How long does it take to charge an Equinox battery?
There are two common interpretations: the gasoline-powered Chevrolet Equinox, which does not plug in, and the all-electric Equinox EV, which is charged like other EVs. In short, the gas model doesn’t have a routine charging time, while the EV’s charging duration depends on the charger you use and the battery size in your trim.
Gasoline-powered Equinox: charging the 12-volt battery
The Chevrolet Equinox sold with a traditional internal-combustion engine relies on a 12-volt battery that is recharged by the alternator whenever the engine is running. There is no regular external charging session for this battery, so you don’t measure a daily “charging time” for it. If the 12-volt battery becomes deeply discharged, you would typically recharge it with a jump-start or a dedicated battery charger. With a high-amp charger, a deeply discharged 12-volt battery can often be brought back to full capacity in roughly 30–60 minutes, but actual times vary with battery condition and the charger’s output.
Equinox EV: charging times and options
For the electric version of the Equinox, charging times depend on battery size, the charger you use, and the battery’s temperature. The vehicle supports both home Level 2 charging and public DC fast charging, so you can tailor charging to your daily needs or trip plans.
Home charging (Level 2)
With a typical Level 2 home charger (about 7–11 kW, or higher in some installations), a full charge from near empty can take roughly 6–12 hours, depending on the exact battery size and the charger’s power. If your charger delivers more power (for example 11–19 kW), the total refill time can be shorter, all else equal. Real-world times also depend on the state of the battery when you start charging and climate conditions.
Public DC fast charging
Public DC fast charging can significantly shorten downtime on longer trips. On a high-powered DC fast charger, many EVs can reach about 80% capacity in roughly 20–40 minutes, with diminishing returns as charging slows near full. The Equinox EV’s actual fast-charge time will vary with the charger’s output, the battery’s current temperature, and how depleted the battery is when you begin charging.
Practical considerations when planning charging
- Battery size and trim: Different Equinox EV trims can use different pack sizes, which affects total charging duration. Always check the exact specs for your model year.
- Temperature: Cold or hot ambient temperatures can slow initial charging and reduce peak charging rate, affecting overall time.
- Charger compatibility: Use a charger compatible with the vehicle’s charging standards and onboard charging limit to avoid underutilizing available power.
What this means for drivers
If you drive a gasoline Equinox, you won’t be scheduling charging sessions for the propulsion battery; focus on routine maintenance and ensuring the 12-volt battery is healthy. If you drive or plan to drive an Equinox EV, plan charging around your daily needs: home Level 2 charging for overnight replenishment, and DC fast charging for longer trips or when you’re short on time. Always refer to your owner’s manual and the latest GM specifications for precise numbers tied to your exact model and year.
Summary
In the end, the answer depends on which Equinox you own. Gas-powered models do not require plug-in charging for their main battery; the 12-volt battery is charged by the alternator during engine operation. The Equinox EV, on the other hand, relies on external charging. Home Level 2 charging generally takes several hours to fully charge, while DC fast charging can restore a large portion of the battery in under an hour, with exact times varying by charger power, battery size, and temperature. For the most accurate figures, consult your vehicle’s official specifications for your trim and year.
