Chevrolet Blazer-E: GM’s electric car eCrate conversions due 2021
Classic Holdens and Fords could soon have a new life powered by electrons rather than petrol.
General Motors has showcased a new aftermarket conversion kit it plans to begin selling later in 2021.
Called Connect and Cruise, the EV conversion was shown in a 1977 Chevrolet K5 Blazer, the third GM concept car with an EV conversion.
The Blazer-E retained its exterior and interior design but replaced the relatively low-powered 6.6-litre V8 with an electric motor. Its load area was partially taken by a 60kWh battery pack that can provide 200 horsepower (about 150kW) to the motor.
The e-motor is the same one from the Chevrolet Bolt electric city car sold in America.
While it’s not particularly powerful, like all electric motors it provides decent torque from low in the rev range.
The motor runs through a new four-speed automatic – providing a greater speed range than a regular unit – but the car otherwise retains its original running gear, including the 4WD transfer case and axles.
“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 US vice president of performance and motorsports.
He said the eCrate electric conversion kit would become part of GM’s vast crate motor program, which mostly focuses on V8 engines that are used in all manner of older cars, from Jaguars to Mercedes-Benzes.
“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 V8s to eCrate conversions.”
GM hasn’t said how much the EV conversion kit will cost, although with a 60kWh battery it’s not likely to be cheap. Then again, GM is likely to offer various configurations, including smaller battery packs.
It’s not the first time General Motors has flagged its intention to provide electric conversion kits for older cars.
In 2018 it showed the eCOPO Camaro and in 2019 there was a classic Chevrolet C-10 truck converted to run on electricity and renamed E-10.
“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.”
With the E-10 concept GM showed that the system was modular, allowing a single electric motor or two or three bolted together. When two are bolted together they even have a vague resemblance to a V8 in the way they’re assembled beneath the bonnet.
Already plenty of Australians buy V8 crate motors from GM for local conversions with a modern heart.
The availability of an electric conversion has obvious benefits with maintenance and longevity.
While they won’t appeal to those wanting a classic car in original condition, the prospect of an electric aftermarket conversion could keep plenty of old Australian cars on the road for decades to come.
