When Chevrolet handed me the keys to the new 2024 Equinox EV right here in New York, I was genuinely curious. I’ve never really been the biggest fan of electric vehicles since I’ve always leaned more toward vintage machines and high horsepower builds, but this wasn’t my first time trying one.
Last year, Chevy let me test out a Bolt EUV while I was in California. I drove it from LAX all the way up to Ojai for work, and that trip opened my eyes to how far EVs had come. The Bolt EUV impressed me with its range, comfort, and Super Cruise tech, but driving the Equinox EV on my home turf in New York felt like a full circle moment.
First Impressions
At first glance, the Equinox EV looks familiar but futuristic. It keeps the practicality of the gas powered Equinox, but the smooth front fascia and LED light bar immediately set it apart. Once I got behind the wheel, it felt instantly comfortable, spacious, quiet, and modern without being overcomplicated.
For someone like me who’s always moving around the city or loading up for a shoot, space is everything. The Equinox didn’t disappoint. I had more than enough room for my gear and luggage in the back, and still plenty of space to stretch out. Chevy clearly thought about how to make this a usable EV for real life, not just something to look good on paper.
Driving Around New York
Driving an EV around New York is its own kind of test. Between tight city streets, unpredictable traffic, and quick highway runs, you need a car that’s smooth, confident, and efficient. The Equinox EV checked all three boxes.
The instant torque made merging onto the Long Island Expressway feel effortless, and the regenerative braking worked naturally in stop and go traffic through Queens and Brooklyn. I didn’t have to think about range anxiety much either, with a full charge giving me close to 300 miles, I could handle multiple days of running errands and location scouting before even considering plugging it in.
Charging and Living With It
Charging in the city can sometimes feel like a game of strategy, but Chevy’s setup made it manageable. I tested a few public DC fast chargers in the area, and the Equinox EV’s 150 kW capability got me back on the road faster than expected, roughly 70 miles of range in about 10 minutes. At home, using a Level 2 charger overnight was simple and reliable.
For my lifestyle, balancing photo shoots, travel, and the occasional escape upstate, the charging experience was smoother than I thought it would be.
Comfort and Tech
Inside, the 17 inch touchscreen and digital dash give it a futuristic vibe without being overwhelming. Wireless Apple CarPlay kept my playlists rolling and navigation simple. The ride itself was quiet and refined, which felt strange at first for someone used to rumbling V8s, but after a while, I started to appreciate the calm.
Even through the rougher roads of the city, the Equinox EV stayed composed. Chevy clearly tuned the suspension to handle real world conditions, not just perfect pavement.
Final Thoughts
Testing the Equinox EV in my own city gave me a new perspective on what electric cars can be. It’s not trying too hard to be flashy or overly complicated, it’s just a solid, capable crossover that happens to be electric.
While I’ll always have a soft spot for old school horsepower and the smell of gasoline, the 2024 Equinox EV showed me that practicality and performance don’t have to live in separate worlds. On New York streets, from downtown traffic to open stretches heading out toward Long Island, it fit right in.
Big thanks to Chevrolet for letting me experience this one on my home turf.
Gear Used
Camera – Sony a9
Lenses – Sony 24-70 / 85mm
Links for all of Jay’s commonly used photo gear!