According to President Joe Biden, GM leads the world in electric cars. In real life, they’re sitting way at the back of the line. With only 457 EVs delivered in the last quarter, one can say GM, and Biden, is all talk and no action. But that may change with the new 2023 Chevy Equinox EV.
What’s unique about the Equinox EV is the price. It will start at just $30,000 before the $7,500 EV tax credit. That makes the cost of the Equinox EV ($22,500 after tax credit) significantly less the $48,043 average cost of a new ICE car, and way less than the $66,000 average cost of a new EV. It just maybe what GM needs to take a real leadership position.
Mind you, $30K will get you a pretty bare bone EV. Don’t expect Tesla level of technology here. The Equinox will have a single electric motor driving the front wheels. An all-wheel drive version will also be available, but instead of doing dual motors like more expensive EVs, the Equinox will be still a single motor with an eAWD system. The eAWD will make a bit more power – 290 hp instead of 250 hp.
To get the $30K Equinox, you’ll have to order the base 1LT model with 250 miles of range. The SUV can be upgraded to front-drive and 300 miles of range, or all wheel drive and 280 miles of range.
Upgrade models include Equinox 2LT and 3LT, each available in either FWD/300-mile or AWD/280-mile configuration. At the top of the line are the 2RS and 3RS, available with the same drivetrain options and featuring more sporty styling. LT models offer an available contrasting white roof, while RS models have the option of a black painted roof.
Charging the Equinox on a road trip will have you waiting longer than the competition. All Equinox EV models are capable of DC fast charging at up to 150 kW, adding up to 70 miles of range in 10 minutes. By comparison the 900V charger in the Lucid Air can add up to 300 miles of range in just 20 minutes, assuming you can find a 350 kW charger. However, most EV owners charge their cars at home, and the Equinox EV comes capable of charging at 11.5 kW via a Level 2 home charger, adding 34 miles of range for every hour plugged in. You’ll have no problem leaving the house every morning with a “full tank.”
The Equinox EV goes on sale in the fall of 2023, so we’ll have to wait a bit longer for GM to lead the world in electric cars.