV surpasses other 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 electric debut SUV falls short at 6.4 inches. This, combined with ample cargo and rear seat space, positions the Blazer EV as the premier electric choice for those seeking adventure, comfortably accommodating four adults for camping or off-road excursions.
{width=213 height=120}Despite a mountain of camping equipment, cargo, and food, rear visibility remained surprisingly clear.
For superior off-road capability, options like a Rivian, G-Wagen or an electric pickup exist, but at a considerably higher price point.
{width=213 height=120}Adequate ground clearance and short overhangs equip the Blazer EV for mild off-road trails. However, its long wheelbase, eco-focused tires, and lack of a spare tire make it less than ideal for serious off-road adventures.
Blazer EV: Areas for Improvement (What’s Just Fine)
The EPA-estimated range for my Blazer EV LT AWD is 279 miles. While respectable within its class, it presents limitations on extended road trips.
Real-world usage patterns rarely involve depleting the battery to zero or charging to 100%. Compounding this, the Blazer EV’s navigation system tends to err on the side of caution, ensuring arrival at charging stops with a battery buffer exceeding 10%. Consequently, I typically arrived with around 20% charge. Given the already moderate charging speeds, which significantly diminish above 80%, I effectively utilized only 60% of the battery capacity, translating to approximately 160-180 miles between charges. These stops, averaging 35 minutes, became a frequent part of the journey.
In terms of range, the Blazer EV is adequate, comparable to AWD versions of the Kia EV6 or Hyundai Ioniq 5. A rear-wheel-drive, long-range variant is available for those prioritizing range. However, my road trip underscored the desirability of a 350-mile EPA range for frequent long-distance travel. It’s worth noting that most drivers undertake fewer road trips than they anticipate, and the increased frequency of stops actually mitigated fatigue, leaving me feeling fresher upon arrival in Utah compared to non-stop eight-hour drives.
{width=213 height=120}This charging station, one of the few in the vicinity, resulted in waiting times. Ironically, a massive Tesla Supercharger array with 120 stalls stood adjacent, inaccessible to non-Tesla vehicles.
The driving dynamics are satisfactory, but not exhilarating. The Blazer EV, a substantial crossover, prioritizes comfort over sporty handling. Its 288-horsepower powertrain, delivering 333 lb-ft of instant torque, provides ample power for everyday driving. However, aggressive acceleration reveals its 5,300-lb curb weight, with performance tapering off at higher speeds. Cornering is competent for its size, surpassing a Toyota RAV4 or Ford Escape, but driving enthusiasts should temper expectations. Fun is not the Blazer EV’s primary objective; competence is.
Similarly, the sound system and seating are adequate. Highway cruising is quiet and comfortable, but the average speakers and seats pale in comparison to the Cadillac Lyriq. A speaker upgrade is under consideration. The seats proved acceptable for the 1,200-mile trip, but a more luxurious setup would be preferable.
Challenges and Frustrations with the Blazer EV (What Stinks)
The MyChevrolet smartphone app is a primary source of frustration. Retrieving the state of charge often takes an agonizing minute, and remote start commands frequently fail. A helpful forum user suggested sending a lock command first to “wake up” the vehicle, which has improved reliability. A resourceful Redditor discovered that the MyBuick app is compatible with Chevrolet vehicles and exhibits greater consistency, possibly due to lower user volume. Despite these workarounds, the app experience remains slow, clunky, and leagues behind Tesla’s industry-leading app.
Attempting to utilize the app for Tesla Supercharger initiation is ill-advised. While GM officially supports Supercharger access through the app, Tesla’s native app is vastly superior in terms of reliability and user-friendliness. Ideally, GM EVs would support seamless, automatic payment and charge initiation at Tesla Superchargers, as Rivian and Ford already do. But GM has yet to implement this feature.
While Supercharger access is appreciated, the user experience comes at a cost: a sense of self-consciousness and inconvenience.
