- Motorsports-inspired and pursuit-rated performance enhancements offer balance of exhilarating performance with true SUV capability and comfort
- Chevrolet Performance induction and exhaust systems increase output of the 6.2L V-8 to 433 horsepower and 467 lb-ft of torque — increases of 13 hp and 7 lb-ft over the current RST’s available 6.2L engine, giving it more horsepower than any other Tahoe
- Fastest retail Tahoe with 0-60 mph in 5.78 seconds, top speed of 124 mph on the test track and better stopping distance with 60-0 mph braking in 133 feet
Chevrolet’s most popular full-size SUV has been specially tuned for performance with the new 2023 Tahoe RST Performance Edition. With more horsepower and speed than ever before for retail customers, this special edition four-wheel-drive Tahoe is ready to impress performance enthusiasts who still want to sport around town in a full-size SUV.
“The 2023 Tahoe RST Performance Edition is designed for those who want the best of both worlds — the everyday comfort and capability of a full-size SUV along with the driving excitement of a true performance vehicle,” said Scott Bell, Chevrolet vice president. “It leverages the proven capability of Chevy’s pursuit-rated police vehicle packages and motorsports success to offer a confident, engaging driving experience for our customers.”
In fact, the new Tahoe RST Performance Edition leverages a number of chassis, suspension and other elements from the pursuit-rated Tahoe PPV package for police, with many of the vehicle’s dynamics calibrated by the same engineering team.
Chevrolet delivers more power than any other Tahoe by introducing Chevrolet Performance induction and exhaust systems to this package that increase output of the standard 6.2L V-8 to 433 horsepower and 467 lb-ft of torque. That’s an increase of 13 hp and 7 lb-ft over the current RST’s available 6.2L engine. On the special edition, the 6.2L V-8 engine continues to be exclusively paired with the 10-speed automatic transmission.
Standard components
The RST Performance Edition borrowed from the pursuit-rated Tahoe include:
- Police-spec springs, retuned dampers and police-spec chassis calibrations
- Police-spec lower ride height of 0.4 inch (10 mm) in front and 0.8 inch (20 mm) in the rear
- Brembo® front and rear brakes with unique Torch Red calipers. The front brake rotors are nearly 25% larger in diameter than the standard RST system
- Performance-calibrated brake pedal feel
- Police-spec Firestone Firehawk Pursuit 275/55R20 tires with specific 20-inch aluminum wheels in black
“We have carefully tuned this vehicle to handle speed with confidence and control that is immediately apparent behind the wheel,” said Dominique Lester, chief engineer. “The pursuit-rated driving dynamics inspire excitement and confidence on the road, and we’re proud to have achieved this level of ride and handling in a full-size SUV largely through performance calibration and tuning.”
Performance
The RST Performance Edition also has the numbers to back up its carefully calibrated systems:
- 0-60 mph in 5.78 seconds (compared to 5.95 seconds on base RST)
- Quarter mile in 14.2 seconds at 97 mph on the test track (compared to 14.4 seconds at 97 mph on base RST)
- 60-0 mph braking in 133 feet (compared to 139.4 feet on base RST)
- Top speed of 124 mph on the test track (compared to 112 mph on base RST)
That performance does not come at the expense of true SUV capability, as the Performance Edition offers the same 7,600-pound trailering capacity as the base RST when equipped with the 6.2L engine.
In addition to the unique powertrain, chassis and suspension upgrades, the Tahoe RST Performance Edition comes standard with the Luxury Package, which includes a host of active safety features and driver convenience features.
The special edition Tahoe will sport a black “RST” badge on the rear tailgate. On the interior, standard sport pedals elevate the performance look and feel.
The Tahoe RST Performance Edition will make its public debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The package is priced at a starting MSRP of $8,525 and will be exclusively available on the 2023 Tahoe RST with the 6.2L V-8 engine. Production begins in Q4 2022 with U.S. and globally sourced parts at GM’s Arlington Assembly in Texas.
Enters contested compact SUV segment as the most affordable all-electric entry
After introducing the Chevrolet Silverado EV and Blazer EV this year, Chevrolet’s blitz of electric vehicle rollouts continues with a third introduction: the all-new 2024 Equinox EV — an affordable all-electric SUV tailored to help modern families make a seamless, confident and uncompromising transition to an EV.
“We are at a turning point where EVs will be the mainstream choice for the next generation of customers and Equinox EV will lead this charge for us,” said Mary Barra, Chair and CEO of General Motors. “With the flexibility of GM’s Ultium Platform, we are bringing to market vehicles at nearly every price point and for every purpose.”
With a starting price of around $30,000 on the 1LT, the Equinox EV plugs Chevrolet into the critical compact SUV segment and is expected to be the most affordable EV in its class. It rounds out an electrified portfolio that covers major segments, including full-size trucks (Silverado EV), midsize SUVs (Blazer EV) and compact SUVs (Bolt EV and Bolt EUV). Plus, it will also be available with up to an available GM-estimated 300 miles of range on a full charge.
