General Motors (GM), the prominent American automobile manufacturer, has reportedly unveiled a new $30,000 all-electric SUV, specifically aimed at the mass market. The launch appears to be the firm’s latest attempt to boost US EV sales and outperform its rival, Tesla, the pure-EV manufacturing firm.
According to reports, the 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV, that will be offered in RS and LT models, would have an estimated range of 300 miles. As per experts, this will test the automaker’s capacity to develop an EV that is affordable and can cater to a wide range of American consumers. The EV is set to go on the market next year.
GM appears to be off to a good start with this line-up. Compact SUVs are among the best-selling categories of vehicles in the United States, and the Equinox costs substantially less than Ford and Tesla’s most affordable models. moreover, it costs around 50% less than the average new EV cost.
The task at hand, however, is not as easy as it appears, as GM’s first attempt at manufacturing and marketing a cost-effective EV, the Chevrolet Bolt EV, was received mixed reviews. Since the Bolt EV’s debut, GM has sold just over 200,000 vehicles. However, sales of the compact hatchback have never been able to surpass their 2017 peak of over 23,000 units.
The firm now hopes that the new compact SUV model, which would come fitted with its Ultium battery pack, would better resonate with buyers.
The Chevrolet Equinox EV will be offered in the LT or RS versions, each with a selection of trims, drivetrain options, and drive configurations.
The EV will be built on GM's Ultium design, a modular electric platform with an 800-volt design with up to 200 kWh of storage that serves as the foundation of the carmaker's EV strategy.
The automobile will also feature 19-inch standard wheels, a driver assistance system, as well as an infotainment unit with an optional 17.7-inch screen.
Customers will also have the option to upgrade their ADAS to GM's hands-free Super Cruise system, which manages driving functions like staying in a lane and maintaining a safe distance on some highways.
Source credit: https://techcrunch.com/2022/09/08/gm-targets-the-masses-with-its-30000-all-electric-chevrolet-equinox-suv/