Not so long ago, electric cars had a reputation for being compact, short-range, and only appealing to devout environmentalists. But these days, automakers are embracing the electric future and working to diversify their lineup of EVs. Chevrolet is a great example. The diminutive Bolt EV was recently joined by a compact crossover-style Bolt EUV, and it seems that this was just the beginning. Chevy has announced that it will be coming out with all-electric versions of several of its popular models, from the sleek and iconic Corvette to the utilitarian and powerful Silverado pickup truck.
But with SUVs dominating so much of the American auto market, it’s no wonder that Chevrolet has plenty of electric crossovers coming down the pike as well. Go to your local Chevy SUV dealer in a few years, and you should have a wide variety of electric options to choose from. If you’re anxious to get a sneak peek at what’s in store for Chevy’s future lineup of EV SUVs, read on. We’ve gathered all the news that’s fit to share, from imminent releases to more speculative offerings.
Bolt EUV
Before we explore the electric Chevy SUVs that are yet to come, let’s take a look at the one that’s already on the market. The Bolt EUV was first introduced in the 2022 model year as a larger counterpart to the Bolt EV hatchback. The 2023 Bolt EUV has an EPA-estimated range of 247 miles and can charge up to 95 miles in just half an hour with DC fast charging. In addition to its range of comfort features and safety tech, including a comprehensive suite of standard driver assistance features, the Bolt EUV also has impressive performance, able to go from zero to sixty in seven seconds and deliver up to 266 lb-ft of torque almost instantly.
Blazer EV
The Blazer EV, a two-row, midsize SUV, is set to become available in the summer of 2023. Chevy estimates that, when properly equipped, the Blazer EV will be able to travel up to 320 miles on a full charge. When you do need to plug it in for more power, you can choose between Level 1 and Level 2 charging at home and one of the tens of thousands of compatible public charging stations while on the go, including DC Fast Charging stations. If you’re new to owning an EV, you can use the available myChevrolet app with Energy Assist to find charging stations wherever you are and plan your routes accordingly.
The Blazer is a sporty vehicle, and its EV counterpart will continue this legacy. With the Wide Open Watts feature on the SS trim, the Blazer EV can go from zero to sixty in under four seconds. If you want a bold look to match that swift power, there’s a stylish black and red interior with a flat-bottomed steering wheel and adjustable ambient lighting. Or, for a less flashy but still stylish look, there’s a more subdued option with black and ash gray seating surfaces and a touch of orange in the contrast stitching for a more subtle racing aesthetic.
Equinox EV
The Equinox EV is a more compact option that’s set to be a more affordable choice as well, compared to the Blazer EV. According to Chevrolet, the Equinox EV will have a starting price of around $30,000, which makes it more accessible to everyday drivers than more expensive electric vehicles. It’s due to arrive in the fall of 2023, and it looks like it will roll off the assembly line loaded with plenty of personality and a comprehensive suite of modern features.
Chevy’s Ultium-based platform makes the Equinox EV futuristic even under the hood. It’s estimated to get 300 miles of range per charge, and the available eAWD system can produce up to 290 hp and 346 lb-ft of torque. But the futurism can’t be contained to the inner workings of the Equinox: it spills over into its bold design as well. The exterior features’ sculpting is both sleek and athletic, blending traditional SUV proportions with more modern design elements, particularly when it comes to lighting. The headlights and taillights are sleek slits that can perform animated light sequences when you approach the Equinox with the key fob on your person. Perhaps more utilitarian is the fact that the available power liftgate can also sense your presence and open automatically when you bring the key fob around to the back of the vehicle.
Supersized Sports Cars
Chevrolet has officially announced plenty of details about the Blazer EV and Equinox EV, but less is known—at this time—about the company’s upcoming performance SUVs. Rather than simply creating an all-electric version of an existing SUV, these designs are even more transformative. They take the iconic Camaro and Corvette sports cars and not only turn them into SUVs but make them electric-powered as well. While little is known about these ambitious additions to the Chevrolet lineup, there are a few details that at least seem highly probable.
Like Chevy’s other EVs, both SUVs should be powered by the GM Ultium battery system, which allows for fast charging and plenty of power. The Camaro SUV is likely to be the more practical and affordable of the two, while the Corvette SUV will almost certainly lean into its pony car heritage as much as possible, delivering plenty of power. While we don’t have any definitive horsepower figures to report, we expect them to be as high as the engineers can possibly get them.
While the idea of a Camaro or Corvette growing to the proportions of an SUV might seem outrageous to some sportscar purists, it is in line with recent trends. Plenty of brands known almost exclusively for their performance cars produce SUVs these days, from Porsche to Lamborghini, and even more are on the way, like the upcoming Ferrari Purosangue. It seems that even automotive enthusiasts can’t resist the siren song of the spacious SUV.
So, What’s Next?
Over the past few years, we’ve seen Chevy’s lineup of EVs get more extensive and more diverse. EVs from Chevrolet’s past include the tiny Spark and the Volt sedan, and—while the current lineup does include a hatchback, the Bolt EV—its newest addition is a compact crossover: the Bolt EUV. The 2024 model year will bring two new electric SUVs into the fold, plus the Silverado EV, an all-electric pickup truck. As the company’s battery technology improves, it’s able to power larger and larger body styles without sacrificing range. We predict that this trend will continue in future years. We wouldn’t be surprised to see one of Chevy’s three-row SUVs—like the Suburban, Tahoe, or Traverse—get electrified sometime in the next decade.
Chevrolet has plenty of incentive to electrify its entire lineup. Not only is modern technology making these new vehicles possible, but an increasing urgency surrounding climate change is making them pretty necessary. California has already adopted a rule that will require all new passenger vehicles sold in the state to be zero-emission vehicles by 2035. Not only does California account for a significant percentage of American auto sales, but other states often follow the Golden State’s lead regarding tightening regulations. That means automakers are feeling the pressure not only from individual consumers looking to shrink their carbon footprint but also from impending bans on gas-powered vehicles.
It’s certainly an interesting time to follow the auto industry, and we’re eager to see how these new EV innovations will perform in real-world situations. With their generous ranges and comfortable accommodations, these electric SUVs from Chevy seem poised to introduce electric vehicles to a whole new demographic of drivers. Nameplates like Blazer and Equinox already have a storied past, and it seems they also have a bright future ahead of them.
