Chevrolet’s SEMA Presence Includes an EV-converted K5 Blazer
Chevrolet wants to jump the competition into EV conversions, so a special all-electric K5 Blazer is part of their SEMA presence this year.
In a word, 2020 has been “different.” As it stands, SEMA is far different this year than it has been in the past. On the plus side, it isn’t cancelled. However, it is an all-virtual affair, dubbed SEMA360. In advance of the virtual show, Chevrolet decided to showcase one special vehicle. It’s a K5 Blazer – restored to brand new condition – and under the hood lurks something very significant from GM.
Via ClassicCars.com we have learned that this 1977 K5, known as the Blazer-E, is mostly original. “The new K5 Blazer-E retains as much of the stock Blazer as possible and approximately 90 percent of the new parts installed for the eCrate package are factory components from the Chevrolet Bolt EV,” ClassicCars reports. You read that right, the Blazer-E gets its power from the same motor as the Bolt. But beyond that, the Blazer’s transfer-case, driveshaft and axles are all a 1970’s affair. A Much better configuration than GM’s bygone attempt at putting EV power in the S-10.
Before there are any complaints about the drivetrain, it’s worth noting the EV motor is more powerful than the outgoing internal combustion engine. The emissions choked engine from 1977 displaced 400 cubic inches, and produced a paltry 175 horsepower. With the more modern power unit, we move from 400 cubic inches to 400 volts. The EV motor mates to a 4-speed automatic from Chevrolet Performance and is good for 200 horsepower and 266 lb/ft of torque.
But those ratings aren’t important. Instead, Chevrolet’s intent with this Blazer-E is the real story of SEMA. The concept of eCrate conversions is likely to take off in the next few years. GM is leading that cause by launching “Connect and Cruise.” It is a EV conversion system with the aim of replacing piston engines in a wide variety of classic GM vehicles. Jim Campbell, vice president of performance and motorsports in the US for General Motors weighed in. He states, “Our vision is to offer a comprehensive line of Connect and Cruise systems from Chevrolet Performance – delivering a solution for every customer ranging from LSX V-8s to eCrate conversions.”
For trucks, we actually like this concept. Keeping 4WD components is very much part of the driving experience, as no one wants a front drive SUV. But we understand some Chevrolet truck owners might opt for traditional power. Especially if a buyer needs tow and range capabilities. For those looking at EV as an option, they might agree with us in one regard. We’d like to see from GM is a bit more oomph from the electric motors. We have seen what EV’s can do. Maybe a converted old classic with somewhere north of 500 horsepower will convince a few more nay sayers. Hey, Chevrolet. Sprinkle in some of that new Hummer EV performance, will ya?
Photos: ClassicCars.com
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