2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV SS is Roomy Rapid Transit
About this episode
Experience the 2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV SS as host Tom takes this 615-horsepower electric SUV to the track and public roads. Joined by automotive creator Tedward, the review dives into the vehicle's "Wide Open Watts" launch mode, upgraded suspension, and real-world range. While it is not a track monster like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, the Blazer EV SS shines as a highly comfortable, fast, and practical family hauler. The discussion covers everything from its 303-mile range and Super Cruise capabilities to its premium interior and heavy curb weight.
Some sporty vehicles are more show than go. The 2025 Chevy Blazer EV SS earns its performance letters but stays chill. With dual motor AWD, it delivers up to 615 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. That should get the kids to school. And the enhanced suspension keeps it under control without a punishing ride.
Tom Voelk travels to North Carolina and the Ten Tenths Motor Club in the shadow of Charlotte Motor Speedway to check out the SS on road and track. And welcome Tedward to the drive!
CORRECTION- The Blazer EV SS Tedward and I drove retails for $62,490 with destination and Performance Package before any tax incentives. Not sure why I gave it a $10K discount while reading my notes. Tom attended a General Motors program to produce this review. Opinions remain his own.
2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV SS
"The 2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV SS is here to rescue parents from bland ordinary transportation. It's not just stickers and badges, power is up, the suspension has been tweaked and there are new drive modes, like wide open watts, or wow, wow, that's a good jolt."
A sporty, all-electric family SUV made by Chevrolet. It's designed to be fast and fun to drive while still having plenty of room for kids and groceries.
The Chevrolet Blazer EV SS is General Motors' high-performance electric midsize SUV, utilizing the Ultium platform to deliver 615 horsepower. It is notable for being the first electric vehicle to wear the historic Super Sport (SS) badge, featuring dual-motor all-wheel drive and a performance-tuned suspension.
10-Tenths Motor Club
"The fact that GM is hosting automotive writers at the new 10-tenths Motor Club, part of Charlotte Motor Speedway, is a good sign."
A fancy private race track and club located in North Carolina where car companies and enthusiasts can test cars safely.
A newly developed premium track and hospitality facility located at Charlotte Motor Speedway in North Carolina. It features a 1.5-mile road course designed for performance driving experiences and corporate events.
Charlotte Motor Speedway
"The fact that GM is hosting automotive writers at the new 10-tenths Motor Club, part of Charlotte Motor Speedway, is a good sign."
A famous race track in North Carolina where professional stock car races are held.
A major motorsport complex located in Concord, North Carolina, famous for hosting prestigious NASCAR races like the Coca-Cola 600. It features a 1.5-mile quad-oval track as well as a road course layout.
General Motors
"The General Motors engineers on hand say yes, this is a high performance vehicle, but it's not intended to be a track monster, it's about everyday fun."
The massive American company that owns and makes Chevrolet, Cadillac, GMC, and Buick cars.
One of the world's largest automakers, headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, and parent company to Chevrolet, Cadillac, GMC, and Buick. GM is currently transitioning its lineup to electric vehicles using its modular Ultium battery platform.
Chevrolet Impala
"Another EV maker might want to shy away from these letters, but they're legend at Chevy, reaching back to the early 1960s, starting with Impala."
A classic, large American sedan made by Chevrolet that was very popular in the 1960s and onwards.
The Chevrolet Impala is a historic American full-size car that debuted in 1958 and became one of Chevy's most iconic nameplates. It was the first vehicle to offer the high-performance 'Super Sport' (SS) package in 1961, cementing its place in muscle car history.
low center of gravity
"Now there are EVs, a whole new world, soul-shaking V8 engine notes are out, stealthy instant torque and low center of gravity are in."
Having most of the car's heavy weight positioned very low to the ground. This helps the car stay flat and stable when taking sharp turns instead of leaning over.
A design state where the majority of a vehicle's mass is concentrated close to the ground. In electric vehicles, placing heavy battery packs in the floor lowers the center of gravity, significantly reducing body roll and improving handling stability.
instant torque
"Now there are EVs, a whole new world, soul-shaking V8 engine notes are out, stealthy instant torque and low center of gravity are in."
Unlike gas cars that need to rev up their engines to go fast, electric cars can deliver all of their pulling power the very instant you step on the gas pedal.
A characteristic of electric motors where maximum rotational force (torque) is available immediately from zero RPM, unlike internal combustion engines that must build up speed to reach their peak power band. This results in immediate, neck-snapping acceleration.
Porsche Taycan 4S
"The dual-motor all-wheel drive delivers up to 615 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque slotting in between Porsche Taycan 4S and GTS."
A high-end, very fast electric sports sedan made by the German company Porsche.
The Porsche Taycan 4S is an all-electric luxury sports sedan featuring a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system and an 800-volt architecture for ultra-fast charging. It serves as Porsche's entry-level AWD electric performance benchmark, blending sports car dynamics with daily usability.
Blazer Ss Blazer
"... motor and back. This is the primary motor of the SS Blazer. It is a 250 kilowatt permanent magnet motor."
