2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV Aims at the Heart of the Market
Chevy says the entry-level Equinox EV will start at "around" $30,000 and have an estimated 250 miles of range.
Other trim levels will offer 280 to 300 miles of range and hands-free driver assistance.
The Equinox EV goes on sale in fall 2023.
Following the Silverado EV and Blazer EV, the 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV continues to fill out the automaker's ranks with all-electric alternatives. For the Equinox EV, that means a compact SUV that Chevy says will be priced starting at around $30,000. More expensive trim levels offer GM's Super Cruise hands-free driving, 300 miles of range, and a 19.2-kW onboard charger.
The Equinox EV offers two battery sizes. Chevy hasn't said the capacity of either, but only the entry-level 1LT trim comes with the small battery, hence its estimated range of 250 miles. Chevy estimates the large battery that powers all other trim levels to offer 300 miles of range for front-drive Equinox EVs and 280 miles when equipped with all-wheel drive. Front-drive models have 210 horsepower and 242 pound-feet of torque, while all-wheel drive versions offer 290 horsepower and 346 pound-feet of torque.
The Equinox EV is built on a similar platform as the Chevrolet Blazer EV and Cadillac Lyriq, though the Equinox EV is smaller than those vehicles. Versus the gas-powered Equinox, the EV has a longer wheelbase and overall length. Its wheels are pushed close to the front and rear bumpers, creating shorter overhangs that generally make for generous interior space and more attractive exteriors.
Alas, the only Equinox EV's lower roofline impacts cargo volume. At 57 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, it has a little less space on paper than its gasoline counterpart, though we look forward to loading it with our standard size carry-ons to see if the difference is meaningful. One highlight is that the cargo floor has two height settings, like the Honda CR-V.
Unlike some other electric vehicles, the Equinox EV does not have a storage area under the hood. Chevy reps said frunks are both costly to implement and don't test well with its focus groups.
Inside, all Equinox EVs come with an 11.0-inch digital gauge cluster, and an impressive 17.7-inch center touchscreen is available on most trim levels. It's the same screen as you'll see in the Blazer EV and Silverado EV, and while the screens in the car we sat in weren't interactive, the graphics appeared crisp and easily readable.
Interior storage options appear to be numerous and well thought out. The center console has a generously sized opening under the cupholders and the tray where you set your phone, proving enough room for a large handbag.
All manner of Chevy driving assistance will be available, from adaptive cruise control to a head-up display to a rear-view camera, and so on. Most impressive though is GM’s hands-free Super Cruise system, which is available on all trim levels except for the base.
As for charging, most Equinox EV models have an 11.5-kW Level 2 onboard charger, which Chevy estimates can add 34 miles of range per hour. The priciest RS trim level offers a 19.2-kW charger, increasing Chevy's estimate to 51 miles of range per hour. All Equinox EVs support 150-kW DC fast-charging.
The Equinox EV goes on sale in the fall of 2023.
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