Navigating the vast landscapes near Bryce Canyon National Park, a sense of range anxiety crept in as the predicted state of charge of our Chevy Blazer EV, affectionately nicknamed Gorbo, dwindled to 11%. Rainbow Viewpoint, the park’s highest overlook, beckoned, but the looming 80 miles of sub-freezing country roads back to our hotel prompted a difficult decision: turn back. Despite the Blazer EV ultimately proving capable of reaching the hotel with 18% battery remaining, this cautious range estimation became a recurring theme throughout my initial six months of ownership. This experience, both reassuring and frustrating, encapsulates the nuances of living with the 2024 Chevy Blazer EV.
Bryce Canyon’s missed vistas sting, yet the memory is intertwined with the daily joys of driving the Blazer EV. My model, a 2024 LT AWD, a launch edition equivalent to today’s 2LT, has proven to be a remarkably refined and digitally adept vehicle. Its spaciousness became immediately apparent during a 1,200-mile road trip from San Diego to Utah. Packed to the brim with camping equipment, coolers, and gear for two, the Blazer EV effortlessly swallowed it all. We even utilized its ample cargo space for comfortable in-car sleeping arrangements.
The High Points of Chevy Blazer EV Ownership
The Chevy Blazer EV shines in several key areas, making it a compelling choice in the electric SUV market.
Everyday Driving Delight and Software Integration
The daily driving experience is genuinely enjoyable. The Blazer EV is remarkably quiet and smooth, offering a serene ride quality. The integrated software, featuring Google Maps, is a standout feature. The seamless navigation and infotainment system eliminates the need for smartphone mirroring systems like Apple CarPlay for core functionalities. This built-in system provides reliable navigation and access to apps like Spotify, even without a phone connection, adding a layer of convenience for quick errands and phone-free drives.
Impressive Ground Clearance and Practicality
One of the most surprising and appreciated aspects of the Blazer EV is its substantial 7.9 inches of ground clearance. This sets it apart from many mainstream electric SUVs. Compared to the Hyundai Ioniq 5 or Kia EV6 with their car-like 6.1 inches, and even Jeep’s first electric SUV with a modest 6.4 inches, the Blazer EV offers a distinct advantage. Only the Kia EV9 comes close in this segment.
This ground clearance, coupled with a generously sized cargo area and a cavernous back seat, positions the Blazer EV as an ideal electric vehicle for those who prioritize outdoor adventures. Whether it’s camping trips or hiking excursions off the beaten path, the Blazer EV offers the practicality to comfortably accommodate four adults and their gear. For those seeking even greater off-road capability, options like Rivian or electric pickups exist, albeit at a significantly higher price point.
Chevy Blazer EV Spacious Cargo Area for Camping Gear
The Chevy Blazer EV offers ample cargo space, comfortably accommodating a large amount of camping gear for extended road trips.
Areas for Improvement: The “Just Fine” Aspects
While the Blazer EV excels in many areas, some aspects are merely adequate, neither particularly impressive nor disappointing.
Acceptable but Not Class-Leading Range and Charging
The EPA-estimated range of 279 miles for my Blazer EV LT AWD is within the acceptable range for its class. However, it presents limitations for frequent long road trips. Real-world usage patterns, where batteries are rarely depleted to zero or charged to 100%, further reduce usable range. The Blazer EV’s conservative range prediction software, while erring on the side of caution, often leads to arriving at charging stops with a higher state of charge than necessary, typically around 20%.
Given the currently moderate charging speeds and the drop-off above 80% charge, effectively only about 60% of the battery capacity is conveniently usable for road trips. This translates to approximately 160-180 miles between charging stops, with charging sessions averaging around 35 minutes. While comparable to AWD Kia EV6 or Hyundai Ioniq 5 models, and with a higher-range RWD version available, the experience highlighted the desirability of closer to 350 miles of EPA range for frequent road trippers. The increased frequency of stops, however, did offer the unexpected benefit of arriving at destinations feeling less fatigued compared to non-stop long drives.
Chevy Blazer EV at Charging Station Waiting in Line
Queues at public charging stations can be a common occurrence, highlighting the need for expanded and more accessible charging infrastructure for EVs.
