General Motors is moving ahead with plans to introduce a redesigned Chevrolet Equinox EV in late 2028 or early 2029, signaling the automaker’s continued commitment to the affordable electric crossover segment despite recent sales challenges. The upcoming second generation will sit on GM’s new BEV-N architecture, a significant shift from the current BEV3 platform that underpins today’s model.
What Changed and Why It Matters
The first generation Equinox EV launched for the 2024 model year and quickly became a major player in Chevy’s electric lineup. However, sales momentum has slowed considerably in 2026, with the SUV dropping to fifth place among non-Tesla EVs after leading the pack in 2025. Despite these fluctuations, GM is pressing forward with a comprehensive redesign rather than minor updates, indicating long term confidence in the vehicle’s market potential.
The move to the BEV-N platform represents a technical upgrade that will likely improve efficiency, range, and overall performance compared to the current generation. GM’s BEV3 architecture currently supports multiple models including the Cadillac Lyriq, Cadillac Optiq, and Cadillac Vistiq, but the new platform promises enhanced capabilities for next generation electric vehicles.
Timing and Production Plans
If the schedule holds, the redesigned Equinox EV will debut as a 2029 model year vehicle, arriving at dealerships in late 2028 or early 2029. This timeline means current owners and prospective buyers have several years before this significant update reaches the market. For shoppers currently considering an electric SUV, the upcoming Subaru Getaway electric SUV and established competitors will remain the primary options in the near term.
The relatively brief lifespan of the first generation Equinox EV, from 2024 to 2029, reflects the rapidly evolving state of the electric vehicle market. Automakers are accelerating product cycles to incorporate new technologies and address changing consumer preferences, something GM appears to be prioritizing across its electric lineup.
Current Market Position and Sales Trends
In 2025, Chevrolet achieved impressive numbers with the Equinox EV, selling nearly 58,000 units and establishing it as the best selling non-Tesla EV of the year. That achievement demonstrated genuine consumer interest in an affordable, practical electric crossover option. However, first half 2026 sales totaled only about 16,249 units, a dramatic decline that places the model behind the Toyota bZ and Hyundai Ioniq 5 in the current year’s rankings.
This sales pattern is not unusual in the EV market, where initial enthusiasm can cool as new competitors enter the space and supply constraints ease. The return of the Chevrolet Bolt also adds another affordable electric option to Chevy’s portfolio, potentially cannibalizing some Equinox EV demand. Similar challenges are affecting other manufacturers, including Ford’s Bronco SUV line, which recently faced significant recall issues.
What This Means for Buyers Today
If you are shopping for an electric SUV now, the delayed next generation Equinox EV should not influence your purchasing decision. The current generation remains a solid option with proven reliability and competitive pricing in the affordable EV segment. Waiting until 2029 for the redesigned model means missing years of driving an electric vehicle, which most owners find worthwhile.
For those who prefer waiting for the latest technology, knowing that a redesigned version is coming in a few years provides useful perspective. The Equinox EV’s future roadmap suggests Chevrolet will continue investing in this segment, which could eventually lead to improved features, better range, and enhanced performance across the lineup.
Shoppers considering premium electric SUVs might also explore the Cadillac models that share platform technology with the current Equinox EV, including the upscale Lyriq and emerging models like the Optiq and Vistiq. These options represent GM’s broader vision for electric transportation and may offer additional features for buyers willing to spend more.
Looking Ahead
The announcement of a next generation Equinox EV underscores GM’s determination to compete in the electric crossover market despite near term sales volatility. Rather than abandoning the model during a slowdown, the company is committing significant engineering and manufacturing resources to a complete redesign. This confidence in the product category should reassure buyers that Chevy takes this segment seriously and plans to remain competitive for years to come.
Whether you purchase an Equinox EV today or wait for future developments, Chevrolet’s commitment to delivering affordable electric crossovers represents an important option in a market increasingly dominated by premium offerings. The Cadillac XT6’s return to the gas powered SUV market alongside these electric initiatives shows GM pursuing multiple strategies to meet diverse buyer preferences. As the electric vehicle market matures, these competing approaches will likely shape consumer choices for years to come.
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