2024 CHEVROLET EQUINOX EV DC FAST CHARGING ANALYSIS

EV Channels Review

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV's DC fast charging performance is analyzed in this video, revealing a significant limitation: thermal derating. While the vehicle has a respectable 150 kW maximum charging rate, its low battery pack voltage necessitates high amperage, which quickly leads to overheating issues, especially on 350 kW chargers. This thermal throttling dramatically reduces charging speeds, particularly between 20% and 80% state of charge, negating the advantage of faster chargers. Consequently, the Equinox EV takes considerably longer to charge (34 minutes for 20-80%) compared to its direct competitors like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, which can achieve the same in roughly half the time. Despite this, the reviewer notes that for the majority of charging needs (home charging with a Level 2 charger), the Equinox EV performs well. The vehicle's good driving range (over 300 miles in testing) also mitigates the need for frequent DC fast charging stops. However, for those relying heavily on public charging or undertaking long road trips, the Equinox EV's slower DC fast charging will result in longer charging sessions.