2024 CHEVROLET EQUINOX EV

CHEVY TAKES ON ISSUE OF COST OF EV

 WITH ELECTRIC VERSION OF EQUINOX SUV

Want to turn a $30,000 SUV into a $40,000 vehicle? Easy. Just yank whatever gasoline engine is under the hood and stick in an all-electric drivetrain.

That price increase is an issue that remains with electric vehicle (known as EVs or BEVs with the B for battery) as they hit showrooms with more driving range and quicker charging times than earlier models.

Even with up to a $7,500 tax credit you’re likely going to pay more up front than with a traditional gasoline model.

Chevrolet is taking on that issue with plans for a 1LT version of its 2024 Equinox that would start at just under $35,000 and dropping it to well under $30,000 with the tax credit include. But it isn’t scheduled for arrival until later this year.

That leaves the 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV 2LT to serve as the base model, and it carries a starting MSRP of just under $42,000, which makes it competitive in the electric SUV segment but not quite the bargain anticipated for the 1LT base model.

Easy come, easy go.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV 2LT doesn’t boast quite the torquey punch of many electric vehicles with the single electric motor in front-wheel drive models rated at 213 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque but it makes up for that with an estimated range of 315 miles between charges.

All-wheel drive versions get a dual motor that ups those figures to 288 hp and 333 lb.-ft while adding $3,300 to the bottom line and trimming range to 285 miles on a full charge. The extra power from the dual motor cuts zero-to-60 mph time from 7.7 seconds for FWD models to 5.8 for those with AWD, according to clockings from zeroto60times.com.

The strength of the 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV 2LT lies in its spacious cabin and overall standard features. Among the latter are a huge, 17.7-inch touchscreen that dominates the front and gives off a wide, clear screen for the navigation map. It’s almost like you could chart a trip abound the world with it alone.

The 11-inch digital instrument display also provides a quick glance at how the vehicle is running. The 8-way power driver’s seat features 4-way lumbar support, and both front seats are heated. Seating surfaces feature Chevy’s synthetic Evotex materials and feel like leather.

Two things you won’t find among tech features, however, are ApplePlay and Android  Auto as GM is eliminating them from its EV fleet.

A power liftgate, LED head and taillights, and roof rails are among standard exterior features.

Safety features include enhanced emergency braking, forward collision alert, pedestrian and cyclist braking, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot alert, and adaptive cruise control.

All that is covered by the $41,900 starting MSRP. In addition to AWD, my test 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV 2LT added Chevy’s hands-free driving Super /Cruise system, running the final total to $49,295 including the $1,395 destination and delivery fee.

Upgraded 3LT, 2RS, and 3RS trims start at just under $45,000 and run to just under $47,000.

What I liked about the 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV 2LT; The cabin is roomy and nicely done. Infotainment features are operated via a large, user-friendly touchscreen. A push of a button activates Auto Hold, which prevents creeping when waiting at an intersection. Though competitors offer more in the way of space for cargo, storage (26.4 cubic feet with all seats in place) is more than adequate for most chores. 

What I didn’t like about the 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV 2LT: If you use either Apple CarPlay or Android Auto you’re out of luck. GM is not including either feature in its electric vehicles. Built-in features like Google Maps, Google Assistant, Audible, Spotify, and others are activated via the touchscreen. There is no storage area up front (i.e., frunk). The driver starts the motor by closing the door and pressing the brake pedal, which is kind of odd. You have to press two different places on the dash panel to stop the motor.

Would I buy the 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV 2LT? No. The range is impressive but that doesn’t solve the issue of finding a higher level charging outlet when you need a boost, and there still aren’t enough of them around to get me to invest in an EV. If that doesn’t bother you, however, the Equinox is a nice riding and versatile SUV.