The new Chevrolet Blazer is a $45k electric SUV

A car that started life as a two-door based on a pickup chassis now finds itself as a fully electric mid-sized SUV. Welcome to 2022, and the brand-new Chevrolet Blazer.

Confusingly, it’s labelled the 2024 Blazer, so we’re all living in GM’s future now. A future bet on the company’s ‘Ultium’ electric platform – a flexible architecture that’ll sit under stuff like the Caddy Lyriq and Celestiq, Equinox and Sierra EV.

GM says this platform allows for a low centre of gravity (for better handling) and is available as either front-wheel-drive, rear- or all-wheel-drive. There’s independent suspension front and back, too.

The battery cells are stacked along the floor of the chassis, though GM hasn’t said how big the new Blazer’s battery is. Instead, we get four trim levels, range estimates and where the drive is being sent.

So, kicking off the range is the front-drive Blazer 1LT, with up to 247 miles of range, followed by the FWD/optional AWD 2LT that offers up to 293 miles. The RS gets 320 miles of range, available as either FWD or RWD, or optionally AWD, while the range-topping SS gets 290 miles of range and a standard-fit AWD drivetrain.

Indeed, that SS is quite fast. Chevy says this SUV gets 557bhp and 648lb ft of torque, Brembo brakes, and the ability to go from 0-60mph in “less than four seconds”. Should keep the Tesla Model Y interested, at least.

Certainly looks up for the fight. Chevy talks of a “muscular, athletic profile” eliciting the same kind of "emotional response" as its performance cars. Sure, why not. Naturally the RS and SS models get sportier trim elements, while inside all cars get a 17.7in central touchscreen along with a 11in driver display.

The flat floor allows for “ample spaciousness” for its two-row layout, and prices kick off from $44,995 for the 1LT, rising to $65,995 for the SS. All are scheduled to go on sale next year.

“The 2024 Blazer EV sets a new tone for electric SUVs, with options and intuitive technologies that help position Chevy for leadership in one of the fastest-growing EV segments,” said Chevy vice president Scott Bell.

“Along with the all-new Silverado EV and Equinox EV coming next year, we are making great strides in offering more choices for zero tailpipe-emissions vehicles — choices that make switching to an EV easier than ever.”