The EV That Put Chevy on the Map
The Chevrolet Equinox EV is one of the most popular electric vehicles in the U.S. It helped General Motors rank second in EV sales last year behind – well, Tesla, which likely won’t be beaten anytime soon. Still, that was an impressive feat amid growing competition. The reality, however, is that the Equinox EV is starting to lose ground to rivals such as the Toyota bZ and Hyundai Ioniq 5, both of which sold more units during the first half of this year.
Nevertheless, Chevrolet isn’t quitting on the Equinox EV yet, at least according to GM Authority, which reported that the model is set for a major overhaul. Citing sources familiar with the matter, the report says the next-generation model could arrive late in the 2028 calendar year or in early 2029 as a 2029 model.
Chevrolet
The Value Formula Takes a Hit
The Equinox EV first arrived in 2024 and became one of the most affordable electric-car options in the U.S. After the $7,500 federal EV tax creditexpired last year, that affordability advantage may have been compromised. GM also reintroduced the Bolt EV, which may have drawn away some of its budget-conscious buyers.
Even the Ford Mustang Mach-E managed to outsell the Equinox EV during the second quarter of this year while posting a 30.9% year-over-year decline – roughly half the Equinox EV’s 61.8% drop, according to Cox Automotive.
If this downward trend continues, the best hope is that the next-gen Equinox EV will turn the tide. The model is expected to use a new platform called the BEV-N architecture, an EV platform currently under development that will succeed the BEV3 architecture – the same one underpinning models such as the Chevy Blazer EV and Cadillac Optiq. The overhauled version is expected to debut the new platform, likely with improved capabilities over the current version.
Chevrolet
What Buyers Get Right Now
While those details are still up in the air, the 2026 Equinox EV currently starts at $34,995, excluding destination charges, putting it roughly on par with the Toyota bZ and Hyundai Ioniq 5. It offers an EPA-estimated range of up to 319 miles on a full charge.
Production currently takes place at GM’s Ramos Arizpe plant in Mexico, even as the gas-powered Equinox is expected to add production at Fairfax Assembly in Kansas beginning in mid-2027.
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