Unlocking the Equinox EV's Charging Potential: Navigating the Limits and Surprises

When it comes to charging electric vehicles, the expectation is that the maximum advertised charging rate will be achievable, regardless of the charger used. However, as one owner and charging expert discovered, the 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV may not always live up to its promised charging capabilities, even when connected to high-powered stations. This in-depth exploration delves into the reasons behind this phenomenon and the implications for Equinox EV owners.

Uncovering the Equinox EV's Charging Quirks

The Voltage Conundrum

The Equinox EV's battery pack voltage is the key factor behind its charging performance. Unlike most 400-volt EVs, which maintain a voltage well above 300 volts even when the battery is close to depletion, the Equinox EV's pack voltage can drop as low as 260 volts when the battery is nearly empty. This lower voltage means the car requires more amps from the charging station to achieve the advertised 150 kW charging rate. Unfortunately, many 150 kW chargers in the United States are not capable of delivering the necessary amperage, resulting in a lower-than-expected charging speed.

Charging Stations: Matching Power to Needs

To experience the Equinox EV's full 150 kW charging capability, owners will need to seek out more powerful charging stations, such as those rated at 350 kW or higher. These stations can provide the additional amperage required to maintain the car's maximum charging rate, even when the battery pack voltage is low. However, as the tests revealed, the benefits of using a more powerful charger may not always be as significant as one might expect.

Charging Performance: Nuanced Insights

When charging the Equinox EV from a 150 kW Electrify America station, the maximum power received never exceeded 100 kW, despite the station's higher rating. The charging rate remained consistent, hovering between 80 and 100 kW until the battery reached around 80% state of charge, at which point it began to taper off.In contrast, when using a 350 kW EVgo charger, the Equinox EV was able to charge at the full 150 kW rate initially. However, the 150 kW charger eventually caught up, and in the specific tests conducted, the 150 kW charger actually finished charging the vehicle quicker. This is attributed to the longer cell balancing process required at the end of the charge cycle when using the more powerful 350 kW station.

Charging Efficiency: Balancing Factors

While the Equinox EV may not be among the fastest-charging electric vehicles on the market, its performance in the tests was still respectable. It fell behind key rivals like the Tesla Model Y and Kia EV6, but the differences were not significant enough to overshadow the overall positive attributes of the vehicle, as evidenced by the owner's initial driving experience.The Equinox EV's charging capabilities are a nuanced topic, with factors like battery pack voltage and charging station capabilities playing a crucial role in determining the actual charging speeds. Owners and prospective buyers should be aware of these intricacies to set realistic expectations and plan their charging routines accordingly.