“Chevrolet is now positioned to offer a wide array of EVs,” said Scott Bell, vice president of Chevrolet. “We know truck and SUV customers better than anyone and we’ve channeled that insight and experience into our new EVs.”
With the Equinox EV, designers and engineers focused on the style, space, safety and value attributes that made the gas-powered Equinox second to only the Silverado in Chevy sales and elevated them with expressive design, electrifying capability and effortless EV technology.
In addition to the Ultium-based propulsion technologies, features include a large infotainment screen — including an available 17.7-inch-diagonal system — a strong suite of standard and available driver assistance technologies, and available Super Cruise hands-free driver assistance technology for compatible roads, when compared to the current Equinox.
“The Equinox EV is an EV for everyone,” said Bell. “It’s an affordable game-changer, offering an uncompromising experience, with more features, that won’t change your daily routine — except that you will no longer have to stop at the gas station.”
Expressive design
At a glance, the Equinox EV’s expressive design has an athletic, bold and commanding appearance that is instantly recognizable as a Chevy SUV. Two distinctive personalities — LT and RS — are offered in several trims, drive configurations and range options.
Highlights include:
- Sleek lines and sporty proportions enabled by the Ultium Platform
- Innovative walk-up lighting, with front and rear lighting animation standard and an available unique light bar on mid- and up-level LT and RS trims
- Standard 19-inch wheels, with available 20- and 21-inch wheels depending on the trim
- Available presence-based liftgate that can open hands-free when sensing the key fob is near the back of the vehicle
- Available two-tone white roof on LT and available black roof on RS
Inside, a streamlined and modern interior offers room for five, available personalized ambient lighting and a smart infotainment system. It also has a spacious cabin, with numerous storage solutions from front to rear, as well as up to 57 cubic feet (1,614 liters) of max cargo room, with the rear seat folded.
When it comes to comfort and convenience, heated front and rear outboard seats, a heated steering wheel and even a heated windshield wiper park feature, which helps keep the area around the wipers clear of ice buildup, are available.
Effortless EV tech and more
Chevrolet is committed to making the EV transition seamless, with support such as available navigation and route planning through the MyChevy app, which helps locate and plot routes to charging stations.
Customers also have access to Ultium Charge 360, GM’s holistic approach to EV charging, which is designed to simplify the overall charging experience, with information and access to more than 110,000 publicly available charging points in the U.S. and Canada.
“Chevrolet has your back with every aspect of the EV experience,” said Bell. “The Equinox EV has the range to take you where you want to go, the spaciousness for your passengers and gear, and technology to do it all comfortably and confidently.”
Chevrolet also knows safety is top priority for families and the Equinox EV delivers with a strong list of standard features:
- Chevy Safety Assist, which includes Automatic Emergency Braking, Following Distance Indicator, Forward Collision Alert, Front Pedestrian Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning and IntelliBeam automatic high beams
- Rear Park Assist
- Reverse Automatic Braking
- Safety Alert Seat
- Rear Cross Traffic Braking
- Blind Zone Steering Assist
Available driver assistance technologies include Adaptive Cruise Control and HD Surround Vision, with a Head-Up Display and Rear Camera Mirror also available.
Additionally, Super Cruise, the industry’s first true hands-free driver-assistance technology is also available. It allows drivers to travel hands-free on more than 400,000 miles of compatible roads across the U.S. and Canada.
Electrifying capability
A standard front-wheel-drive system with GM estimated 210 horsepower and 242 lb-ft of torque offers quick acceleration and a fun driving experience for everyday tasks, with a 290-horsepower and 346 lb-ft torque eAWD system available.
One-Pedal Driving is standard and allows the Equinox EV to accelerate and slow to a full stop, using only the accelerator. It’s paired with regenerative braking, which can convert the kinetic energy of the vehicle’s forward momentum into electricity that’s stored in the battery pack to maximize the driving range.
The Equinox EV also packs the latest in charging technology:
- Standard 11.5 kW Level 2 (AC) charging, which can add up to 34 miles of range per hour of charging, per GM estimates
- 19.2 kW Level 2 (AC) charging is available on 3RS eAWD, which can add up to 51 miles of range per hour of charging, per GM estimates
- Standard DC fast-charging capability of up to 150 kW, which enables approximately 70 miles of range to be added in 10 minutes, per GM estimates
GM covers the Equinox EV’s battery with an 8-year/100,000-mile limited warranty, in addition to the vehicle’s standard bumper-to-bumper coverage for added peace of mind.
EV propulsion systems and estimated range
| Trim | Drive System | GM-Est. Range2 |
| 1LT | FWD (standard) FWD (available) eAWD (available) | 250 miles 300 miles 280 miles |
| 2LT & 3LT | FWD (standard) eAWD (available) | 300 miles 280 miles |
| 2RS & 3RS | FWD (standard) eAWD (available) | 300 miles 280 miles |
Available for fleet and retail customers
As with the new Blazer EV and Silverado EV, the Equinox EV also offers fleet customers the benefits of zero-emissions driving, zero gas stops and the opportunity for reduced maintenance.
