My Chevy Equinox EV Might Be First EV I’ve Owned, But It Will Not Be My Last Due to This Car’s Smooth Ride

For a lot of people considering their first electric vehicle, the biggest concern is not charging speed or range ratings, but whether the car will feel familiar enough to live with every day. That is especially true for buyers who want an EV that blends into their routine rather than forcing them to relearn how to drive and own a vehicle. The Chevy Equinox EV has quietly earned attention for doing exactly that, and one recent owner’s experience shows how even a small moment can open up a much larger ownership discussion. That story came from Doug Barns, a new Equinox EV owner who shared his experience in the “Chevy Equinox EV Group” on Facebook. Doug reflected on his first two months with GM’s Equinox EV and how quickly it became a comfortable, confidence‑building part of his daily routine.

“Well, today is 2 months since I came home with, ‘EVA.’ She's sleek and beautiful next to ‘WALL-E’ (our 2010 HHR). My son advised me to lease and not buy as the technology of motors and batteries is evolving rapidly. Of course, the go-ahead came from the wife 10 days AFTER the tax credits expired!

I wanted an EV that was as close to an ICE vehicle as possible so she wouldn't be overwhelmed. She didn't care what I chose as long as it was white. The showroom had this EQEV and a Blazer EV side-by-side. And although I liked the Blazer styling, this Equinox felt and looked better.

I’m 2 months in and have no issues. I purchased a NACS adapter, 4 Blizzak Snow Tires, had the GM dash pad installed, and an EVIQO level 2 charger and box were put in place. (I am NOT happy with what that company did, but it is my fault for not catching that they substituted a Gen1 charger for a Gen2 that I thought I had ordered. Since I mounted and connected the unit, the shame is on me and I'm stuck with something that, with every use, just leaves a bitter taste. While it’s a good charger, it wasn't what I thought I ordered from the company website.)

Lastly, I snagged some sweet leather seat covers from Amazon. If I were to keep the car, I'd have ordered a custom dash cover I've seen made by a fellow group member from CA. It is a work of art! I'd also upgrade the speakers (I like JL Audio). Our first long-distance trip came with a bit of range anxiety, but now that that's out of the way, I'm game for anything.

I pretty much use the Level 1 charger on 120v for daily charging keeping the battery at 80%. I use the Chevy app most mornings to pre-warm the cabin.

The technology in this vehicle is so amazing! Especially when recalling this is from the Chevrolet Motor Division that brought us the Vega, Chevette, Citation, Monza, and Cavalier. I have a 1977 LeSabre that I thought had a sweet ride, but the EVA is tighter and smoother. This may be my first EV, but it will NOT be my last! Happy, safe motoring, y'all.”

Familiarity Is the Equinox EV’s Quiet Advantage

At the early stages of ownership, many EV drivers pay closer attention to every detail than they would with a familiar gas vehicle. When a car is brand new, small imperfections or questions can feel larger than they really are. Over time, those concerns tend to fade as drivers settle into the vehicle and gain confidence in how it fits into their daily lives.

One of the strongest themes in Doug’s post is his desire for an EV that felt as close to an ICE vehicle as possible. That preference is echoed across many owner forums and helps explain why the Equinox EV continues to resonate with mainstream buyers. Rather than overwhelming drivers with futuristic interfaces or radical design choices, Chevrolet leaned into familiarity.

This strategy is part of why the Equinox EV is gaining traction in the market, even as discussions continue about Equinox EV’s best-seller momentum and the one major weakness owners still point out in real-world ownership. For many buyers, those tradeoffs are acceptable when the overall experience feels approachable and easy to live with.

Range Anxiety Fades With Real-World Use

Doug’s mention of early range anxiety is another common thread among first-time EV owners. No matter how much research someone does beforehand, the first long-distance trip often brings a moment of doubt. What matters most is how quickly that anxiety fades once drivers learn their vehicle’s rhythm.

Real-world experiences consistently show that confidence grows after just a few trips. Stories about traveling hundreds of miles in a Chevy Equinox EV for less than half the fuel cost of a full-size car illustrate how quickly skepticism can turn into appreciation once drivers see a 748-mile Equinox EV road trip that cost less than half what a gas truck would burn, for example. 

Charging Habits That Fit Real Life

Another detail worth noting is Doug’s charging routine. Instead of relying heavily on fast chargers, he primarily uses a standard 120-volt outlet to keep the battery around 80 percent. This kind of low stress charging approach is often overlooked in broader EV discussions, yet it represents how many owners actually live with their vehicles.

Preconditioning the cabin using the Chevy app is another example of small conveniences that quietly improve daily life. These are not headline features, but over time, they become part of what makes EV ownership feel normal rather than experimental.

Community Reactions From Other Equinox EV Owners

Doug’s post prompted a range of responses from fellow owners, many of whom shared similar satisfaction with their vehicles.

Julie Cody Williams commented, “Same interior with solid seats though. Just passed 41k miles after 17 months of ownership.” 

Her experience adds an important data point, showing that comfort and durability hold up well beyond the honeymoon phase.

Sara Edi Boyd added a shorter but equally telling response, saying, “We feel the same about our new black one!” 

Sometimes the simplest comments speak volumes, especially when they come from owners who have no incentive to exaggerate.

Amos Johnson brought a lighter tone to the conversation, writing, “I laughed! We called our ‘22 Bolt EUV WALL-E. I haven’t yet named my white equinox, but for the time being, my license says EBOLT. Oh well. I’m in FL and she loves our winter climate.” 

Comments like this show how EV ownership often becomes personal and even playful, reinforcing emotional attachment rather than focusing solely on specs.

A Broader Look at Who the Equinox EV Is Really For

What stands out across these stories is how often the Equinox EV is framed as an everyday vehicle rather than a technological showcase. This perspective aligns with arguments that the Chevy Equinox EV may actually be better suited for families and older drivers than some more expensive, tech-heavy alternatives, largely because it fits kids and aging drivers better than many pricier EVs people usually cross-shop.

The popularity of trims like the RS AWD further supports this idea. A closer look at why the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV RS AWD is popular for a very practical reason. shows that buyers are responding to balanced performance, familiar driving dynamics, and reasonable pricing rather than extremes.

That's why stories like Doug’s are far more valuable than polished reviews or press releases. They show how vehicles perform in the real world, complete with minor frustrations and genuine satisfaction. Small frustrations or unanswered questions early on do not define the ownership experience.

What defines ownership is how the vehicle fits into daily routines, how quickly confidence replaces anxiety, and whether the driver feels comfortable recommending it to others. In Doug’s case, two months of ownership were enough to turn a first-time EV experience into a long-term mindset shift.

Key Takeaways for Readers

• First-time EV ownership evolves quickly: Initial concerns often fade once drivers settle into real-world use.
• Familiar design builds confidence: An EV that feels close to an ICE vehicle can ease the transition dramatically.
• Minor issues are not deal-breakers: Small defects do not necessarily reflect overall quality or satisfaction.
• Community insight matters: Hearing from other owners can provide reassurance that marketing alone cannot.

What About You?

If you are considering your first EV, what matters most in deciding whether it feels familiar enough to replace a gas car?

And if you own a Chevy Equinox EV, how long did it take before it started to feel truly normal in your daily routine? Was there a moment when range or charging anxiety finally faded?

I’d love to hear your thoughts in our comments below.

Aram Krajekian is a young automotive journalist bringing a fresh perspective to his coverage of the evolving automotive landscape. Follow Aram on X and LinkedIn for daily news coverage about cars.

Image Sources: The “Chevy Equinox EV Group” public Facebook group.