The Chevrolet Equinox EV.

When a neighbor to tell you your Chevrolet Equinox EV has an interior that’s better than a Tesla interior, maybe it’s time to think that Chevrolet is really on to something here. By the way, we at Napleton News compared and would have to agree.

Charge me up with the new Chevrolet Equinox EV

The Chevrolet Equinox EV shouldn’t be confused with the standard Chevy Equinox. The difference is the Equinox is powered by a conventional internal combustion engine, while the Equinox EV is powered by electrons. Others in its segment include the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Tesla Model Y, Kia EV6, Nissan Ariya and Hyundai Ioniq 5.

Our Equinox EV LT2 is of the front-drive persuasion, sending power from the motor generator directly to the front tires. With a range of 319 miles per charge, it’s in the totally useful range of electrics. Meaning that range anxiety shouldn’t be part of the equation here.

When connected to a DC fast charger, you can grab about 77 miles in ten minutes at a speed of up to 150 kW. It uses the North American Charging Standard (NACS) adaptor that is known otherwise as the Tesla Supercharger plug.

Looks count with the Equinox EV.

This one’s  a looker. When you hear the name Equinox, you probably think of a frumpy looking midsized SUV that is getting a bit long in the tooth lately. Well, that’s not this car. Instead, we get a more contemporary look at automotive design, courtesy of advanced stylistic and technological advancements.

Some of the technology comes in the form of LED lighting. Advancements in electronics have allowed designers the use of thin lighting elements for stylish head- and taillights as well as interior “mood lighting.”

The side view yields a “windswept” appearance that appears “in motion” even when standing still!

A tidy Equinox EV interior.

Nice and tidy, the interior of the Equinox is dominated by a 17.7-inch touchscreen display that stretches nearly 2/3^rd of the way across the dashboard. Seating is comfy with heating and ventilation, both of which came in handy this past week in Florida. We had a couple of days that had everyone running for their jackets, but by the afternoon, we were ready for the air-conditioned seats.

Inside, there is a Google-based system that controls many of the Equinox’s operating controls including the infotainment system, navigation and other key operation functions. Many are completed using voice commands (“Hey Google”) or the touchscreen. Other functions include Google Maps, Google Assistant, Google Play, climate controls, telephone and music functions. Still, Google is no replacement for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. For many, the lack of iPhone mirroring will be a deal breaker.

Thoughtful storage areas are located throughout and include a second level to the center console as well as cubbies on each door. There’s also storage under the cargo hold in back, that is sized perfectly for the charging cable and any other valuables you hope to keep from prying eyes.

Behind the wheel of the Equinox EV.

Hoping behind the wheel of the new Equinox EV, it sounds and starts like a regular vehicle, except no vehicle has ever acted like this. You get in as you normally would but as soon as you place your foot on the brake, the vehicle comes alive. That, or when you buckle your shoulder belt. It’s a little disconcerting at first.

While there are more powerful vehicles in the segment, the Chevrolet Equinox EV has enough pep in its step to get out of its own way and then some. That “then some” comes in happily when stomping on the go pedal to get on the highway or to even just pass a lally-gagger on the highway. It’s just as we would expect it to be.

Chevrolet Equinox EV Specifications:

Engine Type	Electric
Horsepower	220 hp
Torque	243 lb-ft
Transmission	1-speed automatic transmission
EPA Fuel Economy Equivalent (Combined/City/Hwy) 108/117/99	319 miles per charge
Suspension F/R	McPherson Strut / Multi Link
Turning Circle	38.06 ft.
Also Available	Various trim levels
Specs
Warranty	3 years/36,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty	8 years/100,000 miles
NHTSA Safety Rating	5-stars
Max Seating Capacity	5 passengers
Wheelbase	116.3 inches
Overall Length	190.55 inches
Width	76.94 inches
Height	64.8 inches
Headroom, 1st	39.15 inches
Headroom, 2nd	38.49 inches
Legroom, 1st	41.65 inches
Legroom, 2nd	38.00 inches
Shoulder room, 1st row	58.64 inches
Shoulder room, 2nd row	55.45 inches