“Chevy’s fleet customers have EV goals and the all-new Equinox EV helps achieve them,” said Bell. “With some putting more than 20,000 miles a year on their vehicles, it can help them save time at the pump and gas money.”
The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV will be available in fall 2023, starting with a limited edition 2RS. Additional details and ordering information will be available closer to the start of production. The Equinox EV will be produced at GM’s Ramos Arizpe, Mexico, production facility.
Garage makeover showcases how EV drivers who charge at home can still enjoy chips, footlongs and pizza
Chevrolet today unveiled a complete garage makeover inspired by a Bolt EV owner who realized she was missing out on her favorite gas station impulse buys since she charges her car at home and skips the gas station altogether.
After years of hearing stories from Bolt EV owners who love living the EV lifestyle — especially the perk of not having to buy or pump gas thanks to charging at home — there were a few things many EV drivers said they missed. Namely, they miss the guilty pleasure snacks found at the gas station mini mart. With many EV owners now charging at home, Chevrolet decided to transform one Bolt EV owner’s garage into the “ultimate EV garage” to demonstrate how EV drivers can have the best of both worlds: indulging in the tasty treats they love, while charging their electric car at home.
Chevrolet collaborated with celebrity designer and builder Wendell Holland, recognized for his popular television shows in home design, to redesign Denver resident and Chevy Bolt owner Pamela Talley’s garage into an at-home convenience store. Chevy even polled the brand’s social media audience to gather followers’ favorite gas station snacks and incorporated these into the makeover. Pamela’s garage is now stocked with gas station favorites such as a frozen drink machine, hot dog warmer, beef jerky buffet, chips, candy, a drink fridge and more.
“I’ve seen firsthand how homeowners are evolving their space to fit the EV lifestyle, so collaborating with Chevy on this garage transformation was a seamless fit,” said Holland. “To create the ultimate garage space for Pamela, we incorporated inspiration from beloved gas station snacks and transformed the space into a modern oasis for EV living.”
With many consumers considering the switch to electric vehicles, Chevrolet is helping owners see the opportunity to reimagine their own garage. In fact, Chevrolet is making it easier for Bolt EV and Bolt EUV owners to charge at home. Chevrolet will cover standard installation of a Level 2 charging outlet for eligible customers who purchase or lease a 2022 or 2023 model year Bolt EV or Bolt EUV1. In collaboration with Qmerit, Chevrolet’s official EV charging solutions installation partner, the offer gives customers access to faster charging right where they want it.
“One of the best features of living with an EV is charging, or ‘refueling,’ at home,” said Steve Majoros, vice president of Chevrolet Marketing. “We want to provide Chevy customers the seamless ability to enjoy charging at home as we bring more electric vehicles to market. This garage makeover is one example of the creative ways EV drivers can enjoy what they miss by skipping the gas station.”
While charging at home is important to EV owners, GM is also investing nearly $750 million in the EV charging ecosystem through Ultium Charge 360. This investment will expand access to charging at home and at work, as well as public charging around town, metropolitan fast charging and fast-charging stations along highways to enable long distance electric travel. Today, a Chevy customer with the myChevrolet mobile app is able to access more than 100,000 public chargers through this integration with more than 11 major charging networks.
2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV PPV Ready For Patrol
Chevy’s first all-electric Blazer police vehicle designed to be pursuit-rated offers exceptional performance
As more states and municipalities implement carbon reduction plans and targets, the all-new 2024 Blazer EV PPV can help achieve them with uncompromising performance and capability for officers.
It is the first pursuit-rated all-electric Chevrolet in more than 60 years of tailoring vehicles for the rigors of law enforcement duty.
“Chevy’s commitment to meeting the needs of law enforcement is rooted in decades of cooperation with police agencies across North America,” said Ed Peper, U.S. vice president of GM Fleet. “This purpose-built electrified Blazer EV PPV will have excellent pursuit performance, the reliability of a Chevrolet and fast-charging necessary to be a high-performance patrol vehicle.”
The Blazer EV PPV will be based off the Blazer EV SS retail model. Final specifications and range will be available closer to launch, in the first quarter of 2024. It will be offered with specific police content including skid plates, police-rated tired, steel wheels and additional emergency equipment support. It will also have the capability for light-duty towing for items such as radar trailers, as well as the capability for bicycle racks when equipped a dealer-installed Class 1 trailer hitch.
Many patrol cars spend a lot of their time idling, creating emissions from running a gasoline engine to support the electrical loads of a law enforcement vehicle. Chevrolet is utilizing the largest possible Ultium battery available for this Blazer EV PPV to support the electrical needs of a patrol car needed for law enforcement.
Additionally, the Blazer EV PPV has a low center of gravity, thanks to the roughly 1,200-pound (544 kg) battery pack mounted low in the chassis. It also employs Brembo brakes based on the high-performance Blazer EV SS, which are designed to offer superior stopping power.
