Upcoming Release: Chevy’s Compact Crossover EV for $27,495 with Incentive Included!
After confirming the latest pricing and EPA-certified mileage for the Equinox EV, Chevrolet may potentially become a leader in the electric crossover category with impressive initial results.
The cost for the initial 1LT FWD trim of the Equinox EV is incredibly competitive, beginning at $34,995 with the inclusion of destination fees. This may surpass the initial estimate by approximately $5,000, however Chevrolet assures that the vehicle is qualified for a complete $7,500 Clean Vehicle Federal Tax Credit. As a result, the effective starting price is reduced to $27,495.
Just a quick reminder that only a select few electric vehicles are qualified for the complete tax credit, and surprisingly, even the cheapest EV in America, the Nissan Leaf, does not meet the criteria for the full sum. The nearest options that do qualify are the Volkswagen ID.4 (expected cost of $40,000) and the Tesla Model Y ($42,990).
The remaining Equinox EV models come at the following prices:First off, let’s take a look at the other trims of the Equinox EV and their corresponding prices.
While the initial attraction of a highly affordable base model may be tempting, those seeking the lowest possible price will need to exercise patience. The 1LT FWD option is not expected to be released until the later part of 2024.
The cost may appear insignificant if the Equinox EV fails to excel in another critical aspect: its driving range. However, the good news is that the Equinox EV FWD has been certified by the EPA to have a class-leading range of 319 miles.
When comparing vehicles, the Tesla Model Y RWD is capable of traveling 260 miles on one charge, although the Long Range version falls slightly behind with a range of only 310 miles.
Chevrolet has stated that they will be releasing new AWD variations of their electric car, however the specific pricing has not been announced yet. These AWD models are said to have a range of 285 miles on a single charge. The addition of AWD also increases the vehicle’s horsepower and overall performance, allowing it to accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 5.9 seconds.
Just to refresh your memory, the Chevrolet Equinox EV features a sizeable 17.7-inch infotainment display, making it the largest in its class. This is another area where competitors lag behind, as the Model Y’s screen is 2.7 inches smaller and the average for this segment, a 12-inch screen, falls short in comparison to the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Nissan Ariya.
Consumers who choose the Chevy brand may find themselves without an important element, however. The company’s electric vehicles will no longer offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as they will be replaced by a pre-installed Google operating system. This new system will include built-in Google Maps and app compatibility, as well as smartphone connectivity.
The pricing unveiling of the Equinox EV holds great significance for General Motors, as it marks their reentry into the realm of budget-friendly electric vehicles. With the discontinuation of Bolt EV and Bolt EUV despite recording record-breaking sales in 2020, America was left in a vulnerable spot with the absence of affordable EV options. This raised the question of who would seize the opportunity to fill this void, and it appears that Chevrolet is determined to uphold their reputation in this regard.