Russ O’Blenes, Chevrolet director of Engineering, “Minutes after Chevrolet showed the E-10 concept, customers started calling to ask how soon they could build their EV project.
General Motors listened and delivered with the first of many conversion kits coming down the road. And why not recycle millions of perfectly great vehicles like the K-5?
“At SEMA360, Chevrolet will showcase a 1977 K5 Blazer converted to all-electric propulsion. The K5 Blazer-E is a functional proof of concept of the upcoming Electric Connect and Cruise package Chevrolet Performance plans to sell in the second half of 2021.”
The Electric Connect and Cruise package Chevrolet Performance is based on the Chevy Bolt EV powertrain:
60-kWh battery pack
200-horsepower electric motor
DC-to-AC power inverter to drive the electric motor
DC-to-DC power converter to power low-voltage systems
Wiring harnesses, controllers, and water pumps for battery heating and cooling
GM is also considering building a higher performance package using its new Ultium battery system. For now, the company is demonstrating its eCrate in a 1977 K5 Blazer.
“To convert the 1977 K5 Blazer, the team first removed from the Blazer the original 175-horsepower 400 cubic-inch V-8, three-speed automatic, fuel system and exhaust. Then, the team installed a Bolt EV electric motor, delivering 200 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, paired with a Chevrolet Performance electronically controlled four-speed automatic. The rest of the Blazer drivetrain remains untouched, including the transfer case, driveshaft and axles.”