“The Chevrolet Blazer EV PPV is designed to meet or exceed the demands of the nationally recognized Michigan State Police annual vehicle testing,” said Peper. “Its performance will be a game-changer.”
Well-equipped for patrol
Inside, police-specific front seats are design accommodate duty belts and wearable gear, for greater comfort on patrol, while standard unprogrammed steering wheel buttons allow upfitters1 to connect Push to Talk function for department radios and fingertip operation of emergency warning equipment. A driver spot lamp is also available.
The standard upfitter wiring harnesses, similar to the Tahoe PPV, includes added connectors to reduce up-fit times. In fact, the vehicle was designed with police-level electrical loads in mind, including a dedicated electrical center, standard upfitter wiring harnesses, and enough power available for the necessary law enforcement equipment. Chevy also offers a standard upfitter vehicle module which provides all necessary signals needed for aftermarket equipment to communicate with the vehicle.
For greater accommodation of rear gear, the Blazer EV PPV offers a larger rear cargo capacity with the “civilian” model’s false floor removed to make room for aftermarket cabinets and organizers. It also comes with a standard Rear Camera Mirror2, allowing officers a wide field of view behind the vehicle. This helps enhance visibility, as the majority of police vehicles equipped with prisoner partitions, cargo barriers and vertical weapon mounts that can obstruct the rear view.
The Blazer EV PPV 9C1 police package has standard vinyl flooring, a police-spec center console and a vinyl rear seat. A 9C3 Street Appearance package is also available and features carpeting, the regular-production center console and cloth rear seats.
“During the Blazer EV’s development, we spoke with many law enforcement groups across the U.S. and Canada to learn how an all-electric PPV would serve them best and the Blazer EV PPV delivers,” said Peper. “There is strong interest and we believe it has the opportunity to improve how police departments and their officers work with their patrol vehicles.”
The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV PPV begins production in the first quarter of 2024, with pricing and order guide availability expected mid-2023. More information is available at www.gmfleet.com.
- In collaboration with American Expedition Vehicles, Chevrolet releases first-ever Silverado ZR2 Bison special edition designed to bolster the truck’s off-road capability including rocker protection, unique skid plates, custom front bumper and more.
- Also new for select trims in the 2023 model year, the popular 3.0L Duramax Diesel gets fine-tuned for more power with a GM-estimated max horsepower of 305 and max torque of 495 lb-ft.
Building off the success of the recent Silverado ZR2 launch, Chevrolet introduced the first-ever special edition Silverado ZR2 Bison in collaboration with American Expedition Vehicles (AEV), a premium off-road aftermarket manufacturer. This truck was uniquely tuned to unlock new heights in off-road capability for customers seeking overlanding adventures.
“Our most recent collaboration with AEV resulted in the much-acclaimed Colorado ZR2 Bison. We’re thrilled to team up again to bring customers Chevrolet’s next chapter of off-road dominance, this time on Silverado,” said Scott Bell, Chevrolet vice president. “The 2023 Silverado ZR2 Bison unlocks the pinnacle of the nameplate’s off-road capability.”
AEV has a strong track record for providing accessories that excel in overland expedition environments. The 2019 Colorado ZR2 Bison quickly became the most popular special edition package offered with the Colorado ZR2. Similar to the Colorado ZR2 Bison development, AEV and GM engineers and designers collaborated on the tooling and design to bring forth the Silverado ZR2 Bison with unique overlanding componentry.
“The Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 Bison is the ultimate half-ton truck for backcountry adventures,” said AEV CEO and Founder Dave Harriton. “The Silverado ZR2 Bison checks all the boxes — robust stamped steel bumpers, complete underbody protection, a factory-tuned off-road suspension, and locking differentials front and rear. We are confident off-road enthusiasts are going to love this truck.”
When compared to the 2022 Silverado ZR2, the Bison special edition is expected to feature improved stats for overlanding adventure. The front approach angle increases to an estimated 32.5 degrees (compared to 31.8 degrees). The departure angle improves to an estimated 23.4 degrees (compared to 23.3 degrees). The trucks are expected to share the same ground clearance at 11.2 inches.
This truck reaches new levels of off-road confidence also in part due to the high-quality steel integrated in the AEV bumpers and underbody protection. The AEV-stamped steel front and rear bumpers are constructed of 3-millimeter-thick steel and are powder and e-coated. The press-hardened steel used for the underbody skid plates is three-and-a-half times stronger than an equivalent cold-stamped high-strength steel plate and provides incredible resistance to underbody damage.
