For a brief moment, it seemed like maybe this electric vehicle (EV) takeover wasn’t going to happen the way we thought it would. Major automotive manufacturers came out with talk of an all-electric future. Chevy introduced their plan for a smaller carbon footprint, which included the electrification of some pretty unusual choices. An electric Silverado and Blazer seemed like bold selections to join the Bolt and Bolt EUV, which were designed from the ground up to be electric. But now they’re here, and the 2024 Chevy Equinox EV will soon join the lineup.
Mary Barra, Chair and CEO of General Motors, confirmed that the EV journey is still a major commitment for the auto manufacturer. “We are at a turning point where EVs will be the mainstream choice for the next generation of customers and Equinox EV will lead this charge for us,” she stated, further noting that, “With the flexibility of GM’s Ultium Platform, we are bringing to market vehicles at nearly every price point and for every purpose.”
However, there are those who still argue that the world isn’t quite ready for EVs to take over, or possibly that EVs aren’t ready to take over the world. Citing price points, the relative rarity of charging stations compared to traditional gas stations, and the potential challenges of a limited range, these drivers aren’t necessarily wrong in their concerns.
The 2024 Chevy Equinox EV is here to change those notions and ease American drivers into the electric revolution. As one of the most accessible, understandable, and recognizable EVs on the road, the Equinox promises to stand tall on the Ultium Platform.
Introducing the 2024 Chevy Equinox EV
Chevy has designed the Equinox EV to be accommodating on purpose. Taking the beloved small crossover SUV, removing the gasoline engine, and redesigning it to encourage new electric drivers to take the plunge was the purpose of the project.
“The Equinox EV is an EV for everyone,” stated Scott Bell, Vice President of Chevrolet. “It’s an affordable game-changer, offering an uncompromising experience, with more features, that won’t change your daily routine, except that you will no longer have to stop at the gas station.”
Like its gasoline-powered sibling, the Equinox EV provides seating for five with a maximum cargo space of 57.2 cu.ft. with the rear seat folded down. So far, aside from slightly less cargo room than the the 63.9 cu.ft. of the standard Equinox, this is quite familiar. Drivers will have the choice of five different trims. Two sizes of batteries, as well as options for single or dual motors, provide drivers with different amounts of range, horsepower, and torque, depending on their driving preferences. Again, there is nothing unusual here, especially coming from a Chevy. Choices are just part of the bowtie experience.
Furthermore, the Chevy Safety Assist package is onboard, a familiar array of offerings for any experienced Chevy driver. Including standard offerings like Forward Collision Alert with Automatic Emergency Braking, Following Distance Indicator, and Front Pedestrian Braking, drivers can also take advantage of additional safety features. Reverse Automatic Braking with cross traffic braking, Rear Park Assist, and Blind Zone Steering Assist are a few of the newer features offered on the Equniox EV.
What Makes the Equniox EV Different?
For some drivers, the idea of an electric vehicle is cause for pause. It can be hard to shake first impressions, and plenty of drivers remember the days when electric vehicles were slow and prone to losing charge at the worst possible time.
GM’s Ultium Platform has truly changed the game for EVs. Just like gasoline-powered versions, the Equinox EV is offered in front wheel drive or electronic all-wheel drive (eAWD). The front-wheel drive system offers 210 horsepower and 242 lb-ft of torque, and the eAWD version kicks things up to 290 horsepower and 346 lb-ft of torque. Comparitively, the 2024 non-electric Equinox is outfitted with a 1.5L turbocharged I-4 engine that provides 175 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. It is impossible to deny that the Equinox EV has a lot more pep than its gasoline-powered counterpart.
Then again, some argue that driving an EV means keeping a paranoid eye on the battery range. Driving a gasoline-powered vehicle should also include keeping an eye on the gas gauge. While it’s true that gas stations are more obvious and plentiful than charging stations, that is rapidly changing.
Additionally, while one has to seek a source of gasoline in order to refuel a traditional vehicle, the Equinox EV can be plugged in and charging anytime you’re not actively driving it. Standard Level 2 AC charging can provide up to 34 miles of range per hour of plug time, and public DC fast-charging can give you 70 miles of range in as quickly as 10 minutes. A full charge can provide between 250-300 miles of range, depending on the vehicle configuration you choose.
There are things a driver can do to maximize their charge as well, much as drivers can take action to maximize their fuel economy. One-Pedal Driving is a standard feature that allows drivers to control acceleration and stopping using just the accelerator pedal. Regenerative braking helps redirect energy collected from slowing the vehicle into more battery power, too.
Granted, one cannot simply walk to the next exit and purchase a can of electricity if an EV loses power on the highway. However, by getting used to a few new habits, you can control whether that scenario ever occurs.
Driving the 2024 Chevy Equinox EV
Externally, the 2024 Chevy Equinox EV looks like a sleek smaller SUV. Unless you’re checking for a front grill, it might be hard to distinguish that this is an electric vehicle. Then again, the Equinox EV includes walk-up lighting with standard front and rear lighting animation that senses the presence of the key fob. The rear liftgate also can be opened by sensing the fob when the available presence-based hands-free technology is selected. Speaking of hands-free, drivers have hte option to add Super Cruise autonomous driving technology.
If you’re worried that an EV will have a super high-tech interior, fear not. Ultimately, the interior of the 2024 Equinox EV isn’t too different from that of any other Chevy SUV, including the standard Equinox on which it’s based. The 1LT base trim features the basics, like an 11-inch infotainment screen and 11-inch driver information center, as well as manually adjustable front seats.
Stepping up to the 2LT adds a lot of fun things, like a power adjustable driver’s seat; heated front seats, outside mirrors, and steering wheel; and roof rails. It also opens up more available options and packages, including appearance options as well as optional sunroof, Super Cruise, and more.
The 2RS and 3RS are the sportier vehicles in the lineup, with available red accents and larger wheels. The 3LT trim includes all of the high-tech gizmos that are options on lower trims, like the presence-based power liftgate, Adaptive Cruise Control, and HD Surround Vision. It also adds power adjustable front seats, heated outboard rear seats, and dual-zone climate control.
The Electric Future May Not Be So Scary
Expressing healthy concern for the electric vehicle takeover is reasonable. After all, vehicles are big and fast, and when things go wrong with them, it can be very dangerous and very expensive. With the release of the 2024 Chevy Equinox EV, the automaker attempts to allay those fears and gently coax the public into understanding and appreciating the modern EV.
All told, the gas-powered and elective versions of Chevy’s popular crossover may just be able to convince the public that an electric future might just be a good thing. With so many similarities to the gasoline-powered version, along with choices that make sense to many drivers, the Equinox is really “just another car” in the long run.
Given Chevy’s commitment to an all-electric future, along with several other manufacturers, perhaps the 2024 Chevy Equinox EV is exactly what the American driver needs to make a smooth, comfortable transition from gas to electric.