The Blazer EV SS is a fully electric midsize SUV made by Chevrolet that is designed to be very fast. It uses powerful electric motors instead of a gasoline engine, offering a sporty driving experience in a practical family vehicle.
The Chevrolet Blazer EV SS is the high-performance flagship trim of Chevy's all-electric midsize SUV, utilizing a dual-motor setup to deliver up to 557 horsepower. It features a performance-tuned suspension, Brembo front brakes, and a dedicated 'Wide Open Watts' launch mode. This model represents Chevrolet's effort to blend practical electric utility with their historic Super Sport performance heritage.
permanent magnet motor
"This is the primary motor of the SS Blazer. It is a 250 kilowatt permanent magnet motor."
A highly efficient type of electric motor that uses strong magnets to help spin the wheels and move the car.
An electric motor that uses powerful permanent magnets on the rotor to create a constant magnetic field, offering high efficiency and power density. They are widely used in modern electric vehicles to maximize driving range and performance.
silicon carbide integrated power module
"We've got the integrated power module here with silicon carbide in order to improve switching losses to maximize the range."
A high-tech electronic switchboard in an electric car that helps transfer power from the battery to the motor with very little wasted energy.
An advanced semiconductor component used in EV inverters that manages the flow of electricity between the battery and the motor. Silicon carbide (SiC) allows for faster switching speeds, higher thermal conductivity, and significantly lower energy losses compared to traditional silicon.
one-pedal driving
"Like most EVs, the transmission is single speed. One pedal driving drag is adjustable and there's the GM toggle switch that adds more, something that I appreciate."
A feature in electric cars where you can speed up and slow down completely just using the gas pedal. When you lift your foot off, the car brakes itself and recharges the battery.
An EV driving mode where lifting off the accelerator pedal initiates strong regenerative braking, slowing the vehicle down to a complete stop without the driver needing to touch the brake pedal. This maximizes energy recovery and reduces brake wear.
monotube dampers
"Drive modes adjust throttle response and steering weight. Monotube dampers are not adjustable."
A high-performance type of shock absorber that helps keep the car stable and smooth over bumps, especially during fast driving.
A type of shock absorber that houses the oil, gas, and piston within a single cylinder, separating the high-pressure nitrogen gas and hydraulic fluid with a floating piston. They offer superior heat dissipation and quicker response times compared to twin-tube designs, making them ideal for performance vehicles.
Brembo
"Up front, standard six-piston Brembo brakes scrub off speed."
A famous Italian company that makes top-tier, high-performance brakes for sports cars and racing cars.
An Italian manufacturer world-renowned for high-performance automotive braking systems, components, and research. Their signature multi-piston calipers are a staple on supercars, race cars, and high-performance track-focused road cars.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
"SS isn't penalized much by the extra scoot like, say, Hyundai Ioniq 5N."
A wild, high-performance electric hatchback made by Hyundai that is designed to feel and sound like a loud, shifting gas-powered race car.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is a highly acclaimed, track-focused electric hot hatchback that utilizes a dual-motor setup to produce up to 641 horsepower. It is famous for its enthusiast-oriented software features, including simulated gear shifts and synthetic engine noises that mimic a traditional combustion car.
Acura Zdx
"Blazer EV SS is not small, about the same size as sister's Acura ZDX and Cadillac Lyric."
A luxury electric SUV made by Acura that actually shares its battery and mechanical parts with Chevrolet and Cadillac electric vehicles.
The Acura ZDX is an all-electric midsize luxury crossover SUV developed in partnership with General Motors, utilizing GM's Ultium platform and battery technology. It shares its mechanical underpinnings and assembly line with the Cadillac Lyriq and Chevrolet Blazer EV.
Cadillac Lyric
"Blazer EV SS is not small, about the same size as sister's Acura ZDX and Cadillac Lyric."
A smooth, quiet, and very luxurious electric SUV made by Cadillac.
The Cadillac Lyriq is a midsize luxury electric SUV that marked Cadillac's entry into the EV market, built on GM's modular Ultium platform. It features a highly stylized exterior, a massive 33-inch curved LED cabin display, and a focus on quiet, comfortable cruising.
Track Testing
"Let's get right to the fun stuff and point the SS towards the track."
The part of the show where they drive the car fast on a race track to see how well it handles.
The segment of the episode where the hosts test the Chevrolet Blazer EV SS on the track at the 10-Tenths Motor Club, exploring its handling, acceleration, and braking limits.
launch control
"To do launch control, we're actually going to need the left foot on the brake. And I've heard you have to push really hard."
A computer-controlled system that helps you take off from a complete stop as fast as possible without spinning the tires.
An electronic driver aid designed to help vehicles accelerate from a standing start as quickly and smoothly as possible. It manages engine power, traction control, and transmission settings to minimize wheelspin and maximize grip.
brake torque vectoring
"And so we're actually giving you corner exit control and brake torque vectoring when we're coming off the corners like that."
A smart system that gently taps the brakes on the inside wheels when you turn, helping the car pivot around corners more easily.