Bolstering the truck’s resume for off-road strength, the Silverado ZR2 Bison comes standard with:
- AEV stamped steel front and rear bumpers with heavy duty recovery points and integrated step pads. The front bumper is compatible with an available winch accessory
- Five unique hot-stamped boron steel skid plates providing protection for the front, rear differential, transfer case and fuel tank
- Steel rocker panel protection
- A three-piece durable steel front bumper with integrated black, vertical front tow hooks
- Exclusive gloss black 18-inch AEV wheels paired with 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT tires
Bison customers will continue to enjoy ZR2’s standard features:
- Standard 6.2L V-8 engine with 10-speed automatic transmission delivers 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque to power through tough terrains
- Multimatic 40-millimeter DSSV spool-valve dampers, which feature:
- Three separate spool valves to control damping
- Three connected chambers for fluid flow
- Uniquely tuned springs that, with the Multimatic dampers, increase maximum front and rear suspension travel, compared to the Silverado Trail Boss
- Front and rear e-lockers
- Specific off-road chassis and suspension calibrations, including Terrain Mode, which allows one-pedal1 rock crawling
The Silverado ZR2 Bison exclusive body-color grille bar provides contrast to the black grille design and prominently features the signature ZR2 badge on the front of the truck to the right of the iconic Chevy “flow-tie.” On the rear, the bold black matte finish on the standard Multi-Flex tailgate is unique to the Bison design and allows the centered Chevrolet bowtie to stand out.
Tastefully integrated into the design, Silverado ZR2 Bison customers will enjoy discovering nods to the AEV collaboration throughout the interior and exterior of the truck, including the Bison decal on the side outer box and the AEV badge featured on the front headrests and all-weather floor liners.
The Silverado ZR2 Bison is expected to start production in early 2023 with an MRSP of $78,490 with dealer freight charge included2.
2023 Silverado 3.0L Diesel Duramax Delivers More Power, Capability
Also new for the 2023 model year, the refined second-generation 3.0L inline-six turbo-diesel Duramax is expected to deliver additional power and torque.
This engine is primed to deliver a sizable increase in power and torque for diesel customers. The max power is 305 hp, a 10% increase (277 hp in 22MY), and max torque 495 lb-ft, a 7.6% increase (460 lb-ft in MY22), thanks to several key component upgrades for optimum performance, including:
- New steel pistons with a revised combustion bowl
- Retuned turbo compressor
- New fuel injectors
- Improved temperature control features
“These improvements to the popular 3.0L Diesel Duramax build on the already advanced design of the first-generation engine,” said John Barta, assistant chief engineer of diesels engines. “We often hear customers express their satisfaction with the outstanding fuel economy and smooth quiet power of the current diesel engine, so we can’t wait for them to experience this advanced engine made possible by the continued design evolution and advances in engine technologies.”
This refined diesel engine will be available on Custom Trail Boss, LT, RST, LT Trail Boss, LTZ and High Country, and will continue to be exclusively paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission for retail customers.
The Duramax engine will continue to be assembled at GM’s Flint Engine Operations in Michigan3. and will be available on select trims of the 2023 Silverado 1500 by the end of this year.
Reserve Your New Chevrolet!
With auto manufacturers and dealerships still recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns, vehicles fly off the lots in record time. We understand it can be frustrating as a buyer to have your top choice sell out before you have a chance to even get to the dealership lot, so now you can reserve your new car with Burien Chevrolet‘s new reservation system!
Burien Chevrolet’s new reservation system will allow you to choose the model that best fits your needs, including specific features, from the list of vehicles we are expecting to receive. That list currently includes the 2022 Chevy:
- Trailblazer
- Bolt
- Silverado
- Equinox
- Camaro
See the complete list of vehicles that are arriving soon and make your reservation today!
Next-Gen EVs
This story originally appeared in Chevrolet’s New Roads online Magazine
The Ultium Platform will bring unmatched flexibility and innovation to a whole new line of electric vehicles.
Chevrolet is preparing for an all-electric future, and it will be built on the capable foundation of the next-gen Ultium Platform, which is a big leap forward for Chevrolet engineering and will power a wide range of vehicles for years to come.
The goal for Chevrolet is to get everyone into an electric vehicle who wants one. Customers have seen EVs evolve to offer larger range numbers† and faster charging,† and the excitement is building.
As a global platform, Ultium fits neatly into the electric vehicle revolution. The Ultium Platform is designed to be flexible and modular, and the architecture has the power to make just about any vehicle GM produces today an electric model. The cells inside the battery modules can be arranged vertically or horizontally to integrate into any design — vertically for trucks and SUVs, or horizontally for cars and crossovers.
That flexibility will allow Chevrolet to make a wide range of models across multiple vehicle types. Chevrolet will be able to offer rear-wheel drive, front-wheel drive, or all-wheel drive, depending on the vehicle.
And, even with that flexibility and new battery technology, there will be cost savings related to production.
“Chevrolet will see cost reductions due to economies of scale at every part of the supply chain, including raw materials and refining,” says Chevrolet battery engineer Andy Oury. “We’re building lots of Ultium components and it makes good business sense for us and our suppliers.”
