Drove 748 miles in a 2025 Chevy Equinox EV, spending significantly less than on my 2010 GMC Sierra, but Tesla Superchargers proved 50% more efficient than Electrify America.
The electric vehicle revolution is in full swing, and one man, Joshua Huber, recently embarked on a 748-mile road trip to experience the future firsthand. Huber swapped his gas-guzzling 2010 GMC Sierra 4x4 for a 2025 Chevy Equinox EV LT, a compact SUV that promises to redefine the EV landscape.
The Equinox EV LT, with its standard 11.5 kW onboard charger, replenishes about 34 miles of range per hour. However, during Huber's road trip, the charging infrastructure faced some issues. Despite these hiccups and headwinds, Huber sounded energized after the journey, praising the vehicle's performance.
While the Equinox EV's charging experience was not always smooth sailing, Huber found solace in the Tesla Supercharger network. Tesla's network offers faster charging speeds, greater reliability, and typically lower costs compared to Electrify America (EA). Tesla's chargers can provide about 200 miles of range in under 15 minutes, while EA networks tend to have slower charging speeds and higher price per kWh.
Key differences between the two networks include network size and access, charging performance, reliability and satisfaction, and charging costs. Tesla operates over 70,000 Superchargers globally, supporting the North American Charging Standard (NACS), and recently opened its network to other brands like Rivian. EA has a large network but often experiences congestion due to multi-brand usage and free charging offers by some brands.
In terms of charging performance, Tesla's newest Superchargers (V4) can deliver peak outputs of 500 kW for passenger vehicles, supporting very fast charging. EA chargers typically offer lower peak power and slower sessions, impacting overall charging speed.
Reliability and satisfaction-wise, Tesla’s Supercharging network scores highest in customer satisfaction, indicating superior reliability and user experience. EA scored lower and is reported to have more reliability issues and congestion problems.
Charging costs are also in Tesla's favour, with rates often being lower, about $0.30 to $0.50 per kWh, while EA sessions can be costlier.
Despite the challenges with the charging infrastructure, Huber's Equinox EV LT performed admirably. With an average DC fast-charge rate of 94 kW, it took about 51 minutes to go from 10% to 90% state-of-charge. The Equinox EV LT also boasts a range of 319 miles on front-wheel-drive models and 307 miles on all-wheel-drive variants. Higher trims offer a 19.2 kW Level 2 charger that can add up to 51 miles of range per hour.
Huber's Equinox EV LT qualified for the full $7,500 federal tax credit and averaged $0.136 per mile on electricity during the road trip. He found free Level 2 charging at a Chevrolet dealership and encountered issues with the Electrify America charging stations' app during his journey.
The Equinox EV LT sports a class-leading 17.7-inch diagonal touchscreen and up to 57.2 cu ft of cargo space, making it a practical choice for everyday use. With its impressive performance and eco-friendly credentials, the 2025 Chevy Equinox EV LT is a compelling option for those looking to make the switch to electric.
The road trip in Joshua Huber's 2025 Chevy Equinox EV LT, though challenged by certain issues in the charging infrastructure, showcased its impressive performance, emphasizing its potential in revolutionizing electric vehicles (EVs). The Equinox EV LT, with a range of up to 319 miles and an average fast-charge rate of 94 kW, presents a practical choice for those seeking a blend of lifestyle and eco-friendly technology, particularly for travel and commuting in cars. Despite the varying experiences with different charging networks, the Tesla Supercharger network offers faster charging speeds, greater reliability, and typically lower costs compared to Electrify America. This suggests that the technology behind electric vehicles, coupled with efficient infrastructure, can significantly enhance travel experiences and contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle.