{width=213 height=120}Parking across multiple stalls, or even on gravel, became necessary to reach the Supercharger with the short cable. Precise maneuvering and multiple attempts were often required to achieve a successful connection. This suboptimal experience, while not GM’s fault, highlights the inherent limitations of retrofitting a charging network designed for a specific vehicle architecture. The vast majority of the nation’s premier charging infrastructure was built around Tesla vehicles, resulting in frustrating inflexibility for other EV owners.
In contrast, a subsequent stop at a V4 Supercharger station with 100 stalls and longer, universally positioned cables felt like a glimpse into a user-centric future, a stark contrast to the current fragmented and frustrating reality. Charging times also lean towards the longer side. A 350-kW charger can achieve a 10-80% charge in approximately 40 minutes under optimal conditions.
{width=213 height=120}A vision of EV charging harmony – numerous vehicles charging without space constraints. The only missing amenity? Restroom facilities.
Cold weather performance further detracts from the Blazer EV experience. Our Bryce Canyon detour vividly illustrated the impact of cold temperatures on range. A 160-mile round trip from Springdale, Utah, to Bryce Canyon, with minimal in-park driving, pushed the limits of the Blazer EV’s range. Despite starting with a 100% charge and a 279-mile EPA rating, sub-freezing temperatures and a significant 4,000-foot elevation gain severely impacted efficiency. Rural winter road trips necessitate a greater range buffer than the Blazer EV currently provides.
Finally, GM’s quality control is a concern. A persistent rattle from the headliner persists despite a replacement, and the panoramic moonroof frequently requires multiple attempts to close, its pinch sensor exhibiting erratic behavior. Another dealer visit is required to address these ongoing issues.
This marks the third service appointment within a short ownership period.
{width=213 height=120}The officially recommended, yet undeniably awkward, procedure for utilizing Tesla’s Supercharger network with non-Tesla EVs.
Final Verdict: My Long-Term Experience with the Chevy Blazer EV (My Take So Far)
Despite its shortcomings, I remain largely satisfied with the Blazer EV, primarily due to its compelling price proposition. An $8,000 outlay over two years for this ownership experience feels like fair value.
The EV road trip experience isn’t seamless and demands meticulous planning. This isn’t the effortless “get in and go” experience associated with Tesla ownership. Adapters are necessary, third-party route planners are advisable, and quality control issues may surface.
These were known factors entering into Blazer EV ownership. What I’ve gained is a comfortable, aesthetically pleasing, and remarkably practical SUV at an attractive price point. A learning curve is involved, but that aligns with my objective: to understand how an EV integrates into my lifestyle. The Blazer EV doesn’t seamlessly replace the established gas-car paradigm, but it represents a significant step in that direction.
It also highlights areas for GM to refine as they accelerate their EV transition: software, charging infrastructure access, and overall quality control.
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But the Blazer EV offers substantial advantages. Lower running costs, a quieter and smoother ride, and more refined technology compared to traditional vehicles. The technology feels contemporary, mirroring smartphone user interfaces rather than outdated systems. The Blazer EV fuels my optimism for the future of electric vehicles. This represents the nascent stage of EV ownership, and it’s already surprisingly compelling. It necessitates a degree of curiosity, adaptability, and resourcefulness.
It’s an evolving adventure, and I’m enjoying the journey with the Blazer EV.
Correction 2/5/25 at 1:50 PM ET: An earlier version of this article mistakenly said that the Blazer’s navigation system says it cannot charge at Superchargers. That is incorrect, it says that by default but you can update the system via the charging filters option, after which the car will find and route to Superchargers properly. We regret the error.
Contact the author: [email protected].
More Long-Term Reviews From The InsideEVs Fleet
I’m A Gas Car Fan. Here’s Why I Love My First EV
Chevy Blazer EV Long-Term Test: Two Dealer Visits In Two Months
Chevy Blazer EV: Why I Traded My 20-Year-Old Gas Truck For This
2024 Kia EV6 Long-Term Test: Let’s Talk Winter Range And Performance
2024 Kia EV6 Long-Term Test: Lessons From An Electric Road Trip
2024 BMW iX xDrive50 Long-Term Review: Extreme Cold, Software Woes
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