In response to software issues that prompted an 11-week stoppage in sales, General Motors (GM) is slashing the price of its new Chevrolet Blazer EV by thousands of dollars. The automaker announced that the sales of the Blazer EV will restart on Friday at a reduced starting price of $50,195 for the 2024 models, which is $6,520 less than their initial sale price in August.

The software issues, which solely affected the vehicle's software and required no physical changes, were addressed and resolved successfully, according to Baris Cetinok, GM's vice president of product, software, and services. The problems ranged from minor coding bugs to the vehicle's inability to communicate with specific public EV chargers. Despite the issues being rare, GM decided to halt sales to prevent additional disruptions for customers.

To address and rectify the software issues, GM conducted extensive testing and rewriting of the coding, as well as on-road testing across the country. The automaker emphasized the importance of taking the time to ensure the software was fixed correctly, highlighting its commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.

Aside from the software fixes, GM also incorporated customer feedback and made additional feature changes to the Blazer EV. These include customizable multicolor ambient lighting and revised driver information graphics, such as a battery percentage display. However, GM confirmed that it will not reintegrate Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in the Blazer EV or future vehicles, as the company believes its own programs offer a more seamless customer experience and greater functionality.

In addition to the price reduction and software fixes, the 2024 Blazer EV now fully qualifies for the $7,500 federal tax credit under the Biden administration's Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. By changing materials sourcing, GM ensured that the Blazer EV meets the criteria and eligible customers can receive the full tax credit.

Scott Bell, Chevrolet Vice President, expressed excitement about the reintroduction of the Chevrolet Blazer EV at a more compelling price, enhanced features, and full eligibility for the consumer tax credit. He encouraged customers to visit their nearest Chevrolet dealership to test-drive the vehicle.

The new pricing moves the Blazer EV closer to the price range of its gas-powered counterpart, which starts at approximately $37,000 to $48,000. These price reductions are expected to help drive EV adoption, which has been slower than anticipated in recent months.

With the software issues resolved, improved features, competitive pricing, and full eligibility for the federal tax credit, GM aims to reignite interest and sales for the Chevrolet Blazer EV as it continues to emphasize its commitment to advancing the electric vehicle market.