Chevrolet to Add Equinox CUV to Battery-Electric Lineup

General Motors is preparing a battery-electric version of the popular Chevrolet Equinox, promising the midsize CUV will offer both affordability and the latest in BEV technology.

Scott Bell, Chevrolet global vice president, describes the ’24 Equinox BEV as an electric vehicle “that’s going after the masses” with an emphasis on innovation and attractive styling.

With a starting price of about $30,000 for the 1LT version, the Equinox BEV is expected to be the most affordable EV in its class, says Bell, who notes it rounds out an electrified portfolio that covers major segments including fullsize pickup trucks (Silverado BEV), midsize CUVs (Blazer BEV) and compact vehicles such as the Bolt EV and EUV.

The Equinox EV, which will reach showrooms in fall 2023 as a 2024 model, will be available with up to 300 miles (483 km) of range on a full charge, Bell says, adding GM is confident it will hit the price target set for the vehicle.

Highlights of the exterior design include sleek lines and sporty proportions enabled by the Ultium dedicated-BEV platform as well as “walk-up” lighting, with front and rear lighting animation standard and an available light bar on mid- and up-level LT and RS trims.

The design also features standard 19-in. wheels, with available 20- and 21-in. wheels.

The cabin of the Equinox BEV provides room for five. The base 1LT trim level comes with an 11-in. (28-cm) infotainment screen, while the 2LT, 2RS, 3LT, and 3RS trims offer an available 17.7-in. (45-cm) infotainment screen. An 11-in. driver information screen is standard on all trims.

Chevy_EquinoxEV_1LT 24 interior

The interior features numerous storage spaces both front and rear, as well as up to 57 cu.-ft. (1,614 L) of cargo room with the rear seat folded, according to GM designers.

Heated front and rear outboard seats, a heated steering wheel, and even a heated windshield wiper park element, which helps keep the area around the wipers clear of ice buildup, are available on the Equinox BEV, which will have many of the convenience features found on traditional utility vehicles powered by internal-combustion engines, they note.

With the Equinox EV, designers and engineers focused on the style, space, safety, and value attributes that made the gas-powered Equinox second to only the Silverado in Chevy sales and elevated them with expressive design, electrifying capability, and effortless BEV technology.

Super Cruise, General Motors’ hands-free driver-assistance technology for compatible roads, will be available on all trim levels except the base 1LT.

During a technical briefing, Doug Houlihan, executive chief engineer, says the Equinox BEV will come with standard front-wheel drive with GM-estimated 210 hp and 242 lb.-ft. (328 Nm) of torque for quick acceleration. All-wheel drive with 290 hp and 346 lb.-ft. (469 Nm) of torque is available.

One-Pedal Driving is standard and allows the Equinox BEV to accelerate or slow to a full stop using only the accelerator. It’s paired with regenerative braking, which can convert the kinetic energy of the vehicle’s forward momentum into electricity that’s stored in the battery pack to maximize driving range.

Chevy Equinox BEV 24 overhead screenshot

The Equinox BEV features GM’s latest in charging technology, including standard 11.5-kW Level 2 AC charging, which can add up to 34 miles (55 km) of range per hour of charging, GM estimates. The 3RS trim level has available 19.2-kW Level 2 AC charging which can add up to an estimated 51 miles (82 km) of range per hour of charging.

Standard DC fast-charging capability of up to 150 kW enables about 70 miles (113 km) of range to be added in 10 minutes, per GM estimates.

Amy MacDonald, EV Technology manager, says Chevrolet is committed to making the BEV transition easy, with support such as available navigation and route planning through the MyChevy app, which helps locate charging stations.

Customers also will have access to Ultium Charge 360, which is designed to simplify the overall charging experience with information and access to more than 110,000 publicly available charging points in the U.S. and Canada, she says.

In addition to Chevy Safety Assist, which includes automatic emergency braking, following distance indicator, forward collision alert, front pedestrian braking, lane-keep assist with lane departure warning and Intellibeam automatic high beams, available driver-assistance technologies on the Equinox BEV include adaptive cruise control and HD surround vision, with head-up display and rear camera mirror.

GM will produce the Equinox BEV at Ramos Arizpe, Mexico.

The ICE-powered Equinox is a strong seller in the crowded midsize CUV segment with 116,678 sales in first-half 2022, per Wards Intelligence data. It trailed the segment-leading Toyota RAV4 and was virtually tied with the Honda CR-V.

Chevy_EquinoxEV_1LT 24 rear 3.4