The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV isn’t the General Motors brand’s first electric model, but it might be its most consequential. Chevy has plenty of EV experience, but with the Equinox EV, which is scheduled to go on sale later this year, it’s prioritizing mass-market appeal.
The car follows the likes of the Chevy Bolt and Silverado EV, however, Chevrolet is targeting an even more affordable price point — which we now finally have more details of.
The current gasoline Chevy Equinox is the brand’s second-most popular model, after the Silverado pickup truck. So the Equinox EV brings electric power to a type of vehicle a lot of people are already buying. Here’s everything we know about the car so far.
Design
While it shares a name with the gasoline Equinox, the Equinox EV is a clean sheet design that makes use of GM’s Ultium modular battery architecture. That allowed designers to give the Equinox EV better proportions than its gasoline sibling.
Dimensions were largely determined by the battery pack, which sits between the wheels and required a 9.0-inch wheelbase stretch compared to the gasoline Equinox. That should benefit passenger space (Chevy isn’t quoting figures just yet) and, in photos at least, helps give the Equinox EV a sleeker appearance than the somewhat pudgy gasoline model. The look, which Chevy designer Sam Bell calls “Americana Cool,” also incorporates some aerodynamic features like flush door handles.
The EV is about 7 inches longer, 1 inch lower, and 3 inches wider than the gasoline Equinox. When it comes to automotive design, the longer, lower, and wider, the better. Yet, the Equinox EV is still recognizably an SUV, so the styling might suit buyers’ tastes better than the hard-to-categorize Volkswagen ID.4 or Hyundai Ioniq 5.
Chevy plans to offer 1LT, 2LT, 3LT, 2RS, and 3RS trim levels, with the RS models getting sportier styling elements. Two-tone exteriors will be available, with a black roof on RS models and a retro-looking white roof for LT models. Fairly large 19-inch wheels are standard, with 20-inch and 21-inch wheels also available.
Tech
The Equinox EV gets bigger screens than the current gasoline version. The standard infotainment system includes an 11.0-inch touchscreen and 11.0-inch digital instrument cluster, while higher trim levels get a 17.7-inch touchscreen. A head-up display and rearview camera mirror will also be available as options.
Unfortunately, given the fact that General Motors has announced that it’s dropping support for CarPlay and Android Auto, we’re not expecting either of those platforms in the car, unless GM suddenly changes course.
Unlike the gasoline version, the Equinox EV is also available with GM’s Super Cruise hands-free driver-assist system, but not as standard equipment. Still, it should offer more capability and a greater margin of safety than driver-assist tech on competitor EVs. Previously seen on GM models ranging from the Bolt EUV to the Cadillac Lyriq, Super Cruise can steer, accelerate, and brake on designated stretches of premapped highway. It also monitors the driver to guard against misuse.
Chevy also includes the expected array of standard driver aids, such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Adaptive cruise control and a surround-view camera system are options.
Specs
The Equinox EV comes standard with front-wheel drive and a single motor producing 210 horsepower and 242 pound-feet of torque. An optional dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrain ups output to 290 hp and 346 lb-ft of torque. Both versions are more powerful than the gasoline Equinox.
Chevy is only offering one battery pack option in the Equinox EV, though range estimates vary depending on the model and go up to 319 miles. All-wheel drive models taper that down to 285 miles, which is still quite reasonable. The car supports DC fast charging at up to 150 kilowatts, which is fine, but not incredible compared to cars that support speeds of up to 350kW. At a compatible charger, Chevrolet says the car can get 70 miles of range in 10 minutes.
SUVs also must have a decent amount of cargo space. Chevy quotes a maximum 57.0 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, which is less than the gasoline Equinox and the similarly sized VW ID.4 EV. In fact, it’s exactly the same as the smaller Chevy Bolt EV. The Equinox does at least get a dual-level cargo floor to make maximum use of what space is available.
Availability
Chevy has finally announced full pricing for the Equinox EV, and while it’s a little more expensive than expected, it’s still one of the most affordable EVs out there. The new car starts at $34,995 for the 1LT model, however, Chevrolet says that the car does qualify for the full $7,500 federal tax credit, which is applicable at the point of purchase. That essentially brings the price of the car down to $27,495. That’s very impressive.
Of course, upgrading trims will raise the price. Here are the starting prices for the different models. Note that not all models qualify for the federal tax credit.
- 2LT: $43,295 (or $35,795 with the tax credit)
- 2RS: $44,795
- 3LT: $45,295
- 3RS: $46,795
Generally, the Chevrolet Equinox EV is set to be a major player in the EV space, thanks to its low price and reasonable range for the price.