Exploring the Ultium Platform
The Ultium Platform is a big leap forward for Chevrolet, full of innovations that will power the next generation of electric vehicles, including the all-new Silverado EV coming in fall 2023. Ultium batteries — to be built at plants in Michigan, Ohio, and Tennessee† — help improve how much charge a vehicle can hold, boosting range. But there’s even more to this technology. Here’s a snapshot of what makes Ultium a highly flexible, high-tech system for a new line of electric vehicles.
Meeting customer expectations
Engineers have been hard at work to meet the demand for electric vehicles, starting development of the Ultium Platform around the same time the Bolt EV† launched in 2017.
Produced in a joint venture with LG Energy Solution right here in the United States, Ultium battery cells will be manufactured in brand-new facilities in Lansing, Michigan (open in late 2024), and in Warren, Ohio, and Spring Hill, Tennessee (both fully operational by the end of 2023). The plants together will produce more than 100 gigawatt-hours’ worth of batteries every year.
Those batteries use new technology to help improve how much charge they can hold, boosting range. And new technology in the battery cells helps reduce charging time.
For example, the upcoming Silverado EV (available fall 2023) is set to offer a GM-estimated 400-mile range† on a full charge, with batteries that are lower cost and charge almost four times faster.
“We knew we needed more range at lower cost for our customers and to make the vehicle charge faster,” says Oury. “We’re attacking all of those key concerns head on.”
How does an Ultium battery work?
A proprietary NCMA combination (nickel, cobalt, manganese, and aluminum) in the cathode creates a new balance of chemistry in the cells and results in improved range. The cathode is a type of electrode in which lithium-ions are stored (it’s a positive electrode on a battery, for example). Ultium diminishes the reliance on cobalt, the most costly mineral in the cathode, by 70 percent by adding aluminum, reducing the overall production cost of each battery pack and freeing up resources for further innovation.
“The lithium-ion cell technology in the Ultium Platform is a lot like the batteries in your laptops or phones, but much larger and longer lasting,” says Oury. “The principle is the same. When we charge the battery, we force lithium-ions to move from the cathode to the anode, where they are stored until you want to use them.”
“When you go for a drive and discharge the battery, the lithium-ions are attracted to the cathode,” Oury says. “As the positively charged lithium-ions shuttle their way over to the cathode, electrons move through the high voltage circuits in the vehicle to meet them on the other side and maintain a balance of charge. That’s how we make batteries do work — like turning the motors to make your EV go!”
Another smart environmental approach is recycling the materials from old battery packs.
“We are working with Li-Cycle to help us recycle the material scrap from battery cell manufacturing,” says Oury. “In the near term, we will have more manufacturing scrap than old, worn-out batteries; as we experiment, that will help us scale up in a thoughtful way. When you use these minerals in batteries, it remains refined and highly useful, and it can be refined again and again.”
A case that protects and adds structure
Much of what makes Ultium stand out is the battery enclosure itself, which doubles as part of the vehicle’s chassis and helps protect the battery from damage. And, since the battery is better integrated into the vehicle and with lower weight distribution, drivers will see the benefits of smoother handling, less body roll and dive, and an overall improved driving and riding experience.
The charging process has improved tremendously as well: With Ultium, most vehicles will have 400-volt battery packs and up to 200-kW DC fast-charging capability,† and the truck platform will have 800-volt battery packs and 350-kW DC fast-charging capability.† That’s almost four times faster than today’s batteries.
Losing wires and gaining efficiency
This new generation of vehicles also make it much easier to take long-distance trips, combining longer-range batteries with faster charging. A new, almost completely wireless battery management system is part of that, saving weight and efficiency over wired models.
With the wireless battery management system, Chevrolet engineers can eliminate about 90 percent of the wire harnesses internal to the battery pack. It also lets them scale batteries from small to large all while using the same communication protocol.
“What’s exciting about the wireless platform is that it’s easy for us to reconfigure,” says Oury. “We can use the entire pack or individual modules in various models. Our system allows us to make configuration changes to systems without having to completely redesign it.”
When they started working on this next-gen EV platform, in some ways the team was excited to get another bite of the apple. It was affirmation the team had done well with past EVs, Oury says, and they were excited to do more. It was energizing to the whole team: They were working toward the future.
STORY: KRISTIN SHAW / PHOTOGRAPHY: MATT CHINWORTH
Lineup offers trim, drive system and range options, and the first electric SS performance model
Chevrolet today revealed the all-electric 2024 Blazer EV, expanding the brand’s growing EV portfolio, making EV ownership more accessible, and driving Chevy into the heart of the growing midsize electric crossover segment.
Multiple distinct trims, multiple range options — Including an available GM-estimated range of up to 320 miles on a full charge — and available front-, rear- and all-wheel-drive configurations offer customers more choices, and a seamless EV experience designed to complement virtually every lifestyle.
Those choices include available 1LT, 2LT, RS and Chevy’s first-ever electric SS performance model, along with a pursuit-rated Police Pursuit Vehicle (PPV) model for police fleet applications.
“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 Scott Bell, vice president of Chevrolet. “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.”
