Chevrolet Performance announces this 1977 Chevy Blazer K5 eCrate project. This classic Blazer may look totally stock and restored, but it uses a new Chevy Bolt EV powertrain. This is a proof of concept for the upcoming ‘Electric Connect and Cruise’ (aka. eCrate) package Chevrolet plans to offer for sale in the second half of 2021.
This 1977 K5 originally had a 400 cu-in V8 under the hood that was hooked up to a 3-speed automatic. Chevy says this big V8 was rated at 175 horsepower. The team removed the engine, transmission, fuel system, air intake, and exhaust systems. Next, the team took the 200 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque electric motor (from the Bolt EV) and hooked it up to an electronically controlled 4-speed automatic transmission. Finally, a 60 kWh battery pack was fitted to provide the juice. The K5’s transfer case, axles, and suspension remain stock.
The battery pack does require its own heating/cooling loop, so this is another system that was added to the classic SUV. The finishing touch is the ability to use regenerative braking capability and send some energy back into the battery. Chevrolet did not provide an estimated driving range or charing times for this project vehicle.
The interior of the Blazer is also all stock. In a way, this is a “resto-mod” if the vehicle retains all stock appearance and driving dynamics while using a completely new powertrain solution. If you want a more powerful solution, GM is working on adapting the new “Ultium” battery/power solution
Let us know what you think about this project in the comments section below.
Last year, Chevrolet Performance division showed another electrified SEMA project truck. They call it the E-10 truck, and it is fully built electric hot rod pickup.
Here is a “TFL Talkin’ Trucks” podcast deep dive into this Blazer-E electric SUV with the project leader from Chevy Performance.
