We’re sure y’all saw the Chevy Super Bowl commercial with Will Ferrell? From the commercial, it’s clear that Chevy plans to produce electric vehicles by the ton. But did you know they’ve even gone a step further? Chevy is officially marketing a 1977 K5 Blazer electric engine crate, with the goal of making more models in the near future. Learn all about it here!
1977 K5 Blazer Electric Engine Crate
The 1977 K5 Blazer-E adapts the electric motor from the Bolt EV into a 1977 K5 Blazer. The ’77 Blazer stock engine has an output of 175hp, the new eCrate puts out a little more at 200hp. Along with the eCrate engine, many Bolt parts are incorporated. In fact, approximately 90 percent of the new parts installed for the eCrate package are components of the Chevrolet Bolt EV. For example, the crate comes with the Bolt’s 60 kWh battery, battery heating and cooling, battery-overcharge protection, shock protection and regenerative braking.
Many aftermarket components are compatible with the vehicle. This includes an electric power steering kit, an electric pump that creates vacuum to the stock brake system, and an electronic controller that inputs to the classic Blazer gauges.
Chevrolet Performance is already making efforts to certify dealerships and aftermarket companies for eCrate installation. They plan to sell this “Electric Connect and Cruise” package in the second half of 2021.
1977 K5 Blazer Electric Engine Pros and Cons
Pros: Electric engines are faster on the uptake, more efficient, easier to maintain and more reliable. Electric engines balance the front and rear end better on trucks, since they are lighter weight than fuel engines.
Cons: The battery pack takes up pretty much the whole back end of the Blazer. This cancels out extra seating and storage.
Chevy’s Long Game
Chevy indicates that this is the beginning of something greater. Check out what Russ O’Blenes, Director of Engineering at Chevrolet Performance and Racing has to say: “Minutes after Chevrolet showed the E-10 concept, customers started calling to ask how soon they could build their EV project. 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.”
