GM Looks to the Future with Electric Crate Motor

Different Kind of Crate

Mention electric vehicles to hardcore automotive enthusiasts, and you'll typically hear nothing but moans and groans. This, despite the fact that EVs have some positive things to offer, including some incredible performance potential. Regardless, electric power is the future, and GM is getting ahead of the curve a bit by introducing a nifty eCrate package it is showcasing at this year's SEMA360 show.

Photos: Chevrolet

Coming Soon

To show off the virtues of the eCrate system, GM is showing off a 1977 K5 Blazer that has been converted to all-electric power ahead of the upcoming Electric Connect and Cruise package going on sale in the second half of 2021. During the virtual event, Chevrolet Performance will survey SEMA members interested in building their own electric projects to help finalize Chevrolet’s initial eCrate offering.

Photos: Chevrolet

>>Join the conversation about what you'd do with an eCrate motor right here in the LS1 Tech Forum!

Long Term Development

Chevrolet first previewed the eCrate conversion concept with the eCOPO Camaro in 2018, followed by the E-10 in 2019. Chevrolet’s Electric Connect and Cruise strategy was shaped greatly by those endeavors, which are nearly ready for prime time. The new K5 Blazer-E retains as much of the stock Blazer as possible and approximately 90 percent of the new parts installed for the eCrate package are factory components from the Chevrolet Bolt EV.

Photos: Chevrolet

>>Join the conversation about what you'd do with an eCrate motor right here in the LS1 Tech Forum!

Easy Conversion

To convert the 1977 K5 Blazer to electric power, the team first removed the SUV's original 175 horsepower 400 cubic-inch V8, three-speed automatic transmission, 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.

Photos: Chevrolet

>>Join the conversation about what you'd do with an eCrate motor right here in the LS1 Tech Forum!

Retaining Stock Features

Power is supplied by a 400-volt Bolt EV battery pack with 60 kilowatt-hours of usable energy 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 even regenerative braking.

Photos: Chevrolet

>>Join the conversation about what you'd do with an eCrate motor right here in the LS1 Tech Forum!

Aftermarket Additions

Aftermarket components installed on the classic SUV 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 – such as displaying the battery’s state of charge on the original fuel gauge.

Photos: Chevrolet

>>Join the conversation about what you'd do with an eCrate motor right here in the LS1 Tech Forum!

Complete Kit

The 60 kWh Electric Connect and Cruise package, expected to be available in the second half of 2021, includes a 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, and controllers and water pumps for battery heating and cooling. Even better, higher performance offerings are in the works, and we can only imagine the possibilities something like a 1,000 horsepower crate electric motor could present in a classic Camaro or another piece of GM iron.

Photos: Chevrolet

>>Join the conversation about what you'd do with an eCrate motor right here in the LS1 Tech Forum!

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