Chevrolet Equinox EV FWD

Overview

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV FWD bursts onto the scene as a stylish, all-electric family SUV, aiming to make EV ownership more accessible. This front-wheel-drive variant prioritises efficiency and a generous real-world range, making it a compelling option for daily driving and longer trips. While primarily launched for North American markets with production in Mexico, its blend of practicality and modern tech holds international appeal. Official European pricing is yet to be confirmed, as its availability in the EU market is not yet established.

What's New for 2025?

For 2025, the Equinox EV FWD is essentially an all-new contender, marking Chevrolet's significant push into the mainstream electric SUV segment. Built on GM's innovative Ultium platform, this model year introduces fresh styling, a spacious interior, and the latest in GM's electric powertrain technology. Key highlights for this debut include its impressive range capabilities for the FWD configuration, a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, and a tech-forward cabin designed to appeal to modern families looking to switch to electric mobility.

Design & Exterior

The Equinox EV FWD boasts a sharp, contemporary design that's both athletic and sleek, a far cry from its petrol-powered namesake. Standard features likely include smart LED lighting front and rear, giving it a distinctive look on the road. This electric SUV measures a substantial 4840 mm in length, approximately 1915 mm in width (excluding mirrors), and stands 1646 mm tall, giving it a commanding presence. The FWD trim offers a clean, uncluttered aesthetic, with aerodynamic wheels designed to maximise efficiency and contribute to its modern appeal.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside, the Equinox EV FWD offers a surprisingly spacious and modern cabin for five occupants. Material quality is geared towards practicality, with a clean dash layout dominated by digital screens – typically a configurable driver display and a large central infotainment touchscreen supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Passenger comfort is good, and storage is a strong suit. You get a generous 748 litres of boot space, expanding to a massive 1620 litres with the rear seats folded flat. Unfortunately, there's no frunk for extra front storage.

Performance & Driving Experience

The front-wheel-drive Equinox EV is powered by a single Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) delivering a respectable 159 kW (around 213 hp) and 320 Nm of instant torque. This setup allows for a 0-100 km/h sprint in a competent 8.2 seconds, with a top speed of 182 km/h. Expect a smooth, quiet, and comfortable ride, ideal for daily commuting and family duties. One-pedal driving mode is typically available, enhancing efficiency and making city driving a breeze. It's engineered for a composed, easy-going driving experience rather than outright thrills.

Range, Battery & Charging

The Equinox EV FWD is equipped with an 85 kWh usable battery capacity, translating to an impressive real-world range of approximately 487 km, as calculated by Green Cars Compare, with an efficiency of 5.73 km/kWh. For AC charging, it features a standard 11.5 kW on-board charger, allowing a full charge in around 7.5-8 hours. DC fast charging maxes out at 150 kW, enabling a quick top-up (e.g., 10-80%) in about 30-35 minutes. While North American models use a CCS Type 1 port, European versions would be equipped with CCS Type 2.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Safety is a key focus, with the Equinox EV FWD expected to come standard with Chevrolet's Safety Assist suite. This typically includes Automatic Emergency Braking, Front Pedestrian Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert, and IntelliBeam auto high beams. More advanced features like Adaptive Cruise Control and Blind Zone Steering Assist might be available on higher trims or as options. Official Euro NCAP safety ratings are yet to be determined, pending testing for the European market if it becomes available there.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

While specific European warranty details depend on official market launch, Chevrolet typically offers a competitive package. Expect a basic vehicle warranty around 3 years/60,000 km. Crucially, the Ultium battery system is usually covered for 8 years or 160,000 km, with a guarantee against excessive degradation. Powertrain components would also have extended coverage. Electric vehicles generally require less maintenance than traditional combustion engine cars, focusing on items like tyres, brakes, and cabin filters. Details on complimentary maintenance would be market-specific.