Chevrolet Previews All-Electric Nostalgia
To buy an electric car or not to buy, that is the question. But what if there were another way. What if you could convert your old gas-guzzling vehicle into a car of the future. Well, thanks to Chevrolet and their motoring enthusiasm, you can do just that with the upcoming Electric Connect and Cruise package.
Showing off its capabilities at SEMA360, Chevy went balls to the wall with a fully-converted all-electric 1977 K5 Blazer.
“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.”
Shown off virtually, Chevrolet Performance surveyed SEMA members to get an idea of what customers want in an electric conversion product. Looking to offer the very best to the aftermarket, Chevy is in the process of finalizing its initial eCrate platform.
Initially previewed inside the eCOPO Camaro in 2018, Chevrolet followed its first attempt with the Chevy E-10 in 2019. Learning a lot from each iteration of the eCrate conversion concept, Chevrolet is now closer than ever to launching Electric Connect and Cruise.
Converting The 1977 K5 Blazer
Approximately 90% of the new parts inside the K5 Blazer are factory components from the Chevrolet Bolt EV. Retaining as much as they could from the stock Blazer as possible, the team went to work on removing the original 175-horsepower 400 cubic-inch V-8, three-speed automatic, fuel system, and exhaust.
Swapping out gas for electricity, the Bolt EV electric motor delivers 200 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a Chevrolet Performance electronically controlled four-speed automatic, power is supplied from the 400-volt Bolt EV battery pack.
