The Chevy Equinox EV: A Deep Dive into GM’s Ultium Platform
Introduction: The Chevy Equinox EV, the cheapest electric vehicle in General Motors’ lineup, showcases both the strengths and weaknesses of GM’s Ultium platform. This crossover offers an impressive range and price combo, but there is a tradeoff in voltage that affects charging and performance.
Battery Module Configuration and Voltage: The Equinox EV features a battery module with 10 modules mounted in the floor, resulting in a nominal voltage of 288V. This lower voltage means slower charging compared to vehicles with higher voltages. The Corvette E-Ray’s 80S pack also has a similar nominal voltage, affecting its charging capabilities.
Charging Dynamics: Charging a battery cell involves applying its charged voltage across the terminals at a certain current. Higher voltages typically allow for faster charging speeds, but the Equinox EV’s lower voltage limits its charging capacity. The vehicle’s pack configuration and cell rating impact its ability to handle current during charging.
Performance and Voltage: Lower voltages in the Equinox EV translate into reduced top-end performance due to the motor’s kV rating and gear ratio. The vehicle’s drive unit has a lower gear ratio compared to other GM electric vehicles, affecting power at higher speeds. A higher voltage pack can offer greater power and torque for improved performance.
Future Considerations: GM may need to develop new battery modules or rewire existing ones to address the challenge of lower voltages in smaller EVs. By reconfiguring the basic Ultium module to a higher voltage setup, they can expand their electric vehicle lineup to include smaller models with competitive specifications. The company’s strategy for navigating different sizes and classes of electric vehicles will likely involve adapting battery configurations and chemistries to meet the needs of each model.
Conclusion: The Chevy Equinox EV provides insight into GM’s electric vehicle strategy and the challenges of balancing range, price, and performance. As the company continues to expand its EV lineup, innovations in battery technology and module configurations will play a crucial role in creating competitive offerings across various vehicle segments.