Chevy Blazer EV sales are still halted as GM looks to get back on track
Those looking to get their hands on GM’s highly anticipated Chevy Blazer EV may have to wait even longer. Sales of the new Chevy Blazer EV are still paused as GM looks to overcome software glitches setting the automaker back.
Chevy Blazer sales still paused almost two months later
GM issued a stop-sale on the new Chevy Blazer in December, four months after opening orders. The company said it was temporarily halting sales to fix a software issue.
Almost two months later, Chevy Blazer EV sales are still suspended. Speaking at a conference hosted by Wolfe Research, GM’s CEO Mary Barra said 2024 is the “year of execution” as the automaker looks to get back on track.
A big part of these plans includes resetting EV production, relaunching Cruise, and fixing software glitches in its new vehicles.
The software issue is also affecting GM’s Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon gas-powered trucks, according to the Detroit Free Press.
Barra said if she could go back to last year, “recognizing manufacturing is a competitive advantage for us,” but building new things should have had “more time in planning and risk assessment.”
The year of execution
GM fixed the hurdle setting it back with assembling battery cells last year, and now the company must executive EV production flawlessly, Barra said Thursday. The automaker already announced it was delaying key launches, including the Equinox EV, Silverado RST EV, and GMC Denali EV pickup last fall.
Those electric models are expected to launch this year. Barra admitted GM has gone through “a little bit of growing pains” with software in its EVs.
Barra said that “getting vehicles out there right and getting the software” strategy straight is at the top of the to-do list. Like many of its rivals, GM sees software as a promising revenue stream.
GM brought in former Apple exec Mike Abbot last May to revamp its software team. Barra said, “Abbott has brought in an incredible team: hired people from Google, from Apple, from Meta, and many tech companies.”
GM’s CEO explained, “We’ve already revamped the software development process and, more importantly, the validation process.”
Once complete, Barra vows the software will exceed customer expectations while being unique from rivals. Although GM will generate big profits from gas vehicles this year, GM must show Wall St it can build cost-effective Ultium EVs that customers want to buy.
GM confirmed earlier this week that the Chevy Equinox EV will start at $34,995 as the “most affordable” electric vehicle with 319 miles range. That’s including the $1,395 destination fee.
With the $7,500 EV tax credit, the new electric Equinox could be available for as low as $27,495. The Chevy Equinox EV 2LT will be available for as low as $35,795, including the IRA tax credit.
Chevy Equinox EV trim |
Starting Price |
| 1LT FWD | $34,995 |
| 2LT FWD | $43,295 |
| 2RS FWD | $44,795 |
| 3LT FWD | $45,295 |
| 3RS FWD | $46,795 |
The upcoming Equinox EV is slated to fill big shoes as GM ended production of its current best-selling EV, the Chevy Bolt.
GM plans to launch an Ultium-based Bolt, but that’s not expected until next year at the earliest. At under $30,000, the Equinox EV could play a key role as GM looks to get back on track. GM said dealers are gearing up for orders.
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Tesla just released the Model 3 Performance on Tuesday, and already Tesla has hiked the price by $1,000.
The Model 3 Performance came out the morning of Tesla’s quarterly earnings report earlier this week, with lots of updates.
Tesla updated the car’s bodywork, seats, steering, brakes, damping, track mode software, and of course the rear drive unit, giving the car 510hp and a 0-60 time of 2.9 seconds.
And, given the fact that it qualifies for the US Federal EV Tax credit, it’s actually cheaper than the lower-spec Long Range Model 3 (which starts at $47,740) after taking the credit into account.
The Model 3 Performance has also garnered rave reviews both from online observers who note its impressive specs and value proposition compared to competing vehicles, and from the few car reviewers who Tesla deigned to allow to review the vehicle ahead of its release.
Perhaps due to the confluence of these factors, Tesla has now decided that its raved-about vehicle might be worth more than it originally decided to sell it for, and has thus raised the price by $1,000.
Now, the Model 3 Performance starts at $53,990, rather than $52,990.
This still makes the performance model ~$1k cheaper to purchase than the Long Range version, assuming you qualify for the tax credit. However, since the tax credit is attainable even on non-qualifying cars via a lease, the lease rates for the RWD ($299/mo) and Long Range AWD ($439/mo) are still significantly cheaper than the Performance AWD model ($566/mo).
Perhaps to balance this price increase, Tesla also reduced the price of some paint and interior options. Now, the solid black exterior paint color is $1,000, down from $1,500, and the black and white interior now costs $1k, rather than $1,500. Other paint options remain the same price as before.
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Environment
Hyundai’s new Kona Electric is even cheaper to lease than the gas-powered model at $169/mo
The newly designed Hyundai Kona Electric is better in every way, with more range, faster charging, and a bold new style. Hyundai’s new 2024 Kona Electric is even cheaper to lease than the gas-powered model, starting at $169 per month.
Hyundai Kona Electric cheaper to lease than gas model
Hyundai revealed the 2024 Kona Electric at the NY Auto Show last April with a sleek new “EV-derived” design.
You can instantly see the upgrades with a modern style closer to its IONIQ 5 and 6 dedicated EVs. The inside is nearly 6″ longer, with an additional 3″ legroom in the second row. A flat floor design creates more head and shoulder space than the previous model.
Hyundai included its next-gen dual 12.3″ infotainment system with a faster, more intelligent user face. It also comes with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard.
The 2024 Kona EV features a slightly bigger battery with faster charging and up to 261 miles range. Starting under $33,000, the 2024 Kona Electric is already one of the most affordable EVs in the US.
2024 Kona EV prices
It’s available in three trims: SE, SEL, and Limited. The base SE model includes a 48.6 kWh battery for up to 200 miles range. The SEL and Limited feature a 64.8 kWh battery, good for up to 261 miles range.
2024 Hyundai Kona electric trim |
Starting Price (not including a $1,335 delivery fee) |
| SE | $32,675 |
| SEL | $36,675 |
| Limited | $41,045 |
With an up to $7,500 featured cash offer, you can lease the 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric SE for as low as $169 per month.
The deal is for 24 months, with $1,999 due at signing. It also includes the $7,500 EV Lease Bonus for a net capitalized cost of $25,370.
If you’re looking for the higher-range SEL trim, it can be leased for as little as $199 per month. That’s also for 24 months, with $1,579 due at signing. With the EV credit, the net capitalized cost is $29,419.
However, you may have to act fast. Hyundai’s website shows the deal ends in five days on April 30, 2024.
Are you ready to drive off in your new Hyundai Kona Electric at some of the lowest prices yet? We can help you get started. You can use our link to find deals on the 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric near you today.
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On the Electrek Podcast, we discuss the most popular news in the world of sustainable transport and energy. In this week’s episode, we discuss all the news coming out of Tesla’s earnings, Model 3 Performance, Mercedes-Benz electric G-Class, and more.
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