By Marc Bouchard
The Chevrolet Equinox EV is the star of electric vehicles of the year. Impossible to circulate on the roads without crossing one or two at least. Its modern silhouette, its promises of great autonomy and its affordable “relatively” “relatively” price that we dwell on it.
The good news is that during my road test, this SUV proved to me that it was able to meet the expectations of a modern driver while retaining the essence of a family vehicle.
Outdoor and interior design
From the first glance, the Equinox EV is distinguished by its resolutely contemporary look. The closed grille, typical of electric vehicles, blends harmoniously with the fluid body lines to maximize aerodynamics. The slim LED headlights and chrome accents bring a touch of elegance that leaves no one indifferent. In fact, he took up the elements that made the blazer so popular, and that’s a good thing.
The color two tones of the body, namely a white roof for a blue vehicle, also attracts looks and acts a bit like an optical illusion which gives the feeling of a more imposing vehicle than it is in reality.
The cabin, not as spacious as you would have liked for passengers in the rear seats, is designed for the comfort of the five passengers, with materials where plastic abounds a little too much. Nothing tragic, but we would have liked a more refined finish, up to what the silhouette suggests. In fact, we can’t help but notice the abundance of plastics on board, especially on door panels and the central console, which somewhat tarnishes the global quality impression.
The centerpiece, however, is the 17.7 -inch touch screen providing simplified access to vehicle features. It houses a system managed by Google and does not allow Apple because Play and Android Auto integration, but you quickly do in control of the internal system.
Performances and autonomy
Under the hood, the Equinox EV hides a powerful electric motor of 290 horsepower, ensuring a lively acceleration and an interesting driving experience. No, it is not a lightning acceleration of sport car, but like all electric vehicles, the nervousness of the pedal is large enough to please the most demanding.
The available all -wheel drive guarantees impeccable grip, even in the most difficult situations. During my test, I was particularly impressed by the silence of operation and the absolute softness of driving, two qualities that I particularly appreciate when it comes to electric vehicles.
-Chevrolet claims an autonomy of 513 kilometers on a single load, placing the Equinox EV among the leaders of the Electric SUV segment. I admit that I did not reach this summit during my test, but the snow, sometimes abundant, and the incisive cold played an important role in the displayed decrease. On the other hand, I must specify, the predictions of the car turned out and I had no surprises when I drive.
Another major asset, the rapid charging capacity makes it possible to recover up to 160 kilometers of autonomy in just 10 minutes, which considerably reduces stops during long journeys.
Technology and safety
The Equinox EV includes the latest innovations in driving assistance, including the GM Super Cruise system, allowing hands -free driving on certain specific highways. I admit it, I always keep my hands not far from the steering wheel and my eyes riveted on the road, but this kind of system impresses me. I will undoubtedly take me a few more years to dedicate absolute confidence to him.
Safety technologies include automated emergency braking, frontal collision alert and helping lane maintenance, thus ensuring serene and safe driving.
The Chevrolet Equinox fills all its promises. It is true that, without government incentives, the $ 55,000 it requires may seem high, but the vehicle deserves all our consideration.
In the Briado
This is still the start of the year, so it is still tracing it from the past few months. Marc and William therefore take the opportunity to trace their balance sheet, and choose the best and worst models of the last year. It’s up to you to say if you agree!
Photos Courtesy Chevrolet Canada
