Have you ever wondered how electric vehicles are evolving and taking some rather unexpected turns? The Chevrolet Blazer EV presents a fascinating case study in this regard. As the market for electric vehicles normalizes, car companies are starting to let their creativity run wild, sometimes to the confusion of the average driver.

Unraveling the Mysteries of the Chevrolet Blazer EV

How Many Models, Again?

The Chevrolet Blazer EV's path to market was fraught with delays, affecting its initial 2024 model year. But in 2025, customers will have a wide range of options. It can be ordered in front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, or all-wheel drive editions. The decision to offer front-wheel drive in an electric vehicle seems odd, given its history. As you build your own Blazer, the pricing and drivetrain shuffle become even more confusing. The all-wheel drive version with two motors is the next step in the pricing ladder, but paying more gets you a rear-wheel drive version with one less motor. There's also a two-motor all-wheel drive RS and an all-wheel drive Blazer EV SS for the performance crowd. It's a maze of options that leaves even salespeople scratching their heads. 2: The pricing structure of the Blazer EV is a puzzle. The rear-wheel drive SUV gets the largest available battery (102-kWh) as a range-boosting bonus, making it pricier than dual-motor all-wheel drive models with an 85-kWh battery. This goes against the norm in the electric vehicle market, where dual-motor AWD setups are known for adding grip and power. It's a strange decision that adds to the overall confusion.

No Start Button?

Getting used to an electric vehicle involves more than just regenerative braking and charging schedules. The Chevrolet Blazer EV takes it a step further by doing away with a traditional start button. You simply sit in the driver's seat, touch the brake with your foot, and it comes to life. There is an "off" button, but it's a small screen icon. This is part of the evolving driving experience in the EV space, where features are being moved to infotainment displays or stripped from their traditional locations. Tesla has long been known for this, but it's still a surprise to see it in a mainstream vehicle like the Blazer. 2: The absence of a start button challenges our long-held notions of how to operate a vehicle. It's a small but significant change that requires drivers to adapt. It's also a sign of the ongoing transformation of the driving experience in the electric vehicle era.

Goodbye Phone Mirroring, Hello Data Harvesting

The Chevrolet Blazer EV takes a different approach to infotainment with its own Google-partnered system, removing Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. This has led to issues with streaming Bluetooth audio and limited controls. It seems like a step backward, especially when compared to other electric vehicles that offer these popular features. There's a sense that this is part of a larger strategy to control and monetize driver data, similar to what Tesla has been doing. 2: Many new car buyers are put off by the lack of these familiar features. A recent survey showed that one third of buyers would avoid a vehicle without Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. It's a decision that could have a significant impact on the sales of the Blazer EV and other GM vehicles.

A Very Good EV, But Why All the Weirdness?

The Chevrolet Blazer EV is not a bad vehicle. It's comfortable, affordable, and provides a good balance between power and efficiency. But it's also full of quirks that make it stand out in a not-so-good way. The confusion and barriers to entry can be a turnoff for customers. While it has its merits, it would be even better if it focused on being a reliable and user-friendly electric vehicle instead of trying to be different for the sake of it. 2: In the race to dominate the electric vehicle market, it's important for manufacturers to remember that simplicity and usability are key. The Blazer EV has the potential to be a great vehicle, but it needs to get out of its own way and focus on what really matters to customers.