As more people are choosing electric vehicles, Chevy’s Equinox EV is set to make an impact with its affordability, impressive range, and flexible charging options. But one of the most important questions for any EV owner is: how quickly can it charge? In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about charging speeds for the Chevy Equinox EV, covering at-home charging, faster public charging, and what to expect with different charger types.
Where Can You Find the Fastest Place to Charge Your Equinox EV?
When it comes to charging your Equinox EV, the fastest option is using a Level 3 charger, also known as DC Fast Charging. These chargers are typically found at:
- Highway Rest Stops: Ideal for long road trips, these locations provide quick charges so you can get back on the road with minimal delay.
- Public Charging Stations: Many grocery stores, shopping centers, and parking garages now offer DC Fast Chargers, allowing you to quickly top up while running errands.
- Dedicated EV Charging Stations: Some stations, like Electrify America or EVgo, offer multiple DC Fast Chargers in one location, making it easy to find a spot.
Using a Level 3 DC Fast Charger, the Equinox EV can gain around 70 miles of range in just 10 minutes. This makes DC Fast Chargers the best choice for those who need a quick charge on the go or for long-distance travel.
How Fast Will an Equinox EV Charge at Home?
Charging your Equinox EV at home is a convenient option for many EV owners, but it tends to be slower than DC Fast Charging. There are two common at-home charging methods:
Level 1 Charger (Standard Outlet)
The Equinox EV, like most electric vehicles, comes with a Level 1 charger. This type of charger plugs into a standard 120-volt outlet, like the one you would use for household appliances. However, Level 1 charging is the slowest option.
- Charging Speed: Level 1 charging adds around 3-5 miles of range per hour, so it may take up to two days to fully charge the Equinox EV.
- Ideal Use: Level 1 charging is best for drivers who don’t travel long distances daily and can leave the car plugged in overnight or longer.
Level 2 Charger (Faster Home Charging)
For faster charging at home, you’ll want to consider installing a Level 2 charger. This charger requires a 240-volt outlet, similar to the ones used for dryers or ovens, and can significantly speed up charging times.
- Charging Speed: A Level 2 charger can add up to 34 miles of range per hour for lower trims with the 11.5-kilowatt onboard charger, and up to 51 miles of range per hour for higher trims equipped with a 19.2-kilowatt onboard charger.
- Installation: Installing a Level 2 charger at home often involves hiring an electrician to set up the outlet and may cost between $500 and $2,000.
For many EV owners, a Level 2 charger is a worthwhile investment, as it allows them to charge the Equinox EV overnight, ensuring it’s ready to go each morning.
Can You Get a Faster Charger for Your Equinox EV at Home?
Yes, you can speed up at-home charging by upgrading to a Level 2 charger specifically designed for EVs. Chevy’s GM PowerUP Level 2 Charger is one option that’s compatible with the Equinox EV.
- GM PowerUP Level 2 Charger: This charger can plug into a 240-volt outlet, providing faster charging speeds for daily use.
- Compatibility: The GM PowerUP is compatible with the Equinox EV, as well as many other EVs, so it’s a great choice if you have multiple electric vehicles at home.
While a Level 2 charger can be a bit of an upfront investment, it offers faster charging speeds and greater convenience, especially for drivers who rely heavily on their EV for commuting or daily trips.
Charging Speed of the 2024 Chevy Equinox EV by Charger Type
The charging speed of the Equinox EV depends largely on the type of charger being used. Here’s a breakdown of how each charger type works and the speeds you can expect:
Onboard Charger
The Chevy Equinox EV’s onboard charger is responsible for converting AC power to DC power, which the car’s battery can store. Different trims of the Equinox EV come with different onboard chargers:
- Lower Trims: These have an 11.5-kilowatt onboard charger, which allows the car to add up to 34 miles of range per hour with a Level 2 charger.
- Upper Trims: Higher trims have a 19.2-kilowatt onboard charger, increasing the charging speed to 51 miles of range per hour with a compatible Level 2 charger.
The onboard charger essentially determines how fast your Equinox EV can charge with standard AC power, such as what’s available at most home and public charging stations.
Level 2 Charger
Level 2 chargers provide faster charging than standard household outlets, making them the preferred choice for home charging setups.
- Charging Speed: Level 2 charging can add 34 miles of range per hour with the 11.5-kW onboard charger or 51 miles of range per hour with the 19.2-kW onboard charger.
- Connection: Level 2 chargers require a 240-volt outlet, making them faster than Level 1 but slower than DC Fast Chargers.
For most daily users, a Level 2 charger offers enough speed to fully charge the Equinox EV overnight, making it a practical solution for home charging.
Level 3 Charging / Public DC Fast Charging
Level 3 DC Fast Chargers are the fastest option available for charging an Equinox EV, and they’re generally found at public charging stations rather than at home.
- Charging Speed: DC Fast Charging can add up to 70 miles of range in about 10 minutes, making it perfect for quick recharges on the go.
- Location: These chargers are located in public areas, like highway rest stops, shopping centers, and EV charging networks (like Electrify America and EVgo).
DC Fast Charging is an excellent option for long trips or for quickly topping off when you don’t have time to charge at home.
The Equinox EV’s Battery and Range
The Chevy Equinox EV is powered by an 85 kWh battery. This battery is designed to offer ample range for everyday use and longer journeys.
- Full Charge Range: When fully charged, the Equinox EV provides a range of about 319 miles.
- Efficiency: With its efficient battery and range options, the Equinox EV is well-suited for both city and highway driving.
This battery capacity gives drivers the confidence to go longer between charges, whether charging at home or using public chargers.
Tips for Charging Your Equinox EV Efficiently
To get the most out of your Equinox EV’s battery and charging capabilities, here are a few tips:
- Plan Charging Times: Charge your EV overnight if possible, especially with a Level 2 home charger. This way, your car is ready to go each morning.
- Use DC Fast Charging Only When Necessary: While fast, DC Fast Chargers can cause more wear on the battery over time. Use them for long trips or emergencies rather than daily charging.
- Take Advantage of Apps: The myChevrolet Mobile App is handy for locating nearby charging stations, checking availability, and even paying for public charging sessions.
- Monitor Your Battery Health: Try to keep your battery level between 20% and 80% for optimal performance and battery health. Avoid letting it drain to 0% or consistently charging to 100% unless necessary.
Conclusion: Charging the Equinox EV Offers Flexibility and Speed
The 2024 Chevy Equinox EV gives drivers multiple charging options to fit their lifestyle, whether at home or on the road. Here’s a quick summary of the charging speeds you can expect with different options:
- At Home (Level 1): Slowest, adds about 3-5 miles per hour.
- At Home (Level 2): Adds 34 miles per hour with the 11.5-kW onboard charger or 51 miles per hour with the 19.2-kW onboard charger.
- Public DC Fast Charger (Level 3): Fastest, adds around 70 miles of range in 10 minutes.
With this flexibility, the Equinox EV is well-equipped for the needs of daily drivers and road-trip enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re charging at home or using a high-speed DC Fast Charger, the Equinox EV makes electric driving easy and efficient, so you can confidently hit the road without worrying about running low on power.
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