The Blazer EV is based on GM’s innovative Ultium Platform with athletic styling that elevates the heralded design established in 2018 by the gas-powered Chevrolet Blazer, and performance cues inspired by the Camaro and Corvette.
With design and engineering developed to live up to the legacy of the iconic Super Sport performance designation, the Blazer EV SS offers customers the most powerful experience in the lineup. It features an exclusive performance AWD propulsion configuration designed to produce up to 557 horsepower and up to 648 lb-ft of torque, and unique WOW (Wide Open Watts) mode enabling 0-60 sprints of approximately less than 4 seconds (based on GM estimates).
“The Blazer EV SS has the soul of a true sports car,” said Bell. “And while it represents the pinnacle of performance for Chevy’s EV lineup, all models offer stirring capabilities that will surprise and delight true performance devotees.”
Additional Blazer EV highlights include:
- Driving range options up to an available GM-estimated 320 miles on a full charge (depending on the trim)
- 11.5 kW level 2 (AC) charging and standard DC public fast-charging capability of up to 190 kW, depending on the model, which enables approximately 78 miles of range to be added in 10 minutes, per GM estimates
- Large, intuitive 17.7-inch-diagonal customizable infotainment touchscreen
- Full LED exterior lighting, with choreographed walk-up/walk-away animation on RS and SS models
- Beautiful, spacious and sustainably crafted cabin made with soft-touch materials
- Available Super Cruise hands-free driving technology for compatible roads
- Advanced safety features intended to inspire confidence, including Reverse Automatic Braking6 and Advanced Park Assist6
DESIGN DETAILS
The all-electric 2024 Blazer EV’s innovative, dynamic and athletic styling is infused with Chevrolet’s performance DNA to create an expressive design unlike anything else in the segment.
“The Blazer EV’s design evokes the same sort of emotional response as Chevy’s performance cars,” said Phil Zak, executive director, Chevrolet Design. “There’s true SUV functionality, but inside and out, it has the sort of passionate proportions and feel that make you want to slide behind the wheel and explore what’s beyond the horizon. It’s a vehicle that looks great from every angle and beckons you to drive.”
Each of the Blazer EV’s trims share a muscular, athletic profile enabled by the Ultium Platform, including taut, converging body lines. They convey motion, while prominent front-fender extractor vents are a nod to Chevy’s motorsports legacy.
The distinctive trims take on their own characters. The LT features a monochromatic appearance and standard 19-inch wheels, while the RS strikes a sportier presence with a black grille and other black accents, along with standard 21-inch wheels. The SS serves up the most aggressive aesthetic, with a unique front grille, two-tone color scheme featuring a black roof and A-pillars that complement the Blazer EV’s body color pallet, standard 22-inch wheels and more.
Designers elevated the Blazer EV’s presence further on the RS and SS with a bold, dual-element LED exterior lighting signature that also has choreographed lighting sequences, which activate when the driver approaches or walks away. The effect features a full light bar and illuminated Bowtie emblem on the front. These elements are incorporated into the lighting sequences.
The front lighting also conveys the state of charge while the vehicle charges. A sequential orchestration of the lighting increases in speed and intensity as the battery’s charge increases.
Inside, a refined cabin also makes a modern design statement. Like the exterior, many of its elements draw inspiration from Chevrolet’s sports cars and performance heritage, such as a flat-bottom steering wheel for the RS and SS trims and sculpted vents inspired by turbines.
An expansive, 17.7-inch-diagonal color touchscreen is the focal point of the cabin and the command center for the vehicle’s infotainment system and additional features. A large 11-inch-diagonal color Driver Information Center in the instrument cluster complements the central touchscreen.
Additional interior highlights include:
- Two-row layout with ample spaciousness and storage options, thanks to a flat floor enabled by packaging of the Ultium Platform
- Standard ambient lighting with personalization function on RS and SS trims
- Unique RS and SS trim and design cues, including blue and red contrasting stitching on the RS, and sueded microfiber seating on the SS, with Adrenaline Red seating surfaces and available Argon Orange accents
- Heated and ventilated front seats on RS and SS, along with heated rear outboard seating positions that are standard on SS and available on RS
TECHNOLOGY FOR EVERY LIFESTYLE
The Blazer EV features Chevy’s latest charging, infotainment and driver-assistance technologies that work together holistically, offering customers greater convenience, comfort and confidence when it comes to making the transition to an all-electric vehicle.
It all starts when the driver enters the Blazer EV — there’s no button to push to start the vehicle. With hands-free start, the driver simply pushes the brake pedal after closing the door and the Blazer EV is ready to go. The key fob authorizes the hands-free start system.
“Transitioning to an electric vehicle is seamless with the Blazer EV,” said Martin Hayes, Blazer EV chief engineer. “Every element and feature have been designed to help customers take full control of their driving experience and enjoy every minute of it.”