Driving Dynamics, Sound System, and Seating: Adequate but Not Exciting
The driving dynamics of the Blazer EV are functional but lack excitement. As a large, heavy crossover, it prioritizes comfort over sporty handling. The 288-horsepower powertrain, delivering 333 lb-ft of instant torque, provides ample punch for daily driving and brisk acceleration from a standstill. However, the vehicle’s 5,300-lb weight becomes apparent during more spirited driving, with performance tapering off at higher speeds. Handling is competent for its size, outperforming vehicles like Toyota Rav4 or Ford Escape, but it’s not designed for dynamic cornering.
Similarly, the sound system and seats are adequate for the vehicle’s price point but not exceptional. The cabin is quiet and ride quality is smooth on highways, but the standard speakers and seats leave room for improvement. While comfortable enough for long drives, they lack the plushness found in more premium vehicles, potentially prompting consideration for aftermarket speaker upgrades for audiophiles.
The Disappointments: Areas Where the Blazer EV Falls Short
Certain aspects of the Chevy Blazer EV ownership experience are undeniably frustrating and detract from the overall appeal.
MyChevrolet App Inconsistencies and Tesla Supercharger Access Annoyances
The MyChevrolet smartphone app is a significant pain point. Slow response times, often taking close to a minute to update the state of charge, and unreliable remote start commands plague the user experience. Workarounds, such as sending a lock command first to “wake up” the vehicle or utilizing the MyBuick app (which appears to be more responsive), highlight the app’s shortcomings. Compared to the seamless and rapid performance of Tesla’s app, the MyChevrolet app feels outdated and clunky.
Accessing Tesla Superchargers, while a welcome expansion of the charging network for GM EV owners, is marred by a subpar user experience. Despite GM’s official support for Supercharger access through the app, the native Tesla app is far more reliable and user-friendly for initiating charging sessions. The lack of automatic payment and charge initiation at Tesla Superchargers, features offered by Rivian and Ford, adds unnecessary friction to the process. Furthermore, the physical act of charging at Supercharger stations with the Blazer EV is often inconvenient and aesthetically awkward. The shorter charging cables necessitate parking across stalls or even partially off-pavement to reach the charging port, leading to an ungainly and less than ideal charging experience.
Chevy Blazer EV Parked Awkwardly at Tesla Supercharger
Due to shorter cable lengths at some Tesla Supercharger stations, the Chevy Blazer EV may require unconventional parking positions, sometimes spanning two stalls.
Winter Range and Quality Control Concerns
Cold weather significantly impacts the Blazer EV’s range, as demonstrated by the Bryce Canyon experience. A seemingly sufficient 160-mile round trip in near-freezing temperatures, coupled with elevation gain, drastically reduced efficiency and heightened range anxiety. This underscores the need for greater range in EVs intended for cold-weather climates and rural road trips.
Quality control issues further detract from the ownership experience. 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 manufacturing inconsistencies. These issues have already necessitated multiple dealer service appointments, adding inconvenience and raising concerns about long-term reliability.
Charging infrastructure compatibility and user-friendliness are crucial aspects of EV adoption, with ongoing improvements needed to standardize and simplify the process across different networks.
Final Verdict: A Value-Driven EV with Room for Refinement
Despite its shortcomings, the Chevy Blazer EV remains a compelling vehicle, primarily due to its value proposition. The affordability, particularly when considering lease options and potential tax incentives, makes it an attractive entry point into the EV market.
The Blazer EV ownership experience is not without its complexities. Road trips require more planning and adaptation compared to traditional gasoline vehicles, necessitating the use of adapters, third-party route planners, and acceptance of potential charging network limitations. Quality issues may also require attention. However, acknowledging these compromises upfront leads to appreciating the Blazer EV for what it is: a comfortable, stylish, and exceptionally practical SUV offered at a competitive price. It represents a learning curve for those transitioning to EVs, highlighting the evolving nature of EV ownership and infrastructure.
The Chevy Blazer EV serves as a tangible example of GM’s progress in the EV sector, while also underscoring areas for improvement. Software refinement, charging infrastructure integration, and enhanced quality control are crucial for GM to solidify its position in the burgeoning EV market.
Ultimately, the Blazer EV offers a glimpse into the future of electric vehicle ownership – a future that is rapidly improving and becoming increasingly accessible. While not yet seamless, the EV experience, as embodied by the Chevy Blazer EV, is undeniably compelling, offering a quieter, smoother, and more technologically integrated driving experience. It requires a degree of adaptability and a sense of adventure, but the rewards, including lower running costs and a more sustainable mode of transportation, are increasingly apparent. The Chevy Blazer EV is a testament to the fact that even the current, “worst” EV ownership experience is still remarkably good and full of promise for the future.
