Blazer-E shows off upcoming eCrate packs from Chevrolet Performance
90 percent of kit uses Bolt EV parts
Chevrolet Performance is best-known for building literally dozens of combinations of crate engine to give your GM vehicle a repower. To show off their latest, they built a new concept that might be our favourite of the entire year.
It’s called the K5 Blazer-E, and it’s a 1977 K5 Chevrolet Blazer with electric power. And Chevrolet Performance will be selling the driveline starting in the second half of next year, letting you build your own road-ready classic EV.
Chevrolet yeeted the original 400 cubic inch V8 and it’s piddling 175 hp and embarrassing three-speed auto right into the bin. In its place, the driveline of a Bolt EV.
You might be thinking that’s not a lot of power, but at 200 hp it’s more than the stock V8 offered, plus it’s got 266 lb-ft of torque, available from zero RPM to get you up and running. Behind the Bolt motor is a four-speed electronically controlled automatic that lets you use the transfer case, driveshaft, and axles from the original truck.
And that’s what makes this one so special. 90 percent of the new parts in the eCrate package are stock Bolt EV, meaning that they’re in mass production right now, available at GM dealers nationwide. The package will come with everything you need, including a 400V Bolt battery pack with 60 kWh of usable energy, mounted in the cargo bay of the Blazer.
There are some aftermarket parts involved, like an electric power steering kit and brake vacuum pump, as well as a controller to make the original vintage gauges work (including a fuel gauge that now shows battery charge)
No price was given, but Chevrolet Performance said it is currently certifying dealers and shops to become Electric Connect and Cruise installers, giving them the skills and equipment needed. They’re also looking at other eCrate options including other battery configurations and more power. Eventually, they’ll probably move from Bolt to Ultium for even more electric power.
The official reveal will happen at SEMA360, the virtual SEMA show set to happen next week.
