Chevrolet showcases E-Crate EV conversion kit with 1977 K-5 Blazer-e for SEMA360

This is kinda cool. Chevrolet put together the Blazer-e proof of concept vehicle for SEMA360 showcasing the automaker's new e-Crate electric motor. The Blazer-e is a 1977 Chevy Blazer that has had its 140 hp V-8 removed to be replaced by the 200 hp electric motor from the Chevy Bolt. Yes, Chevrolet is going to sell electric motors through its Connect and Cruise package to those looking to convert to battery-electric propulsion. Sales will begin in the second half of 2021. But before you start cleaning your garage, Chevrolet Performance is certifying Electric Connect and 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. In fact, Lingenfelter Performance Engineering in Brighton, Michigan will be the first company to pilot the training and certification program. This experience will help Chevy develop the certification process for future installers. In other words, if you're gonna do it, do it right. Packages will include controllers and batteries (GM's Ultium). As I've posted about in the recent past, numerous EV conversion companies are sprouting up. My only concern with this new package is the utilization of the existing running gear, like transmissions, axles, etc, which counters the low maintenance requirements for newer EVs. You've gotta maintain the fluids, etc. in those transmissions, axles, and steering gear. Maybe additional equipment will be available in the future since Chevy anticipates bigger motors and more power in the future. This is just the beginning. How about it Tesla? For more info, check out the media release and 2 pics after the "read more" jump. I do like how they highlighted the E and V in the Chevrolet name on the back of the truck (pic below).

Source: Chevrolet - Media release and pics

TA.b - Here ya go - 10B-20

A couple of weeks ago, I shared some info about EV conversions that're happening now (and have been for some time) and provided some links to conversion company sites like Zelectric. To show you the level of expertise and prowess that some of these companies provide, I have attached a video (below) from Zelectric of a recent VW Beetle conversion that the company completed. The level of workmanship is high and I'm sure the cost is possibly as well on the order of a classic rebuild. Enjoy the video. Contact them for quotes.

Another post I read recently, discussed a French company, Transition One,  that will convert your present (Euro small/city) car to electric propulsion in just four hours (depending on the car of course. Fiat 500 conversion photo above). This is an interesting proposition. If you have a car that you like (size, equipment, you own it, etc,) this could make a lot of sense for those that want to join the EV revolution, don't have the price of entry for a new EV, and do their part for the planet. And let's not forget that (equipped properly) EVs are fast and economical with recent reports putting the operating cost savings versus ICE vehicles at 50% (or more)...less! Also, the EV conversion cost for this French company is about $10K. This is certainly cheaper than buying a new car. TO also makes conversion kits for the mechanically-inclined. No word on government regulations, etc. I know in California, major changes of this type require a once over and review by the DMV, so...

Source: Zelectric/YouTube - video. Transition One - pic

Interesting and related posts:

Transition One will convert your gasmobel - CleanTechinica

Watch Tesla full-self-driving beta - Electrek

SK Innovation develops high-speed charging batteries - Inside EVs

BMW has made 200,000 of its quirky 13 electric cars - Green Car Reports.

TA.b - Here ya go -10.20

In the Here ya go posts, I'll provide links to articles I think might be of interest as well as info that I've found or been made aware of. 

Recently, I read a couple of articles (one, two) about a new company called EV West that has developed an electric motor conversion that will bolt in anywhere a small-block Chevy will fit. EV Wesr is reconditioning Tesla motors (from crashes?, since Tesla currently doesn't sell individual parts) to be installed in place of the small-block V8s. 

This made me think about a company that I was aware of for some time called Zelectric that is headquartered down near San Diego. Zelectric has been modifying vintage Volkswagens and Porsches for some time. The pic above is an example of their work. Zelectric will convert your VW or Porsche to electric power or you can buy cars that have already been converted. You can also ask them to find you a specific car for conversion. Check out Zelectric's project gallery to see cars that have been converted as well as ones that are in the conversion process.

Some conversions utilize the existing car's transmission and axles, etc. and just replace the motors. One of the joys of EV ownership is the reduced maintenance that EVs provide. I question whether these swaps still require regular maintenance (where would you get it?) and if the mechanical bits will stand up to the unique properties of an electric motor (instant torque, high revs, etc.). I'm sure that either of these companies can answer those and other questions.

Posts I think you should be aware of:

Tesla's record deliveries - Electrek,

Volvo begins XC40 Recharge production - Green Car Reposts,

Polestar 2 experiencing shutdowns - CNET Road Show,

Polestar recall - Inside EVs.

Source: Various