2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV: The EV Many Were Waiting For
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As you know, there aren’t too many EV models available in Canada for less than $50,000 before tax and incentives, especially since we lost the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Kia Soul EV. The former will return with a new generation in 2026 and the latter will be replaced by the freshly introduced EV3 sometime in 2025.
Now, after various delays, the all-new 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV is finally about to launch, and it has all the makings of an instant hit. Sure, it won’t be priced from about $35,000 as initially promised, but there’s a 1LT model set to arrive next year starting at just over $40,000.
- Also: 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV Pricing, Availability Announced for Canada
- Also: Here’s GM’s Latest Excuse to Drop Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
For the time being, pricing ranges from $48,199 for a 2LT FWD model to $55,899 for a top-line 3RS eAWD model. You can add $3,299 for freight, PDI and dealer fees. While the Equinox EV is obviously more expensive than the late Bolt EV, most shoppers in the market for a compact crossover will still see it as a bargain considering they’ll save about $80-$100 a week on gas versus a comparable ICE-powered model that is roughly $5,000-$10,000 cheaper—before you factor in the applicable EV rebates. Oh, and depreciation will be slower, too.
The Competition
Chevrolet claims the Equinox EV’s competitors include the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Volkswagen ID.4, Tesla Model Y and Nissan Ariya. That’s true to some extent, but the significantly lower base price and standard FWD configuration inevitably draw comparisons with the Hyundai Kona Electric, which is similarly priced but less roomy and missing nearly 100 km of range. The Toyota bZ4X is just a tad more expensive, but in no way a better purchase.
Incidentally, all-wheel drive is a $3,500 option with the Equinox EV. It increases output from 213 hp to 288 hp, but reduces range from 513 km to 459 km. Despite what Chevrolet says, its newest EV is probably going to hurt the Kona Electric more than the Ioniq 5. And as mentioned earlier, with a 1LT FWD model joining the lineup next year with an even lower price, a lot of people will want to jump on it.
What’s in a Name?
The gas-burning Chevrolet Equinox is completely redesigned for 2025, but other than the name, it has little in common with the Equinox EV, which is based on GM’s Ultium platform. The same strategy applies with the Blazer/Blazer EV and Silverado 1500/Silverado EV.
The Equinox EV is currently available in four trim levels (2LT, 2RS, 3LT, 3RS) and with a choice of FWD or AWD. A tad longer and lower than its non-electric counterpart, it boasts a more aerodynamic profile. There’s plenty of space for passengers and cargo, although the lack of a frunk is somewhat disappointing.
The modern-looking interior is ergonomically designed and offers numerous storage solutions along with far more comfortable seats than the ones in the Bolt EV/EUV. Granted, fit and finish is not very impressive, but you do get a nicer cabin if you opt for a 3LT or 3RS model.
What’s the difference between LT and RS models? Styling, essentially. The former have a more classic look sprinkled with chrome, although a white roof panel is available. Meanwhile, the RS treatment adds a touch of sportiness with a gloss black finish on the wheels, grille and window surrounds.
Selecting a 3LT or 3RS model will get you ventilated front seats, a power adjustable front passenger’s seat, dual-zone climate control and 21-inch wheels that negatively affect range. Standard content is pretty generous, highlighted by a massive 17.7-inch touchscreen that features Google built-in. Apple CarPlay is notoriously missing, however, as Chevrolet forces drivers to rely on Google-based apps.
Fantastic Range
Blessed with an 85kWh battery and preconditioning system, the Equinox EV with FWD achieves outstanding energy efficiency, with an estimated 16.5 kWh/100 km (eAWD = 18.5 kWh/100 km). It can also cover more than 500 km with a full charge, which should appease those with range anxiety. And if you’re planning long trips, DC fast charging is possible up to 150 kW, giving you back 112 km of range in 10 minutes. Bolt EV owners will be jealous.
The Equinox EV is impressively easy to drive and devoid of torque steer under acceleration. It’s obviously heavy, but you wouldn’t know it by the way it handles. And unlike the Chevrolet Silverado EV, build quality is excellent. While the dual-motor variant packs more punch, we bet a majority of customers will settle for a single motor since output is decent, driving dynamics are just as commendable and the low centre of mass will ensure stable handling even in winter conditions. Oh, and don’t forget about the 54 km of extra range.
Super Cruise
The Chevrolet Equinox EV is both aesthetically and technologically pleasing. The displays look awesome, the mobile app is plenty useful, and Super Cruise can be specified to enable hands-free driving on a very large number of compatible highways across North America. Just make sure to keep your eyes on the road, otherwise the system will turn off and you won’t be able to use it again for a little while. And the more distracted you are behind the wheel, the more it will penalize you.
Overall, Super Cruise works great by maintaining a safe distance with the vehicle ahead and performing automated lane changes upon turn signal activation. Too bad it costs $3,240, making it less desirable for many.
Bottom Line
At the end of the day, the 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV has all the ingredients to become an instant hit among EV shoppers. It might just be what you were waiting for to ditch your ICE-powered crossover.
