Chevrolet previews electric power truck conversion at SEMA360

Chevrolet will show next week a 1977 K5 Blazer converted to all-electric propulsion at SEMA360, the virtual replacement for the SEMA Show typically in Las Vegas. The K5 Blazer-E is a functioning proof of concept for the upcoming electric Connect & Cruise package that Chevrolet Performance plans to sell in the second half of 2021. During the virtual event, Chevrolet Performance will survey electric-leaning SEMA members to help finalize the initial eCrate offerings.

“As GM introduces a new fleet of electric vehicles, it creates an exciting opportunity to bring EV technology to the aftermarket,” said Jim Campbell, General Motors U.S. Vice President of Performance and Motorsports. “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 V-8s to eCrate conversions.”

Chevrolet first previewed the eCrate conversion concept with the eCOPO Camaro racer in 2018 and E-10 truck in 2019.

The eCOPO broke new ground with its unique motor and GM’s first 800-V battery back. Its electric motivation was based on a pair of BorgWarner HVH 250-150 motor assemblies, each generating 300 lb-ft, replacing the gasoline internal combustion engine and connecting to a conventional racing-prepared Turbo 400 automatic.

The E-10’s Connect & Cruise concept propulsion system was composed of a double stack of Chevrolet Performance concept electric crate motors, two 400-V batteries, and a conventional SuperMatic 4L75-E automatic transmission.

Learnings from those vehicles helped inform Chevrolet’s electric Connect & Cruise strategy.

“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.”

The new K5 Blazer-E retains as much of the stock Blazer as possible and about 90% of the new parts installed for the eCrate package are factory components from the Chevrolet Bolt EV.

To convert the Blazer, the team removed the original 175-hp (130-kW) 400-in³ V8, three-speed automatic, fuel system, and exhaust. The team then installed a 149-kW/266 lb·ft (360 N·m) Bolt EV electric motor mated to a Chevrolet Performance electronically controlled four-speed automatic. The rest of the Blazer drivetrain remains, including the transfer case, driveshaft, and axles.

Energy is supplied by a 400-V, 60-kW·h Bolt EV battery pack installed in the cargo area. Using production controllers and wiring harnesses preserves many Bolt EV features, including shock protection, battery heating and cooling, battery-overcharge protection, and regenerative braking.

The aftermarket components include an electric power steering kit, an electric pump providing vacuum to the stock brake system, and an electronic controller to drive inputs to the vintage Blazer gauges—the original fuel gauge displaying the battery’s state of charge.

To prepare for the eCrate launch, Chevrolet Performance is certifying Electric Connect & Cruise installers. Participating Chevrolet dealers and aftermarket companies will receive the training, tools, and equipment needed to work with high-voltage systems and charging stations to service customers’ vehicles.

Lingenfelter Performance Engineering in Brighton, MI, will be the first company to pilot the training and certification program. This experience will help inform the certification process for future installers.

The 60-kW·h Electric Connect and Cruise package, expected to be available in the second· half of 2021 includes a 60-kW·h battery pack; 149-kW electric motor; DC-to-AC power inverter to drive the electric motor; DC-to-DC power converter to power low-voltage systems; and wiring harnesses, controllers and water pumps for battery heating and cooling.

Chevrolet Performance is also evaluating additional eCrate packages with higher-performance options and new battery configurations to fit a wider range of aftermarket applications. Longer term, the team will work to integrate GM’s modular Ultium battery system.

In OEM applications, Ultium’s large-format, pouch-style cells can be stacked vertically or horizontally inside the battery pack, allowing engineers to optimize battery energy storage and layout for each vehicle design. Energy options range from 50 to 200 kW·h, which could enable a GM-estimated range up to 400 mi (643 km) or more on a full charge with 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) acceleration as little as 3 s. Ultium-powered EVs are designed for Level 2 and DC fast charging. Most will have 400-V battery packs and up to 200-kW fast-charging capability, while the truck platform will have 800-V battery packs and 350-kW fast-charging capability.