The EV That Makes $35,000 Feel Like a Fair Price
The Chevy Equinox EV launched in 2024 and immediately disrupted the entry-level EV segment. At $34,995 base (RS trim at $43,295), with 319 miles of EPA-rated range and eligibility for the full $7,500 federal tax credit, the Equinox EV’s effective price of $27,495 puts it in a category of its own for value. This review covers what the Equinox EV does well, where it falls short, and how it stacks up against the competition.
2025 Equinox EV Specifications
| Trim | MSRP | After $7,500 Credit | Range | Charge Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1LT RWD | $34,995 | $27,495 | 319 miles | 150kW DC |
| 2LT RWD | $38,495 | $30,995 | 319 miles | 150kW DC |
| RS RWD | $43,295 | N/A (over limit) | 319 miles | 150kW DC |
| RS AWD | $48,695 | N/A (over limit) | 305 miles | 150kW DC |
Credit eligibility: The 1LT and 2LT qualify for the $7,500 federal tax credit (income limits apply — single filers under $150k MAGI, joint filers under $300k). The RS trims exceed the MSRP cap for the credit. Most buyers targeting value should focus on the 1LT or 2LT.
Range: 319 Miles Is the Real Story
319 miles EPA range from a vehicle priced at $34,995 is exceptional. The Equinox EV achieves this through the Ultium platform’s improved battery management and aerodynamics (0.29 Cd). Real-world range at highway speeds:
- 65 mph, light load: 280–295 miles
- 70–75 mph, highway: 240–260 miles
- Cold weather (20°F): 190–220 miles
At 70 mph, 240–260 miles is enough to handle most road trip scenarios with one charging stop per 4–5 hours of driving — a manageable cadence.
DC Fast Charging: 150kW
The Equinox EV charges at up to 150kW on DC fast chargers. For context:
- Hyundai Ioniq 6: up to 240kW (fastest in this price range)
- Tesla Model 3 RWD: up to 170kW on Supercharger V3
- VW ID.4: up to 135kW
150kW puts the Equinox EV in the middle of the pack. 10–80% takes approximately 30–35 minutes at a 150kW CCS station. Adequate for road trips without being exceptional.
Supercharger Adapter Compatibility
GM has adopted the NACS (Tesla) connector and the Equinox EV works with a J1772-to-NACS adapter at Tesla Superchargers. Access to the 20,000+ Supercharger network significantly improves the Equinox EV’s road trip practicality vs other CCS vehicles limited to the less reliable Electrify America network. This is one of the Equinox EV’s more significant advantages over comparable non-Tesla EVs.
Interior and Technology
The 2025 Equinox EV’s interior is practical and well-organized without being premium. The 17.7-inch center display (on 2LT and RS) is large and responsive. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included on 2LT+. The 1LT uses an 11-inch display — still adequate. Google Built-in (maps, assistant) is available. The interior materials are typical Chevy — functional plastics, comfortable seats, nothing that feels premium. At this price point, that’s appropriate.
Where the Equinox EV Falls Short
Software Polish
GM’s infotainment has improved from earlier Bolt years but still doesn’t match Tesla’s UX fluency or Hyundai’s clean interface. Some owners report occasional lag, navigation quirks, and software that feels less integrated than the hardware. OTA updates are available but less frequent than Tesla’s. Not a deal-breaker but noticeable if you’ve test-driven a Tesla recently.
Charging Network Access Without Adapter
Without the NACS adapter, you’re limited to CCS stations. Electrify America (which you’ll encounter most on GM-planned routes) has improved but remains less reliable than Supercharger. With the adapter, this concern largely resolves. Budget $50–100 for a quality NACS adapter.
AWD Range Hit
The AWD variant drops from 319 miles to 305 miles. For most buyers, 14 miles of range isn’t worth the AWD premium, especially in mild climates. In snowy climates, AWD is worth considering, but the RWD is the value pick.
Equinox EV vs Model Y: The Core Decision
| Spec | Equinox EV 1LT (RWD) | Tesla Model Y RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Price (after credit) | $27,495 | $37,490 |
| Range | 319 miles | 320 miles |
| DC fast charge | 150kW | 170kW Supercharger |
| Charging network | CCS + NACS adapter | Supercharger (native) |
| Cargo (SUV) | 57 cu ft max | 76 cu ft max |
| Software quality | Good | Excellent |
| CarPlay/Android Auto | Yes | No |
The Equinox EV costs $10,000 less than a Model Y after credits. For buyers who value the $10,000 savings over Tesla’s Supercharger network and software quality, the Equinox EV is the clear choice. For buyers who road trip frequently and value the Supercharger ecosystem, the Model Y is worth the premium.
Who Should Buy the Equinox EV
- Buyers who want the most range per dollar in the sub-$35,000 market
- SUV buyers who want a proven GM dealer network
- Buyers who prefer Apple CarPlay/Android Auto over proprietary systems
- Primary home chargers who use DC fast charging occasionally
Verdict
The Chevrolet Equinox EV is the best value EV under $35,000 in 2025. 319 miles of range, $27,495 effective price after credit, Supercharger adapter compatibility, and GM’s dealer network make it a compelling choice for buyers who want maximum EV capability at the lowest possible price. It’s not as refined as a Tesla or as efficient as an Ioniq 6, but nothing comes close to its value proposition at this price. Rating: 4.5/5.