Chevy debuts all-electric '77 'Blazer-E' to showcase electric crate motor tech at SEMA

With the automotive world increasingly turning toward hybrid and all-electric propulsion technology to power the next generation of vehicles — and even high-performance vehicles — Chevrolet has taken a lot of the guesswork and retrofitting required out of the equation in recent years with the launch of their "eCrate" electric motors and battery packs, which make converting a fossil-fuel vehicle to electric as easy as opening swapping in a new, greener, cleaner electric motor.

To showcase the promise of these easy gas-to-electric swaps, Chevy recently debuted a project at SEMA that's sure to set imaginations ablaze: a 1977 K5 Blazer that has been converted to all-electric power through Chevrolet Performance's new Electric Connect and Cruise package, which will go on sale in the second half of 2021. Appearing like a restored original on the outside, the "Blazer-E" as Chevy is calling the concept vehicle, will debut at this year's SEMA show in Las Vegas.

“As GM introduces a new fleet of electric vehicles, it creates an exciting opportunity to bring EV technology to the aftermarket,” said Jim Campbell, GM U.S. vice president of Performance and Motorsports. “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.”

Chevrolet has previously hinted at the hot rodding potential of clean-running electric engines with concepts like the all-electric eCOPO Camaro drag car in 2018, and the E-10 — an tricked-out, all-electric 1962 Chevy pickup — in 2019.

Though those projects featured high-dollar fabrication that might be beyond most home builders, the new Blazer-E is designed to show what might be accomplished with a simple swap-in of the new eCrate motor and battery pack.

“Minutes after Chevrolet showed the E-10 concept, customers started calling to ask how soon they could build their EV project,” said Russ O’Blenes, Chevrolet director of engineering, Performance and Racing. “The K5 Blazer-E demonstrates what is possible for customers who want to convert their vintage truck to a daily driver with the instant torque and unique driving experience of an EV. For customers who want more extreme performance, the modular eCrate system will have virtually limitless applications.”

After locating a clean, "survivor" grade 1977 K5 Blazer with an original, 175-horsepower, 400-cubic-inch gasoline V8, the team at Chevrolet removed the original engine and swapped in the electric motor from an all-electric Chevrolet Bolt, delivering 200 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, backed by a Chevrolet Performance four-speed automatic. A 400-volt Bolt battery pack that can deliver 60 kilowatt hours of electricity from a single charge was installed in the rear cargo area.

Other than the engine, battery pack and the attendant controllers and wiring harness required to make it all work, plus a small electric pump to provide vacuum to the brake system, the 1977 Chevy Blazer-E  remains largely stock, including the transfer case, driveshaft and axles. The Blazer-E's off-road capability is largely unchanged from stock, too, meaning the truck could be used for off-road adventures just as it was when new. 
 

When the Connect and Cruise gas-to-electric conversion package is rolled out by Chevrolet Performance next year, owners of any Chevrolet vehicle with an original gasoline V8 should be able to do a plug-and-play swap for the package, which will include:
 

60-kWh battery pack

200-horsepower electric motor

DC-to-AC power inverter to drive the electric motor

DC-to-DC power converter to power low-voltage systems

Wiring harnesses, controllers and water pumps for battery heating and cooling

Between now and the launch, Chevrolet Performance plans to certify Chevrolet dealerships as Electric Connect and Cruise installers, training techs to use the skills, tools and equipment required to work with high-voltage systems so they can both install the kits and provide service to converted customer vehicles down the line.
 

After the initial rollout of the 200-horsepower package, Chevrolet Performance plans to roll out other eCrate packages delivering the blistering performance seen in projects like the eCOPO Camaro drag car, plus new battery configurations so the package can be used to retrofit a wider variety of vehicles. 

Here's at Landers Chevrolet of Norman, we couldn't be more excited to see where new technologies like Chevrolet Performance's forthcoming eCrate package will take both the new Chevrolets we sell and the thousands of Chevy fans who might want to retrofit their gasoline-powered classic to cleaner, futuristic electric power.

It's one more reason why we're proud to sell quality Chevrolet vehicles, always on the cutting edge of innovation. Share our pride! Come see us today for a test drive of a quality Chevrolet vehicle, or check out our full selection online right now. 
Source: blog