Anybody who is aware of the phrase “badge engineering” is aware of that Basic Motors is likely one of the largest offenders. All through historical past, the corporate has supplied autos which might be mechanically an identical however offered below two, three and even 4 manufacturers. Within the electrical period, the corporate is attempting to additional differentiate its merchandise, as Alex Dykes explains within the newest EV Consumers Information video.
In it, he breaks down the core variations between the Chevy Blazer EV and Cadillac Lyriq. Each are all-electric “Ultal” autos constructed on the identical platform, with related software program suites. However there are some main variations between these intently associated cousins that you just would not have seen in the course of the gasoline period.
As an illustration, whereas each provide all-wheel-drive and rear-wheel-drive variants, the Blazer additionally presents front-wheel drive. That makes the Blazer EV one of many solely automobiles in historical past to supply FWD, RWD and AWD, one thing that might be almost unattainable to do economically with an internal-combustion engine as a result of completely different packaging necessities of RWD and FWD autos. The Blazer takes it a step additional, too, providing each front-biased and rear-biased AWD programs, relying on for those who get the common AWD model or the tire-smoking SS.
The Blazer and Lyriq additionally provide barely completely different battery choices. The Blazer EV RWD, Blazer EV SS and all variations of the Lyriq get a 102 kWh lithium-ion battery that prices at as much as 190 kW. However FWD and AWD Blazer LT and RS fashions get an 85 kWh battery that prices at simply 150 kW, and its low-voltage pack means it struggles to hit these speeds on some chargers.
Clearly, there are some main variations. However the huge one you may discover instantly is the Cadillac’s nicer inside and better base worth. Plus, for those who crossed the Blazer off your record as a result of it does not provide Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, observe that the Lyriq does. Or, ya know, get a Honda Prologuewhich can also be principally the identical automotive. That is the magic of badge engineering.
Contact the creator: Mack.Hogan@insideevs.com.
