Talking Cars 461: Driving the Chevrolet Equinox EV

Main theme: The Equinox is Chevrolet’s entry-level electric, with a tempting starting price of about $35,000 for the front-wheel LT version that offers 319 miles of range. We bought an all-wheel-drive 2LT model that gets an estimated 285 miles of range, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. The 2LT starts at $41,900, and with a few options, such as AWD and the Super Cruise hands-free driver assistance package. Our total came to $50,740. So far, testers have been impressed with the Equinox’s nimble handling, mostly compliant ride, and zippy powertrain. But Chevrolet’s new EV faces tough competition from the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, Nissan Ariya, and Volkswagen ID.4.

Read our Chevrolet Equinox EV first drive. 

Audience Questions
• Do automatic-dimming rearview mirrors work as well as the old-fashioned flip tab designs?
• Why does my 2016 Honda Odyssey Touring seem to go through brake pads and rotors so frequently?
• Why can’t EV manufacturers design their cars with interchangeable and upgradable batteries? For example, why can’t they offer a low-cost EV with a 150-mile range that can be upgradable to accommodate a battery pack with a 300-mile range?