The arrival of the first-ever Chevrolet Equinox EV is a big deal. The gas-burning Equinox crossover is Chevy’s second-best-selling vehicle, and now the manufacturer wants to capitalize on the nameplate’s popularity with a fully electric variant. It boasts a stylish new design, five different trim options, and plenty of range.
GM already makes compelling electric vehicles like the Hummer EV and the upcoming electric Silverado, but they’re also extremely expensive. And while they are great, neither is particularly affordable. That’s where the electric Equinox comes in, with its starting price of around $30,000, which should place it just above the Bolt EV and below the Bolt EUV and the Blazer EV in the manufacturer’s electric model lineup.
Let’s take a closer look at what we can expect from this compact model that could become the most popular Chevrolet EV.
Chevrolet Equinox EV Release Date
You’ll need patience before you get too excited, as GM will ultimately have two different 2024 Chevy Equinox EV release dates. First, the highest trim, the Equinox EV RS, is the only trim that’ll be available when it arrives this fall. However, the exciting entry-level model, with an attractive $30,000 MSRP, won’t come until later, with broad dealer availability in early 2024.
Chevy’s electric crossover is almost here, but when it arrives, you’ll have to fork out more than $30,000 to get your hands on it or wait a while for the more affordable models to hit the streets. Unfortunately, we still don’t have an exact release date or a complete list of specifications.
Chevrolet Equinox EV Price and Trim Levels
The ICE Equinox is already a popular option with buyers, likely due to its overall size, package, and price. It’s bigger than the Bolt EV but smaller than the Blazer, making it a compact mid-size crossover SUV that’s perfect for small families.
One of the most appealing aspects of Chevy’s electric SUV is the promise of a $30,000 price tag. That’s a target many automakers aim for, and as we all know, not many have hit that goal yet.
While the base model will hopefully come in at around $30,000, most buyers should spring for a higher trim to get more range. Here’s what we expect, but remember that while trim levels are official, full pricing has yet to be released.
The 2LT is often one of Chevy’s best trim levels, as it has most of the bells and whistles without a few premium features, all at a more reasonable price. For example, the Equinox EV 2LT gets a bigger battery pack and the promised 300-mile range, which is a big deal. It should also deliver premium wheels, upgraded infotainment systems, heated seats, and more. 3LT kicks things up a notch with added connectivity, remote start, and extra safety features, although many of those will come standard on 2024 models.
Yes, we’re expecting some dealer markups, not to mention destination charges. On the plus side, whilefewer EVs qualify for the Federal tax credit in 2023, the 2024 Chevy Equinox EV should get the full $7,500 (or at least $3,750) in state credits and other savings. If you opt for the entry-level model and get the tax credit, you’ll enjoy a vehicle that should be an outstanding deal for the money.
Most EVs on the market today are more expensive than their gas equivalents, but GM hopes to buck that trend with the Equinox EV. Chevy’s Equinox may not have much competition yet in the $30,000 space, but more affordable EVs are certainly on the way. Plus, with theredesigned Model 3 being better than ever, Chevy needs to keep the price down to lure buyers in its direction.
Equinox EV Specs and Performance
By the numbers, it might not match the more expensive upcoming Blazer EV andother GM EVs coming this year, but it’s still quite capable. Like its gas-powered sibling, the Equinox EV comes in a front-wheel-drive or AWD configuration, but each variant has different performance numbers.
Chevrolet isn’t sharing all the ingredients to its secret sauce yet, but the single electric motor front-wheel drive model is estimated to deliver 210 horsepower, 242 lb-ft of torque, and roughly 250 miles per charge. When you go for the all-wheel drive option, that boosts power to 290 HP, and torque to 346 lb-ft, while range rises to 280 miles. Buyers aiming for 300 miles of range will need a front-wheel drive model with an extended-range battery.
Chevy didn’t reveal 0 to 60 mph acceleration times, but with the torque of an electric motor, it’ll easily top a regular Equinox. Charging speeds won’t be particularly high, at a reported 150 kW limit for DC fast-charging, which will deliver 70 miles of range in around 10 minutes. If there’s a silver lining, GM says the Equinox EV will have some of the fastest home charging available, up to 19.2 kW, although you will need to have special charging equipment installed to make that possible.
As for dimensions, the Equinox EV isn’t quite as tall as its gas counterpart, which will likely improve its aerodynamic qualities and range as a result. The EV is also 7.4 inches longer and a bit wider, giving buyers more passenger room.
Along with the bold and commanding appearance outside, fun, expressive LED lamps, a neat full-width rear light bar, and walk-up lighting, you’ll find an overhauled interior. Take a seat inside, and you’ll be greeted by an optional massive 17-inch infotainment touchscreen, which bleeds into the 11-inch diagonal display for the gauge cluster and driver information. Select models offer adaptive cruise control, reverse automatic braking, a heated steering wheel, dual-zone climate controls, and more.
The Equinox EV has seating for five with two rows of cushiony seats, along with 57 cubic feet (1,614 liters) of cargo room with the rear seat folded down, which is a bit less space than the gas-powered model. Like other upcoming GM models, the Equinox EV should becapable of powering your homethroughbidirectional charging, but that’s yet to be confirmed.
An EV for Everyone
The all-new 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV is shaping up to be a well-rounded vehicle that delivers in most areas of importance to value-conscious buyers. Chevrolet says it’s “an SUV without compromise” and a vehicle that’s “confident, capable, and made for the everyday.” Considering how popular the gas-powered Equinox has been over the years, the EV variant is poised to be a hit.
As a reminder, GM said it was aiming for a price tag of $30,000, but the market has changed a bit since early 2022, so we’ll have to wait and see if the automaker can deliver. Either way, if you’re considering an electric vehicle, maybe the Equinox EV will be enough for you to pull the trigger.