A handling technology that selectively applies braking force to the inside wheels during a turn. This creates a yaw moment that helps rotate the vehicle into the corner, reducing understeer and improving cornering agility.
understeer
"A little bit of understeer. Yes. I think that's probably good for most drivers."
When you turn the steering wheel but the car's front tires slide straight ahead instead of turning as much as you want them to.
A handling dynamic where a vehicle turns less sharply than intended by the driver's steering input, causing the front wheels to lose grip and slide wide toward the outside of a corner. It is a common and predictable safety-oriented setup in most passenger cars.
Real-World Driving and Interior
"The everyday experience is most important. We get a good couple of hours on civilian roads."
The part of the show where they talk about what the car is like to live with every day, including the seats, quietness, and trunk space.
The segment focusing on the Blazer EV SS's everyday road manners, cabin comfort, NVH levels, passenger space, and cargo capacity.
Tesla Model Y
"Comfortable for the family. Much more impressive than Tesla Model Y."
An extremely popular electric family SUV made by Tesla, known for its high-tech features and simple interior.
The Tesla Model Y is an all-electric compact crossover SUV that has become one of the best-selling vehicles globally. It is known for its minimalist interior, class-leading efficiency, expansive Supercharger charging network, and firm ride quality.
Tedward
"They always have us pair up with people. I get to drive with Tedward today. Hi, guys."
A well-known car reviewer on YouTube who films his videos from the driver's perspective so you feel like you are driving the car.
A popular automotive YouTuber and content creator known for his immersive, first-person point-of-view (POV) driving videos. He frequently collaborates with other automotive journalists and reviews a wide variety of enthusiast cars.
NVH
"And NVH and EVs is always a tricky thing because you don't have any engine to cover up some of the little sounds."
A term car makers use to describe how quiet and smooth a car is inside. It stands for Noise, Vibration, and Harshness.
An industry acronym for Noise, Vibration, and Harshness, which measures the tactile and auditory feedback a vehicle transmits to its cabin. Minimizing NVH is a primary goal in automotive engineering to ensure a quiet, refined, and comfortable passenger experience.
Lucid
"They don't exist yet. I mean, Lucid's doing maybe five and that's great."
A high-end American electric car company known for making luxury cars that can travel incredibly long distances on a single charge.
An American electric vehicle manufacturer specializing in luxury EVs, founded in 2007 and headquartered in Newark, California. They are renowned for their proprietary, ultra-efficient electric powertrains and the long-range Lucid Air luxury sedan.
Super Cruise
"We've got to talk about supercruise that standard. The SS gets a three year subscription and it works quite well on roads like this, not just for divided highways anymore."
A high-tech feature from General Motors that lets you take your hands completely off the steering wheel on certain highways while the car drives itself.
General Motors' advanced hands-free driver assistance system that operates on compatible, pre-mapped highways and divided roads. It utilizes precision LiDAR map data, GPS, cameras, and radar to steer, brake, and change lanes automatically while monitoring driver attentiveness.
Infotainment and Software
"Early Blazer EVs had software issues that gave it a black eye. In two days with this vehicle, I saw no glitches at all."
The part where they discuss the car's touchscreens, apps, and why you can't plug your phone in to use Apple CarPlay.
A discussion of the Blazer EV's updated infotainment system, Google integration, and GM's controversial decision to exclude Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Chevrolet Equinox EV
"In fact, the interface has been noticeably improved since I drove Equinox EV."
A smaller, more affordable electric SUV made by Chevrolet for everyday families.
The Chevrolet Equinox EV is a compact electric crossover SUV designed to offer an affordable entry point into GM's Ultium-powered electric vehicle lineup. It features modern styling, a competitive driving range, and a spacious cabin aimed at mainstream buyers.
Porsche 911 GT3
"This guy recognized me and he was talking about he bought his new car, a Porsche GT3 911. And you could tell he wasn't really all that thrilled with it."
A very fast, loud, and stiff sports car made by Porsche that is designed to be driven on race tracks but can also be driven on regular roads.
The Porsche 911 GT3 is a legendary, track-focused sports car featuring a high-revving, naturally aspirated flat-six engine and motorsport-derived aerodynamics. It is celebrated by enthusiasts for its razor-sharp handling and raw driving experience, though its stiff suspension can make it punishing as a daily driver.
Porsche 911
"...alking about he bought his new car, a Porsche GT3 911. And you could tell he wasn't really all that thr..."
The Porsche 911 GT3 is a special, high-performance version of Porsche's famous sports car that is designed to perform exceptionally well on race tracks while still being legal to drive on public roads. It is built to be lightweight and fast, focusing on driver connection rather than luxury cruising.
The Porsche 911 GT3 is a high-performance, track-oriented variant of the iconic 911 sports car, celebrated for its high-revving, naturally aspirated flat-six engine. It bridges the gap between a road-going sports car and a dedicated racing machine, featuring advanced aerodynamics and motorsport-derived suspension. It is highly sought after by enthusiasts for its raw, engaging driving experience.
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