08/19/2026
Is an EV right for me? ⚡️
One of the biggest questions I hear about EVs is range.
For this educational session I'm going to use the Equinox EV FWD, but parts of this apply to our full range of EVs.
Now the Equinox EV FWD is rated for up to 513 km on a full charge, which gives you some pretty good range confidence for everyday driving and longer trips.
But what about charging?
GM has made that part pretty simple too. The vehicle's app is integrated with many charging networks, so you can plug in, walk away and let the vehicle and charging station communicate. Your stored payment method can take care of the transaction without needing a bunch of different charging apps or extra payment cards in your wallet.
Planning a road trip? No problem.
With integrated Google Maps, the vehicle can plan your route and recommend charging stops along the way — much like planning where you'd stop for fuel in a gas-powered vehicle.
But how long do I have to sit there and charge?
For an Equinox EV, going from around 10% to 80% can take approximately 45 minutes under suitable DC fast-charging conditions.
And there's a reason 80% is an important number. Under 80% charge, the vehicle can take advantage of regenerative braking to put energy back into the battery. Once you're above that level, the regenerative system's ability to accept that energy is limited.
That's one reason many EV owners set their everyday charging limit around 80%. You don't necessarily need to charge to 100% every time you plug in.
On a road trip, though, you can absolutely charge beyond 80% when you need the extra range. It just takes longer as the battery approaches full.
So if you're stopping for lunch or dinner, plug in, go enjoy your meal and let the vehicle charge while you're doing something you'd already be doing anyway.
And if you're wondering about AWD, you don't have to trade charging time for the extra traction. The FWD and AWD Equinox EV use the same battery and have the same charging times. The difference is that AWD gives you slightly less range.
The AWD system isn't full-time either. It can activate when you accelerate hard, when the vehicle detects wheel slip, or when you select certain drive modes such as Snow/Ice.
But what about winter? ❄️
Yes, EVs can use more energy in cold weather. But here's something interesting: gas-powered vehicles also use more fuel in the winter.
It's just harder to notice those smaller changes when you're looking at an E-to-F fuel gauge.
Think about how many of us remote-start our vehicles in the winter to warm them up and defrost the windshield before we even leave the driveway. That's fuel being used while you're sitting there.
With a GM EV, think ABC: Always Be Charging.
When you're plugged in at home, the vehicle can precondition while connected to the charger, helping warm the vehicle before you leave without using the energy stored in the battery to do it.
You get into a warm vehicle, your windows are ready to go, and you can start your drive without using as much of your stored range to get the vehicle comfortable.
That's a benefit you can feel every winter.
Another feature I find pretty interesting is One-Pedal Driving.
Instead of using the brake pedal every time you need to slow down, the vehicle uses regenerative braking to slow the vehicle when you lift off the accelerator. That energy can be sent back into the battery instead of simply being lost as heat.
Under the right conditions, the Equinox EV can use regenerative braking to help put energy back into the battery while also reducing how often you need to use the traditional brakes — helping reduce brake wear.
And if you're wondering what EV options are available here at Tyee Chevrolet Buick GMC, our EV lineup available includes:
⚡ Chevrolet Bolt
⚡ Chevrolet Equinox EV
⚡ Chevrolet Blazer EV
⚡ Chevrolet Silverado EV
⚡ GMC Sierra EV
⚡ HUMMER EV Pickup
⚡ HUMMER EV SUV
So maybe the question isn't "Are EVs good?"
Maybe it's "Would an EV work for the way I drive?"
That's what I'm interested in exploring. ⚡️
