Chevy Blazer EV SS: More Than Just Speed? Range, Performance, and the EV ‘Fun’ Factor
The 2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV SS is making waves, but is it all just hype? Stepping into the electric vehicle arena with a legacy performance badge, the Blazer EV SS boasts impressive specs: a 0-60 mph time of just 3.4 seconds, up to 615 horsepower, and a claimed range of 303 miles. But beyond the numbers, questions linger about whether this electric SUV truly captures the spirit of its 'SS' predecessors. Is it genuinely fun, or just exceptionally fast?
One key aspect highlighted in recent tests is its range performance, particularly in challenging driving conditions. As one test from TFLEV showed, the Blazer EV SS impressively handled a 7,000-foot climb. While initial efficiency dipped to 1.8 miles per kWh during the ascent, the regenerative braking system shone on the descent, resulting in the vehicle outperforming its range estimate overall. Despite using 44% of its battery, it covered 48% of its claimed range over 147 miles.
"...despite an unbelievable 7,000-foot climb, the Blazer EV SS still overperforms its range estimate," according to Mack Hogan at InsideEVs, a testament to the EV's efficient design.
But speed and range aren't everything. An Autopian review dives into the more subjective realm of 'fun.' While acknowledging the Blazer EV SS's track capabilities and impressive handling for its size, the reviewer questions whether the typical driver will harness its full potential, especially compared to more affordable, less powerful EV options. The author raises a pertinent point: "...if it has fun-potential within it, can that fun be accessed at speeds that you can actually hit without potentially facing jail time?"
The review further probes into the essence of what made classic SS vehicles appealing: drama. Muscle cars of the past delivered a raw, visceral experience with their roaring engines, vibrations, and a general sense of unrestrained power. The Blazer EV SS, by contrast, offers a smooth, quiet, and efficient ride. While undeniably capable, it lacks the 'sound and fury' that defined its predecessors.
Chevrolet highlights the Blazer EV SS's ability to deliver thrills "cruising the highway, or around town," but the Autopian writer counters: "When Chevy says the Blazer EV SS can be fun driving around town, what do they mean, exactly? That you can get to 40 mph in a neighborhood a little quicker?" This leads to the core question: Can a highly refined, technologically advanced EV truly replicate the thrill of a classic muscle car, or is 'fun' in the EV context something entirely different?
Currently available in dealerships with a starting price of $60,600, the Blazer EV SS presents a compelling package of performance and range. However, potential buyers must consider what they truly seek in a performance vehicle. Is it purely about speed and efficiency, or is there a desire for a more engaging and emotionally charged driving experience?
The 2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV SS is undoubtedly a significant step in the evolution of electric performance vehicles. Its impressive capabilities are undeniable, but whether it can truly capture the hearts of performance enthusiasts remains to be seen. What do you think? Can an EV ever be as "fun" as a traditional muscle car? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!