FYI: Charging the 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV presents some unique challenges, including inconsistent charging speeds and efficiency differences between chargers. Tom Moloughney provides an in-depth review and explanation of these issues.
Chevy Equinox EV Charging: Why More Powerful Chargers Don’t Always Mean Faster Charging
When it comes to charging the 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV, things aren’t as straightforward as they may seem. Chevy claims the vehicle can charge at up to 150 kW, but real-world tests demonstrate some discrepancies. Renowned EV enthusiast and charging expert Tom Moloughney conducted a series of tests to uncover why the Equinox EV’s charging performance deviates from expectations. His analysis not only provides crucial insights but also busts some common misconceptions about EV charging.
The Complicated Reality of Charging Rates
Tom Moloughney’s video for his “State of Charge” channel delves deeply into the charging performance of the 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV. Despite the official claim of 150 kW, Tom’s findings show that charging rates can fall short, particularly when using chargers rated at 150 kW.
Key findings from his charging tests include:
- 150 kW Chargers: On Electrify America 150 kW chargers, the Equinox EV never received more than 100 kW. The charging rate remained stable between 80 and 100 kW until about 80% state of charge, after which it began to decline.
- 350 kW Chargers: On more powerful 350 kW chargers, such as those from EVgo, the vehicle did reach the advertised 150 kW. However, the overall charging time was not significantly different due to end-of-charge cell balancing, which took longer on the higher-power charger.
The Voltage and Amperage Dilemma
One primary factor behind these variations is the Equinox EV’s battery pack voltage. Unlike many 400-volt EVs that maintain their voltage well above 300 volts even at low states of charge, the Equinox’s battery voltage can dip as low as 260 volts when nearly depleted. This lower voltage necessitates more amps from the charger to achieve the same power level, which many 150 kW chargers in the U.S. cannot supply.
Practical Implications for Equinox Owners
Tom’s tests illustrate some practical takeaways for Equinox EV owners:
- Finding the Right Charger: Achieving the full 150 kW charge rate requires chargers capable of delivering higher amperage, often found in more powerful 350 kW stations.
- Efficiency Over Power: In real-world scenarios, 150 kW chargers that are easier to find and use often perform adequately. They might even finish charging quicker owing to reduced cell balancing time.
Comparison with Rivals
While the Equinox EV’s charging performance might not be the fastest when compared to its competitors like the Tesla Model Y or Kia EV6, it’s essential to acknowledge it holds its own in overall efficiency and performance. GM has yet to release official 10 to 80% charging times, but initial tests suggest the Equinox is still a competitive choice in the broader EV market.
Conclusion
Overall, the 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV demonstrates that advertised charging rates don’t always translate directly into real-world performance. Charging expert Tom Moloughney’s tests reveal the importance of understanding the nuances of battery voltage and charger capabilities. While the Equinox EV doesn’t top the charts for rapid charging, its performance remains solid, making it a viable option for EV enthusiasts. For more insights and updates, reach out to us at tips@automotive.fyi, or on Twitter @automotivefyi.
William Kouch, Editor of Automotive.fyi
