Chevy Axes Entry-Level Blazer EV - For Now

by Matthew Guy

Published: August 1st, 2023

chevy axes entry level blazer ev for now

The General is set to launch several new electric vehicles this year, including the Blazer EV. When the model was first announced, it was indicated there would be an entry-level trim called the 1LT checking in at around $45,000. Fresh information tells us that’s no longer the case, at least for now.

A press release from GM talking about the new Blazer EV listed numerous trims but eagle eyes quickly spotted the lack of a 1LT option. Reaching out to the company, outlets were told the 2LT is now Blazer EV’s entry-level trim, notably with expensive all-wheel drive.

“We do have more affordable variants coming in 2024, including 2LT with FWD,” one spox is quoted as saying.

At present, there are two priced trims listed on the customer-facing Chevrolet website: 2LT and RS costing $56,715 and $60,215, respectively. Those two machines have been rated by the EPA as able to travel 279 miles on a full battery and have all-wheel drive. Next year’s SS has yet to receive a Monroney figure.

In a market defined by skyrocketing average transaction prices and a seeming return to pre-pandemic inventory levels, this isn’t the best news – for consumers or dealers. It’s worth remembering whilst reading stupidly bombastic headlines about soaring inventory levels that the last three years have been marked by historic events and it used to be the norm, not the exception, for dealers to have yaffles of cars on hand. Sure, metrics for unsold vehicles are very high as a percentage compared to last year but it’s worth remembering the world is generally comprised are lies, damn lies, and statistics. After all, this author could claim he’s tripled the amount of money in his bank account – but I’d still only have six dollars.

Automakers (and not just GM) binning lower-priced trims in favor of profit-lined top models may have worked in the past but there is surely some sort of ceiling to all this, especially with rising interest rates putting an extra squeeze on things. In any event, it seems the least expensive Blazer EV available for purchase in this calendar year will cost $56,715 when the 2LT goes on sale later this autumn.

[Image: Chevrolet]

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Matthew Guy

Matthew buys, sells, fixes, & races cars. As a human index of auto & auction knowledge, he is fond of making money and offering loud opinions.

More by Matthew Guy

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2 of 37 comments

Tagbert on Aug 01, 2023

This makes a little more room for some of the Equinox variants. There was not much difference between the higher trim Equinox and the lower trim Blazer.

1 Reply
Cprescott on Aug 02, 2023

But it will come back as the Bolt. Witch Mary told us.

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- Buickman on Aug 03, 2023
  
  Danny's girl.
  
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Recent Comments

Jeff One less option will be available for an affordable midsize sedan. Not much can be done about GM discontinuing the Malibu. GM, Ford, and Stellantis have been discontinuing cars for the most part to focus on pickups, crossovers, and suvs. Many buyers that don't want trucks or truck like vehicles have moved onto Japanese and South Korean brands. Meanwhile large pickups and suvs continue to pile up on dealer lots with some dealers still adding market adjustments to the stickers. Even Toyota dealers have growing inventories of Tundras and Tacomas.
Lorenzo This car would have sold better if there was a kit to put fiberglass toast slices on the roof.
Lorenzo The Malibu is close to what the 1955 Bel Air was, but 6 inches shorter in height, and 3 inches shorter in wheelbase, the former making it much more difficult to get into or out of. Grandma has to sit in front (groan) and she'll still have trouble getting in and out.The '55s had long options lists, but didn't include a 91 cubic inch four with a turbo, or a continuously variable transmission. Metal and decent fabric were replaced by cheap plastic too. The 1955 price was $1765 base, or $20,600 adjusted for inflation, but could be optioned up to $3,000 +/-, or $36,000, so in the same ballpark.The fuel economy, handling, and reliability are improved, but that's about it. Other than the fact that it means one fewer sedan available, there's no reason to be sorry it's being discontinued. Put the 1955 body on it and it'll sell like hotcakes, though.
Calrson Fan We are already seeing multiple manufacturers steering away from EVs to Hybrids & PHEVs. Suspect the market will follow. Battery tech isn't anywhere close to where it needs to be for EV's to replace ICE's. Neither is the electrical grid or charging infrastructure. PHEV's still have the drawback that if you can't charge at home your not a potential customer. I've heard stories of people with Volts that never charge them but that's a unique kind of stupidity. If you can't or don't want to charge your PHEV then just get a hybrid.
AZFelix The last time I missed the Malibu was when one swerved into my lane and I had to brake hard to avoid a collision. 1 out of 5⭐️. Do not recommend.