Electrification is at the forefront at General Motors, and the group offers the largest range of electric models on the market. Moreover, unlike its rivals, the American manufacturer has decided that some of its electric models will carry the same name as their gasoline counterparts. Thus, we see the arrival of the Silverado EV and Blazer EV. However, today we are talking about the Equinox EV.
The model has just landed on the market and is already making waves. The Equinox EV has everything it takes to please: it's elegant, upscale, and packed with technology. Additionally, the American manufacturer has gone even further by offering a series of two-tone paint options and flashy features. As if that wasn't enough, the Equinox EV is also one of the most affordable electric models in the GM family.
Range and Price
The Chevrolet Equinox EV has a starting price of $51,525, which is quite reasonable by modern standards. Moreover, it's eligible for most government rebates for the purchase of an electric vehicle, making it even more attractive. The American manufacturer's electric SUV is available in four different configurations: 2LT, 2 RS, 3LT, and 3 RS, with prices climbing up to $55,725. You can also add all-wheel drive, which raises the price by $3,500.
Category and Competition
There are more electric models in the compact SUV category today than in any other segment. In my opinion, this is why General Motors preferred to keep the Equinox name. This way, brand enthusiasts can easily identify with the model rather than opting for an unknown new model. Ironically, General Motors is one of the few manufacturers to choose this strategy, even though it has proven effective in other vehicle categories.
Rivals: Ford Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, Mazda MX-30, Nissan Ariya, Subaru Solterra, Toyota bZ4X, VinFast VF 7, Volkswagen ID.4
Design and Technology
The Equinox EV and the gasoline Equinox are indeed two completely different models that share very few elements. The gasoline model has a more robust and muscular style, while the electric model is more elegant and sophisticated. This proves that the Equinox EV's architecture was specially developed to support an electric model, making it highly effective.
The interior presentation of the American manufacturer's SUV is also very interesting. The dashboard offers fully digital instrumentation. The multimedia system is displayed on a 17.7-inch screen, which is huge even for an electric vehicle. Additionally, the dashboard itself is digital with an 11-inch screen. In both cases, the display is very clear, and the various menus offered are very interesting. The Chevrolet Equinox EV also offers the legendary Super Cruise system as an option, one of the most advanced autonomous driving technologies currently on the market.
Performance
The Chevrolet Equinox EV offers two mechanical options, starting with the two-wheel-drive version. This version is equipped with an electric motor producing 210 horsepower. However, the most impressive figure is that the American manufacturer's SUV can travel up to 513 kilometers on a full charge, placing it well above average in this regard.
The power increases to 288 horsepower and 346 pound-feet of torque when opting for the all-wheel-drive version. Moreover, the American manufacturer's SUV can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 5.9 seconds in this configuration. Additionally, the Equinox EV can tow up to 1,500 pounds, which is also above average.
Weak Points
Unknown reliability. Same name, different model—confusing, isn't it?
Strong Points
The Chevrolet Equinox offers a significantly above-average range. It can tow up to 1,500 pounds, a significant advantage over the competition. It turns heads wherever it goes. Its price is appealing.
Signature Element
The Chevrolet Equinox EV is one of the few SUVs in its category to carry the same name as a series model, demonstrating the manufacturer's confidence in its product, which is a good thing for buyers.
Conclusion
Chevrolet has put considerable effort into producing electric vehicles, not just riding the wave but rather leading it. The Equinox EV is a very interesting model for many reasons. Sure, it's slightly more expensive than initially announced, but it remains very affordable.
Jean-Sébastien Poudrier
