The Chevrolet Equinox EV has been a popular choice among electric vehicle enthusiasts, with its affordable price tag and impressive sales figures. However, how does it fare in freezing temperatures? A recent real-world winter range test with a 2025 Chevy Equinox EV LT AWD sought to answer that question.
The test was conducted by Joe Franz from the YouTube channel EV Motoring on a cold Midwest night with temperatures plunging to -6 degrees Fahrenheit. Setting out with a full battery and an estimated range of 306 miles, the owner quickly hit the highway at a constant speed of 75 mph to see how far he could go before running out of juice.
The results were eye-opening. At 52% state of charge, the car had only traveled 69 miles with an efficiency of 1.5 miles/kWh. By the time the battery level reached 26% at 112 miles, the efficiency slightly improved to 1.6 miles/kWh. At 12% state of charge, a warning popped up indicating limited acceleration due to the low battery level.
The test concluded when the battery level dropped to 10%, with 90% of the battery used for approximately 150 miles at highway speeds. The average energy efficiency was calculated at 1.7 miles/kWh, with an estimated remaining range of 19 miles. Factoring in the miles/kWh figure and the usable battery capacity, the theoretical maximum range in sub-zero temperatures at a constant speed of 75 mph was 144.5 miles.
While this falls short of the official EPA estimate of 307 miles, it’s important to remember that laboratory conditions and real-world driving scenarios can vary significantly. EVs typically experience a 20% to 30% range loss in freezing temperatures, with efficiency dropping notably when driving over 70 mph.
These findings highlight the importance of considering weather conditions and driving habits when planning a road trip in an EV, especially in winter. Doing thorough research and utilizing tools like PlugShare to locate charging stations along the way can help ensure a smooth and efficient journey. As demonstrated by this test, real-world range figures can differ greatly based on external factors, emphasizing the need for informed decision-making when driving an EV in challenging conditions.