Home›Cost to Charge›Chevrolet Equinox EV in Illinois

How Much Does It Cost to Charge a Chevrolet Equinox EV in Illinois?

Quick Answer

Charging a 2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV at home in Illinois costs approximately $50/month — that's $0.050/mile and saves $1,071/year compared to a 28 MPG gas car at Illinois's gas price of $3.90/gallon.

SUVs balance cargo space with reasonable efficiency, making them the most popular EV body style in the U.S. — and this one handles that balance well. Cold weather reduces EV range by 20–40% as the battery heats itself and the cabin. Use scheduled departure to pre-heat on shore power before driving.

Cost per Mile

$0.050

home charging

Monthly Cost

$50

1,000 miles/month

Annual Savings

$1,071

vs. 28 MPG gas car

About the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV

The Chevrolet Equinox EV is GM's most strategically important EV — a mainstream $33,900 compact SUV designed to compete with the Toyota RAV4 directly. With 319 miles of range and Level 2 charging standard, it brings EV ownership to America's most popular vehicle segment.

Advantages

✓$33,900 starting price makes it one of the best-value mid-size EV SUVs

✓319-mile range covers the vast majority of use cases comfortably

✓GM's Ultium platform brings more charging flexibility

✓Familiar Equinox nameplate reduces buyer hesitation

Considerations

✗150 kW DC fast charging is competitive but not class-leading

✗Interior quality is a step up from Bolt but below Tesla or Hyundai

✗Some features require paid subscriptions (OnStar, Super Cruise)

✗Brand loyalty may face competition from Hyundai/Kia's stronger warranty reputation

Ideal Buyer

Mainstream SUV buyers who want to go electric without a big price premium. Equinox and RAV4 owners making their first EV purchase. Families who need cargo space and reasonable range at an accessible price.

vs. Gas Equivalent

Directly competes with Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. Gas equivalent fuel cost would be based on a 28–30 MPG compact crossover SUV.

Chevrolet Equinox EV Charging Cost Breakdown in Illinois

Illinois's electricity rate of $0.17/kWh is at the national average of $0.17/kWh. At this rate, the Chevrolet Equinox EV's 85 kWh battery costs $14.45 for a full charge — a meaningful savings versus gas at current prices.

Charging Method

$/kWh

$/month

$/year

🏠 Home (Level 2)

$0.17

$50

$600

🔌 Public Level 2

$0.31

$90

$1,080

⚡ DC Fast Charger

$0.49

$144

$1,729

⛽ Gasoline (28 MPG)

$3.90/gal

$139

$1,671

Based on 1,000 miles/month. Public L2 estimated at 1.8× home rate. DC fast charging at national average of $0.49/kWh.

2026 Chevrolet Equinox EVSpecs & Charging Data

150 kW DC fast charging adds approximately 70 miles per 10 minutes. A Level 2 home charge (40A) adds about 25 miles per hour. The 85 kWh battery fully charges in approximately 8–9 hours at home.

Battery

85 kWh

EPA Range

319 miles

Efficiency

3.4 mi/kWh

kWh/100 miles

29.4 kWh

DC Fast Charge

150 kW max

10–80% Time

~34 min

Body Type

SUV

MSRP

$33,900

Full Charge Cost

$14.45

EV Ownership in Illinois

Illinois, led by Chicago, is a major EV market. The Chicago metro area has strong EV adoption, particularly in the northern suburbs. State EV policy has been increasingly supportive with new incentive programs.

Incentives & Programs

Illinois offers the Illinois Electric Vehicle Rebate (up to $4,000 for eligible buyers through the Illinois EPA). ComEd offers a Level 2 charger rebate and off-peak EV rates. The state also exempts EVs from a portion of annual registration fees.

Charging Infrastructure

Chicago and suburbs have strong DCFC coverage. I-90 and I-88 corridors are well-served. Downstate Illinois (Springfield, Peoria, Champaign) is growing. Some rural stretches still have limited coverage.

Grid & Energy Source

Illinois' grid is ~54% nuclear (the highest of any state), with natural gas and growing wind. Nuclear dominance means Illinois EV charging is among the cleanest in the Midwest, despite the high reliance on an older grid mix.

IllinoisElectricity Rates & EV Savings

The average residential electricity rate in Illinois is $0.17/kWh, which is at the national average of $0.17/kWh. With a gas price of $3.90/gallon, Illinois ranks as a favorable state for EV ownership.

Cold weather reduces EV range by 20–40% as the battery heats itself and the cabin. Use scheduled departure to pre-heat on shore power before driving. Your Chevrolet Equinox EV's 85 kWh battery provides up to 319 miles of EPA-rated range. Real-world range may vary by 10–30% depending on temperature, speed, and terrain.

Annual EV Cost (home)

$600

Chevrolet Equinox EV @ $0.17/kWh

Annual Gas Cost (28 MPG)

$1,671

@ $3.90/gallon in Illinois

You save every year by driving electric in Illinois

$1,071/year

That's $89/month saved vs. a 28 MPG gas car

Home vs. DC Fast Charging in Illinois

Monthly cost comparison for 1,000 miles in a Chevrolet Equinox EV:

🏠 Home L2

$50

$50/mo

🔌 Public L2

$90

$90/mo

⚡ DC Fast

$144

$144/mo

⛽ Gasoline

$139

$139/mo

Tips for Charging Your Chevrolet Equinox EV in Illinois

Illinois's cold climate and charging infrastructure have specific implications for Chevrolet Equinox EV owners. Here are practical tips to maximize range and minimize charging costs in this state:

ComEd's Hourly Pricing program can drop rates below $0.05/kWh late at night when demand is low — advanced users can save significantly.

Chicago winters are harsh: expect 25–35% range reduction in January/February. Keep the car plugged in when not driving.

Illinois has the cleanest Midwestern grid due to nuclear dominance — charging here is genuinely low-carbon.

The Tollway (I-88, I-90) has EV charging at oases — convenient for longer-distance Illinois travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to charge a Chevrolet Equinox EV at home in Illinois?

At Illinois's average residential rate of $0.17/kWh, charging a 2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV at home costs approximately $50/month based on 1,000 miles of driving. A full charge costs $14.45.

How much does it cost to fully charge a Chevrolet Equinox EV?

A full charge of the Chevrolet Equinox EV's 85 kWh battery costs $14.45 at Illinois's rate of $0.17/kWh. At a public DC fast charger ($0.49/kWh), that's about $41.65.

Is it cheaper to charge a Chevrolet Equinox EV or drive a gas car in Illinois?

Home charging the Chevrolet Equinox EV in Illinois costs $0.050/mile. A comparable 28 MPG gas car costs $0.14/mile at Illinois's gas price of $3.90/gallon. EVs save approximately $1,071/year.

How long does it take to charge a Chevrolet Equinox EV with DC fast charging?

The Chevrolet Equinox EV supports up to 150 kW DC fast charging. A 10–80% charge takes approximately 34 minutes at peak speed. Actual time varies by charger capacity, battery temperature, and current state of charge.

How much does a Chevrolet Equinox EV add to your electric bill in Illinois?

Driving 1,000 miles/month in a Chevrolet Equinox EV adds about $50 to your monthly electric bill in Illinois. That's 29.4 kWh per 100 miles × $0.17/kWh.

How does cold weather in Illinois affect Chevrolet Equinox EV range?

Cold winters in Illinois can reduce Chevrolet Equinox EV range by 20–40%. With a 85 kWh battery and 319-mile EPA range, plan for 223–255 miles in cold conditions. Use the scheduled departure feature to pre-heat the cabin while still plugged in to preserve driving range.