Chevy Axes Entry-Level Blazer EV for Now: What Does This Mean for Consumers and Dealers?
The General Motors (GM) is gearing up to launch several new electric vehicles this year, with the highly anticipated Blazer EV being one of them. However, there has been a recent change in plans regarding the entry-level trim of the Blazer EV, which has left consumers and dealers with mixed feelings.
Initially, when the Blazer EV was announced, GM mentioned that there would be an entry-level trim called the 1LT, priced at around $45,000. However, a recent press release from GM revealed that the 1LT option is no longer available, at least for now. Instead, the 2LT trim has become the new entry-level option, but it comes with a higher price tag and expensive all-wheel drive.
According to a spokesperson from GM, more affordable variants of the Blazer EV will be introduced in 2024, including the 2LT with front-wheel drive (FWD). Currently, the customer-facing Chevrolet website lists two priced trims: the 2LT and RS, priced at $56,715 and $60,215 respectively. Both trims have all-wheel drive and have been rated by the EPA to travel 279 miles on a full battery. The upcoming SS trim has yet to receive a Monroney figure.
This change in pricing and trim options is not ideal for consumers or dealers, especially considering the current market conditions. Average transaction prices for vehicles have been skyrocketing, and dealers are struggling to maintain pre-pandemic inventory levels. While there may be reports of soaring inventory levels, it’s important to consider the context of the past few years, which have been marked by historic events. The world is full of lies, damn lies, and statistics, so it’s crucial to approach such claims with skepticism.
Automakers, including GM, have been prioritizing profit-lined top models by eliminating lower-priced trims. While this strategy may have worked in the past, there is a limit to how much consumers are willing to pay, especially with rising interest rates adding additional financial pressure. It remains to be seen how this shift in pricing and trim options will impact the success of the Blazer EV and GM’s overall electric vehicle lineup.
For now, the least expensive Blazer EV available for purchase in 2023 will be the 2LT trim, priced at $56,715. This higher price point may deter some potential buyers who were hoping for a more affordable entry-level option. However, GM has promised that more affordable variants will be introduced in 2024, giving hope to those who are looking for a more budget-friendly electric SUV.
In conclusion, the recent change in pricing and trim options for the Blazer EV has raised concerns among consumers and dealers. The elimination of the entry-level 1LT trim and the higher price of the 2LT trim may limit the accessibility of the Blazer EV for some buyers. However, GM’s plans to introduce more affordable variants in the future offer a glimmer of hope. As the electric vehicle market continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how automakers navigate the balance between profitability and affordability.
