Winter road trips are a true test of any electric vehicle’s performance. Recently, an Equinox EV owner shared valuable insights after completing a 1,200-mile round trip across the Midwest in winter conditions. The experience highlights real-world range, charging efficiency, and road handling during cold-weather drives.
Testing the Range in Icy Conditions
The trip spanned 613 miles each way, with temperatures ranging from 15 to 25 degrees Fahrenheit and moderate wind conditions. Throughout the journey, the driver used typical interstate speeds, averaging 76 to 78 mph. Notably, they chose to maintain creature comforts by keeping the heat, seat warmers, and steering wheel warmer on during the entire trip—no hypermiling or sacrificing comfort for efficiency.
The longest stretch without charging was 181 miles. In 20-degree weather at 76 mph, 86% of the battery was used, which translates to about 2.1 miles per 1% of battery charge. This metric became a reliable guide for planning charging stops, ensuring they charged to a minimum of 50% for 100-mile stretches and around 75% for 150-mile distances.
Fast Charging: The Good and the Bad
Fast charging proved to be an essential part of the journey. At a 350 kW GM Energy Flying J charger, the Equinox EV charged from 7% to 93% in 59 minutes. For shorter charging stops, replenishing from 15% to 70–80% typically took 30 to 35 minutes. The experience at GM-branded chargers was notably smooth, with convenient amenities like canopies, lighting, and trash bins creating a familiar gas-station-like experience.
Tesla Superchargers with Magic Dock also performed flawlessly, offering an alternative for Equinox EV drivers with Tesla adapters. However, charging at third-party networks was disappointing. Many chargers either failed to operate at full capacity or had non-functional stalls, making them unreliable for long-distance EV travel.
Road Handling and Winter Traction
Despite encountering snowstorms in Kansas City, the Equinox EV performed well on snowy roads. Without winter tires, the all-season tires provided sufficient grip, and the AWD system offered stability during challenging stretches. While caution was necessary, the driver felt reasonably confident about the vehicle’s handling in winter conditions.
Key Takeaways for Future EV Road Trips
This Equinox EV winter road trip provided valuable real-world data on range and charging performance in cold weather. The owner recommended relying on GM and Tesla chargers for long trips, as third-party chargers remain unreliable. While improvements in charging infrastructure are needed, the Equinox EV demonstrated that it can handle harsh conditions without compromising comfort or performance.
For prospective EV buyers or owners planning long-distance winter trips, these insights offer practical guidance on how to manage range and charging stops effectively.
