2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV Up Close: Fighting on Multiple Fronts

2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV Up Close: Fighting on Multiple Fronts

What does Equinox EV mean for Bolt EV and Bolt EUV?

Let’s start with the easiest question to answer: That means the two older Chevy EVs aren’t that long for this world. Both versions of the Bolt use old and outdated battery technology, and although the issue has been fixed, their names are stained. Given all of that, the Bolt EV and Bolt EUV will likely be discontinued sooner rather than later and the Equinox EV will be a capable alternative with a higher base price. There is actually nothing new in the auto industry lately; Newer and slightly more expensive SUVs have replaced hatchbacks for a while now.

What is the Equinox EV competing with?

This is a much harder question to answer in part because no car like the Equinox has ever occupied this space. Other electric vehicles around $30,000 are usually smaller and have much shorter maximum ranges – think a Mini Cooper Electric or a Mazda MX-30. Electric vehicles at this price point are often meant to be second cars that appeal to city dwellers who need a quick and efficient ride. The Equinox EV can be used in this way, but it’s large enough to be a basic vehicle.

At the same time, electric vehicles with this kind of range (250-300 miles) are larger and more expensive than the Equinox EV; Starting at over $40,000, the larger VW ID 2023 is more expensive despite the shorter range of 208 miles (price does not include available state and federal tax credits). The Equinox EV should be able to benefit from some overlap between buyers for both types of electric vehicles, but it’s not an apples-to-apples comparison.

Does the Equinox EV compete with hybrid or gas-powered compact SUVs? Can? Starting prices for the former—like the Toyota RAV4 or Mazda CX-5—are in the $30,000 range, while plug-in hybrid versions are more expensive (again, before applicable tax credits). But are shoppers in the market for an SUV for around $30,000 better equipped to buy an electric vehicle? Do they have access to? Can they afford to install it? Are they even Permissible to install it? We highly recommend home charging if the electric vehicle is the primary or secondary mode of transportation. It looks like Equinox EV could It rivals gas-only compact SUVs and PHEVs, but they are at a disadvantage.

Is this worth your consideration?

This was our first chance to see the Equinox EV in person, but unfortunately, it was still a pre-production prototype. This means that I can look inward but cannot sit or twitch and prod around, so my impressions are limited. From the outside, the Equinox EV looks natural and isn’t very futuristic at all: Chevrolet has made some EV-based styling choices, sure, especially up front, but they’re not overly futuristic. Sometimes I think about future business, as with the Hyundai Ioniq 5, and sometimes I’m less convinced, as with the Kia EV6. The Equinox EV looks like a modern SUV.

Inside, the interior features plastic and heavy-duty styling over materials, which is unusual for even the prettiest versions of the car that start around $30,000. The optional 17.7-inch touchscreen display is huge and modern-looking, and although I don’t like that it has touch-sensitive climate controls at the bottom of the screen, there are physical climate controls under the screen and a physical volume knob in the left corner overhead. Front stowage looks decent, too, and a swivel compartment under the center console is always welcome.

Passenger room in the back seat also seemed decent, and the lack of a drivetrain tunnel improves space, especially for intermediate passengers. The 3LT I saw also has heated exterior rear seats and dual rear-seat USB-C charging ports. The aft stowage can be configured via multiple mounting points for cargo spacers, although the sloping rear roofline reduces usable space, especially for taller items.

With between 250 and 300 miles of estimated range available with dual-motor all-wheel drive, a decent interior and a low starting price, the Equinox EV ticks the boxes for a lot of shoppers, but we’ll have to wait until fall 2023 and the debut of the limited-edition launch model to see what If it will happen or not Enough who are they.