Chevrolet Launches 2026 Equinox EV RS with 330-Mile Range Upgrade

General Motors unveils the 2026 ‘Equinox EV RS’ trim, featuring a larger battery pack that extends estimated range to 330 miles on a full charge. This update addresses consumer feedback on highway usability, where prior models averaged 285 miles under EPA testing. The variant targets urban commuters seeking compact SUVs under $45,000 with all-wheel drive standard.

The enhanced pack uses 85 kilowatt-hours of usable capacity, up from 75 kilowatt-hours in 2025 units, sourced from LG Energy Solution’s U.S. facilities in Michigan. Charging speeds reach 150 kilowatts DC, adding 70 miles in 10 minutes at compatible stations. Front-wheel-drive models gain 5 miles per kilowatt-hour efficiency through refined regenerative braking algorithms.

Production ramps at GM’s Ramos Arizpe plant in Mexico, with U.S. assembly shifting to Fairfax, Kansas, by Q3 2026. Annual output targets 150,000 units, including 40 percent RS variants equipped with 20-inch wheels and adaptive dampers. The interior retains a 17.7-inch infotainment screen running Google Built-In software, now with over-the-air updates for battery preconditioning.

Sales data shows the ‘Equinox EV’ capturing 25,000 units in Q4 2025, a 15 percent increase from Q3 despite market slowdowns. Competitors like the ‘Volkswagen ID.4’ report 12,500 deliveries in the same period, hampered by software glitches. Ford’s ‘Escape PHEV’ hybrid alternative sees 18,000 sales, appealing to 55 percent of buyers wary of full EV charging infrastructure.

The RS trim introduces a sport-tuned suspension with 1.2-inch lower ride height, improving cornering grip by 12 percent per GM track tests. Headlight housings integrate pixel-level projection for dynamic patterns, visible up to 500 feet. Cargo space measures 57 cubic feet with seats folded, accommodating two mountain bikes or a 4×8-foot plywood sheet.

Battery warranties extend to 100,000 miles or eight years, covering 70 percent capacity retention. GM partners with Electrify America for bundled charging credits, providing 500 kilowatt-hours free for the first year. This offsets costs amid national station counts at 168,000, with 20 percent fast-chargers.

Industry analysts project the ‘Equinox EV’ lineup reaching 10 percent compact SUV market share by 2027. Rivian’s ‘R2’ compact EV, delayed to 2027, leaves room for GM dominance in the sub-$50,000 segment. Hyundai’s ‘Kona Electric’ counters with 261-mile range but lacks the ‘Equinox’s’ 11-inch ground clearance for light off-road use.

The model complies with updated federal battery recycling mandates, diverting 95 percent of lithium-ion materials from landfills. GM invests $200 million in Kansas upgrades, preserving 1,200 jobs while training 300 for high-voltage assembly. Export plans include 20,000 units to Canada and Mexico under USMCA guidelines.

Consumer adoption hinges on price stability, with the RS starting at $44,995 including destination. J.D. Power surveys indicate 48 percent of prior ‘Equinox’ owners plan to switch to the EV version. This refresh sustains GM’s lead in affordable electrification, outpacing Tesla’s ‘Model Y’ in value metrics for families.