According to a company press release, Chevy is expanding their EV lineup with the recently announced Equinox EV. Chevy claims that the new Equinox EV will be the “most affordable EV in its class,” and with a starting price of around $30,000, GM may be right. Only time will tell if other automakers take up the challenge of electrifying a crossover.
An electrified Equinox is a significant step forward for Chevrolet as a brand. Crossovers have largely displaced sedans and wagons as the preferred family hauler and commuter vehicle. It makes sense that the Equinox is Chevy’s next electric vehicle, as the vehicle line has been one of the brand’s most popular SUVs in recent years.
Aside from the much more expensive Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6, this is one of the first family-friendly EVs. Although Chevy Bolts and Nissan Leafs are less expensive, they cannot transport a family on a regular basis (at least comfortably). Chevy hopes that the new EV will serve as a stepping stone to EV ownership for families, but the vehicle’s specifications must make the switch from a traditional gasoline vehicle to an EV a no-brainer.
A family oriented EV
Fortunately for Chevrolet, the specifications are adequate for its class and price. The base trim, 1LT, has a range of 250 miles and 280 miles if customers choose the available eAWD. Higher trims, such as the 3LT and 3RS, claim a range of up to 300 miles. The batteries in the new Equinox are also covered by GM’s standard eight-year or 100,000-mile warranty.
In an EV, 300 miles of range is nothing to sneeze at. It has a shorter range than other higher-end SUVs from brands like Tesla and corporate cousin GMC, but it’s also much cheaper. Chevy also claims that the new EV will be capable of DC fast charging.
On the outside, the new Equinox has a sleeker overall shape than the current Equinox and, of course, no grille in the front. According to preproduction images, the new EV will be available in a two-tone color scheme.
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If everything goes as planned, the new electrified Equinox in 2RS trim will be available in the fall of next year. GM has not stated when the entry-level models will be available.