Technology highlights include:
- Powered-opening charge port door:It features a powered opening when the door is pushed
- Navigation to charging stations and route planning: Through the MyChevy app, this feature helps locate and plot routes to charging stations
- Regen Braking: This feature can convert the kinetic energy of the vehicle’s forward momentum into electricity that’s stored in the battery pack to maximize the driving range. It also includes One-Pedal Driving, which can slow the vehicle to a full stop, using only the accelerator pedal
- Available presence-based liftgate: For convenience, the tailgate can open hands-free when the key fob is recognized by the sensors at the rear of the vehicle
- Available Super Cruise: The industry’s first true hands-free driver-assistance technology, allowing drivers to travel hands-free on compatible roads across the U.S. and Canada
The Blazer EV also offers Chevrolet’s latest driver-assistance technologies, including Reverse Automatic Braking and Advanced Park Assist. They complement the standard Chevy Safety Assist suite of technologies, with Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Alert, Front Pedestrian Braking, Following Distance Indicator, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning and IntelliBeam.
A major enabler of the Blazer EV’s technologies is Ultifi, GM’s new end-to-end vehicle software platform. It separates the vehicle’s software from the hardware to enable the frequent and seamless delivery of software-defined features, apps and services to customers over the air. Ultifi will allow customers to continue to upgrade and personalize their vehicle like never before, as improvements and new features become available over time.
SPIRITED, CONFIDENT PERFORMANCE
The Blazer EV channels the power of the Ultium Platform, which is the foundation of GM’s EV strategy and the driver of the company’s vision for a zero-emissions future. The all-new body architecture supports the multiple range options and the three available drive systems: front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive.
“The flexibility of the Ultium Platform enabled our design and engineering teams to develop the Blazer EV to offer an unprecedented range of performance and driving characteristics,” said Hayes.
Additionally, the low, wide proportions of the Ultium Platform and the structural positioning of the battery pack, contribute to a comparatively low center of gravity that enhances driving stability. And regardless of the propulsion system, independent front and rear suspensions offer exceptional ride comfort and responsiveness.
The SS takes all the Blazer EV’s performance capabilities to their zenith, with unique features designed to help maximize the Ultium Platform’s capabilities.
When it comes to charging performance, the Blazer EV delivers with an 11.5 kW onboard AC charging module for home charging and public charging, along with high-speed DC public fast-charging capability of up to 190 kW, enabling recharging of up to 78 miles of range to be added in approximately 10 minutes.
Owners also have access to Ultium Charge 360, GM’s holistic approach to EV charging, designed to simplify the overall charging experience, including access to more than 100,000 publicly available charging points in the U.S. and Canada.
BLAZER EV ON THE JOB — AND ON PATROL
In addition to the “civilian” models of the new Blazer EV, Chevrolet will offer a specially developed Police Pursuit Vehicle (PPV) models. Based on the Blazer SS model, the Blazer EV PPV will have the largest Ultium battery in the lineup and will be available in rear wheel drive or with a dual motor all-wheel drive system. The PPV will use the Blazer SS high performance front Brembo brakes to help ensure short stopping distances. The purpose-built Blazer EV PPV model features a police specific interior designed for police officers with ample room to accommodate emergency equipment and gear.
“The possibilities for the Blazer EV’s commercial and law enforcement applications are almost endless,” said Ed Peper, vice president of GM Fleet. “Along with zero-tailpipe-emissions performance, it reduces the number and frequency of certain maintenance requirements typically associated with fleet vehicles.”
In addition, the available trims offer different range and content suited for additional fleet and commercial customers, such as pharmaceutical, rental and others.
AVAILABLE STARTING SUMMER 2023
The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV 2LT and RS go on sale in summer 2023, priced starting around $47,595 and $51,995, respectively. The SS follows later in 2023, priced starting around $65,995, followed by the 1LT and the PPV fleet model in Q1 2024. The 1LT will be priced starting around $44,995. Additional details and ordering information will be available closer to the start of production. Reservations available now at https://www.chevrolet.com/.
Blazer EV will be produced at GM’s Ramos Arizpe, Mexico, production facility, which manufactures the current Blazer.
The 2024 Silverado EV is a reimagined full-size, fully-electric pickup, developed from the ground up, leveraging the power of GM’s Ultium EV platform. It offers a revolutionary mix of performance, capability, technology, and style, including an expected GM-estimated range of 400 miles on a full charge, standard DC fast charging, up to 10.2kW of offboard power and up to 10,000 pounds of maximum trailering.
Whether you’re gathering with a group of friends or simply watching the fireworks from home, odds are you are going to enjoy some special foods to celebrate the 4th of July.
For those of us living in Washington State, that means there’s a REALLY good chance baked beans will be involved. According to the Taste of Home website, baked beans are the most popular 4th of July food in Washington State. And the 2nd most popular 4th of July food in the country (following potato salad).
If you are responsible for bringing the baked beans this year, here’s a flavorful recipe for you to try out (in case you lost great grandma’s recipe) that is bound to please crowds big and small.
We wish you all a happy and safe Independence Day!
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