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Oct 20, 2023

Why The Chevy Equinox EV Is The Perfect First EV

The 2024 Chevy Equinox EV will be one of the cheapest and most promising

The 2024 Chevy Equinox EV will be one of the cheapest and most promising electric vehicles on the market when it arrives.

The electric vehicle industry has grown rapidly and exponentially over the last few years. The market is now absolutely stacked with various models, and trim levels for every preference and price range. It might therefore be difficult to make a choice without the proper knowledge. Luckily, the electrified version of the Chevrolet Equinox is here to welcome new customers into the world of green automobiles, and guide them to a more sustainable future. The new SUV, which is set to make its grand debut in the fall of 2023, is another key element in GM's plans to produce an electric vehicle for every style and price point.

"Climate change is real, and we want to be part of the solution by putting everyone in an electric vehicle," says Mary Barra, Chair and CEO of General Motors. The task doesn't seem too Herculean once you take a glance at the competitive models offered by the American company, although Elon Musk might have a word or two to say about that. The Chevy Equinox EV, in particular, is perfectly suited to attract new customers and assert itself as a mainstream fixture. Starting at just $30,000, the compact crossover offers just enough power, comfort, and technology to give you an amazing first experience.

Related: Chevrolet Equinox EV vs Blazer EV: Which One Should You Buy?

While electric cars are an exciting alternative to gas-powered vehicles, the price ranges can sometimes seem threatening to ambivalent customers who have yet to try them out. Luckily, the 2024 Chevy Equinox EV comes with competitive price tags with a vast array of choices. Primarily, it comes in two main categories, the LT and RS Levels, which encompass a total of five trims, namely 1LT, 2LT, 3LT, 2RS, and 3RS. All trim levels come equipped with heated front and rear seats, as well as a heated steering wheel. The 1LT is expected to start at $30,000 and comes with 250 miles of range per charge, an 11-inch touch-screen, and 19-inch wheels.

The rest of the line-up comes equipped with a standard 80 kWh battery that keeps the EV running for 300 miles on a full charge. Also included in the upper trims is the standard 17-inch infotainment screen and an optional all-wheel-drive setup. The 2LT takes it up a notch with $34,000 and features advanced security functionalities as an option. The 3LT comes at $37,0000 with 21-inch wheels. The 2RS is a more flamboyant upgrade on 20-inch wheels. It flaunts a slightly more stylish appearance and has an estimated price tag of $40,000. The 3RS is at the top of the food chain. It is estimated at $44,000 and features 21-inch wheels, a 19.2 kW Level 2 (AC) charging module (optional), and a heated, sporty half-bottom steering wheel. In terms of performance and powertrain options, Chevrolet offers a dual motor setup with a combined output of 290 horsepower and 346 pound-feet of torque for the all-wheel drive variants. The only downside is that the range consequently drops from 300 to 280 miles.

Related: Why The Chevy Equinox EV Will Be The Next Big Thing

The futuristic aura of the new Equinox should be enough to inspire at least a bit of confidence in its capabilities. For the 2024 model, the engineers went the extra mile to completely distinguish it from its gas-powered predecessor, which debuted in the early 2000s. The new EV is taller, and more imposing with a larger wheelbase and a more modern look. It's also pretty curvy and aerodynamic looking, with a polished appearance that sets it apart. The stout and compact front grille further reinforces the sporty look. The rear side of the vehicle harbors a compact style. The top trims are adorned with walk-up lighting on the front and back. The LT trims offer a white-roof as an add-on while the RS ones offer a blacked-out roof. For an extra fee, you may also choose to ornament your Equinox in one of the following colors: Summit White, Black, Iridescent Pearl Tricoat, Sterling Gray Metallic, Radiant Red Metallic, Red Hot, Galaxy Grey Metallic and Riptide Blue Metallic.

On the inside, a premium atmosphere permeates the cabin. The overall look is clean and minimalist as most of the tech is controlled by the digital infotainment screen. We find turbine-like air vents on each end. There are a few buttons beneath the console that allow you to physically adjust the temperature and airflow. The interior is also filled with charging ports, including two USB Type-C ports in the front center console. While it may not be as roomy as the Chevrolet Blazer, the Equinox is still perfectly suited to comfortably carry all five passengers. It also provides 57.2 cubic feet of cargo and a dual-height cargo floor that maximizes practicality.

Related: 10 Things You Should Know About The Chevrolet Equinox EV

The Chevy Safety Assist System covers pretty much every area and includes: Automatic Emergency Braking, Front Pedestrian Braking, Lane Keep Assist Rear Park Assist, and a few more. The Adaptive Cruise Control will also be at the rendezvous as an optional feature to help you maintain a safe distance from your fellow drivers. Other options include HD Surround Vision, a head-up display, and a rear camera mirror. The Equinox also comes equipped with the second-best Active Driver Assist System (ADAS) on the market today. Developed by General Motors, the Super Cruise technology is a top-end ADAS that minimizes driving efforts while also keeping you engaged throughout the whole process. Consumer Reports notably praised the system for its use of direct driver monitoring systems that require you to stay focused at all times, even when the ADAS is in complete control of the vehicle.

The new EV is also powered by the new BEV3 platform which can be considered an improvement over the BEV2 found in the Bolt EUV. As opposed to its predecessor, it supports every drivetrain, as well as dual motors. The revolutionary platform, which relies on Ultium technology, unlocks a 150 kW DC fast-charging capability that adds up to 70 miles of range in a mere 10 minutes. The standard 11.5 kW level 2 (AC) onboard charger allows you to add an estimated 34 miles of range in one hour. The top-of-the-line 3RS variant also be compatible with an even more powerful 19.2kW AC charger, which can provide 51 miles of range in 60 minutes.

In short, the Equinox EV offers all the comfort and practicality required, and even more than what you would expect for a vehicle within its price range. Sure, the Tesla Model Y and the Mustang Mach-E might be better in many areas, but they both start north of $40,000. On the other hand, the Equinox EV gives you the opportunity to drive your first electric car at a competitive price!

Nacim is a car lover, a combat sports fan and a journalist. Being a polyglot and a multitasker, he has entrenched himself in several fields, ranging from Translation to Voice Acting.Nacim is fluent in French, Arabic and English, holds a Master's Degree in Interpreting, and dreams of driving a 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse.