The vast majority of electric vehicles on the market have been geared to affluent buyers and early adopters, but the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV puts the technology in the hands of the next wave: normal people interested in electrification.
The Equinox name also gives the vehicle a note of familiarity, even though the EV has a completely different look compared with its gasoline sibling, which is redesigned for 2025.
The EV鈥檚 front end has a more aerodynamic appearance, as does the sweptback roofline and rear deck. The EV, which actually arrived for 2024, is also significantly longer 鈥� by about 20 centimetres 鈥� and the distance between the front and rear wheels is greater by 23 centimetres which provides more rear legroom.
The cargo capacity with the rear seatback folded forward is about 10 per cent less than that of the gasoline Equinox. That鈥檚 mainly because of to the EV鈥檚 lower roofline. Also, unlike some other EVs on the market, there鈥檚 no front storage spot beneath the hood, commonly referred to as a frunk (front trunk).
The cabin is notable for its 11-inch digital driver information screen positioned alongside a standard 11-inch or available 17.7-inch infotainment screen. There is no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The shifter is located on the steering column, which creates a small storage area on the centre console.
The Equinox uses a platform common to other General Motors EVs that supports both front- and all-wheel-drive. The large battery pack is located beneath the floor.
For 2025, the single-motor front-wheel-drive Equinox EV is rated at 220 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque. Maximum range is 510 kilometres.
For AWD models 鈥� front and rear motors 鈥� power increases to 300 horsepower and 355 pound-feet. The maximum range is 455 kilometres.
Electric components are warranted for eight years or 160,000 kilometres.
When hooked to a 240-volt Level 2 station 鈥� most public charging stations as well as the type normally installed at home 鈥� the Equinox EV charges at a rate that adds 58 kilometres of range per hour.
When hooked to a DC fast station the rate of charge is 123 kilometres in 10 minutes, according to Chevrolet.
Drivers will also have access to GM鈥檚 Charging 360 network of 110,000 outlets available throughout the United States and Canada.
The standard regenerative braking system can help extend battery range and can bring the vehicle to a complete stop without the use of the brake pedal. If you find that too jarring, you can dial it back or turn it off.
Pricing for the base LT trim is $48,400 ($51,900 for the AWD version) including destination charges but excluding applicable government rebates. That鈥檚 about $12,000 more than the base gasoline Equinox LS.
Along with the basic power features, you get a reasonably complete suite of active-safety content such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic braking.
The premium AWD RS ($53,400) gets roof rails, heated front seats, power-adjustable driver鈥檚 chair, front LED light bar, a heated flat-bottom steering wheel and 21-inch wheels (19s are standard).
Among the lengthy list of options is a sunroof, rear-camera mirror, premium Bose-brand audio system and a head-up driver鈥檚 display that projects key information onto the windshield.
Available for the RS is GM鈥檚 semi-autonomous Super Cruise system that provides hands-free driving over more than 640,000 kilometres of roads in the United States and Canada.
According to General Motors CEO Mary Barra, the affordably priced Equinox EV represents a 鈥渕ainstream choice鈥� for new-car buyers. She鈥檚 right as there are few competitors is this space.
Until the smaller Chevrolet Bolt EV returns (it鈥檚 expected in late 2025) the Equinox makes a practical choice for budget-conscious shoppers or for first-time EV buyers who are prepared to at least try taking the fully electric route to satisfy their transportation needs.
