GM Is Already Replacing The New Chevrolet Equinox EV
General Motors is developing a second-generation Chevrolet Equinox EV on the new BEV-N platform.
Key Takeaways
- GM is developing a second-generation Chevrolet Equinox EV on the new BEV-N platform.
- The new model is expected to arrive in late 2028 or early 2029.
- GM plans to keep investing in the Equinox EV despite a recent drop in sales.
- The first-generation Equinox EV is expected to have a relatively short production run.
- GM is betting on architecture upgrades for affordable EVs.
What’s Behind The Early Redesign?
General Motors is already lining up a full redesign of the Chevrolet Equinox EV, despite the current model having barely settled into showrooms. The decision to accelerate the product cadence for the compact electric crossover is part of GM’s wider effort to overhaul its lower-cost EV range.
The move to a new platform, BEV-N, is expected to cut costs and improve packaging. This will give the company more room to distinguish its affordable compact EV from higher-end vehicles.
From BEV3 To New BEV-N Platform
The current Equinox EV is built on the BEV3 platform, which is shared with several other GM electric vehicles. The new BEV-N architecture is being developed to lower production costs and free up interior and cargo space better suited to smaller, more affordable EVs.
Moving the compact crossover to BEV-N is described inside GM as a way to refine manufacturing and tailor the layout to entry-level electric products.
Short Run For First-Generation Equinox EV
The first-generation Equinox EV is tracking toward a relatively brief production run by industry standards. The plan would give the current model a lifespan of just two years, which is unusual in the compact crossover class.
The decision to invest in an early successor comes during a mixed sales year for Chevrolet’s electric lineup. The subcompact Chevy Bolt EV has returned to the market with a strong response, while the larger Equinox EV has seen a marked change in momentum after an aggressive production ramp-up.
GM Bets On Architecture Upgrades For Affordable EVs
Despite the softer recent numbers for the Equinox EV, General Motors continues to press ahead with its electrification roadmap. Fast-tracking a second-generation model on the upcoming BEV-N architecture is framed internally as a strategic step to strengthen its position in the competitive, affordable compact EV segment.
Corporate planners are effectively betting that the new architecture will help secure GM’s footing by cutting build costs and improving packaging.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the expected release date of the second-generation Chevrolet Equinox EV?
The new model is expected to arrive in late 2028 or early 2029.
Q: What platform will the second-generation Chevrolet Equinox EV use?
The new model will use the BEV-N platform, which is being developed to lower production costs and free up interior and cargo space better suited to smaller, more affordable EVs.
Q: Why is GM investing in an early successor to the Equinox EV?
The decision to invest in an early successor comes during a mixed sales year for Chevrolet’s electric lineup. GM is betting that the new architecture will help secure its footing by cutting build costs and improving packaging.