General Motors (GM) is embracing a new frontier in automotive technology with the unveiling of the Chevrolet Equinox Plus, a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) born from the collaboration between GM and SAIC, its Chinese partner. The Equinox Plus signals GM’s strategic shift towards expanding its hybrid and PHEV offerings amid a broader reevaluation of the automotive industry’s trajectory.
Powertrain Performance –
Underneath its sleek exterior lies a potent combination of traditional and electric power. The Equinox Plus is propelled by a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine generating a robust 177 horsepower. This internal combustion engine is seamlessly complemented by an electric motor churning out an additional 188 horsepower, resulting in a formidable combined output of approximately 365 horsepower (272 kW). This amalgamation of power translates into an exhilarating acceleration, with the Equinox Plus sprinting from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour (62 miles per hour) in just under seven seconds.
Range and Efficiency –
One of the standout features of the Equinox Plus is its impressive electric range. Equipped with a 24.4-kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery pack, the range-topping Activ variant boasts an impressive all-electric driving range of 155 kilometers (96 miles) on the rigorous Chinese CLTC test loop. For those opting for more budget-friendly configurations, a 16.5-kWh battery unit provides a respectable electric range of 102 kilometers (63 miles). While these figures are derived from testing protocols in China, it’s worth noting that actual range estimates may vary, particularly when evaluated under EPA standards.
Versatility and Innovation –
Beyond its formidable power and efficiency, the Equinox Plus offers practical versatility. The Activ trim features a unique vehicle-to-load function, enabling it to serve as a temporary generator or power external devices—an invaluable feature for outdoor enthusiasts and emergency situations alike.
Market Dynamics and Future Prospects –
While plug-in hybrid vehicles represent a modest fraction of total EV sales in the United States, the automotive landscape is evolving rapidly. In 2023, PHEV sales reached record levels, signaling consumers’ growing acceptance of hybrid technology. With the Equinox Plus poised to capitalize on this momentum, GM’s decision to diversify its offerings appears prescient. As the automotive industry navigates the complexities of electrification, PHEVs offer a pragmatic solution, bridging traditional internal combustion engines (ICEs) and battery-electric vehicles (BEVs).
Potential Arrival in the U.S. –
Although GM has yet to confirm any official plans regarding the Equinox Plus’ availability in the United States, the vehicle’s underlying architecture—shared with the recently redesigned gas-only Equinox—suggests a feasible and cost-effective path to its introduction in the American market. Given GM’s commitment to expanding its hybrid lineup and the increasing popularity of PHEVs, it’s plausible to anticipate the Equinox Plus’s debut on American roads soon.
 is embracing a new frontier in automotive technology with the unveiling of the Chevrolet Equinox Plus, a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) born from the collaboration between GM and SAIC, its Chinese partner. The Equinox Plus signals GM's strategic shift towards expanding its hybrid and PHEV offerings amid a broader reevaluation of the automotive industry's trajectory.){kind=link}