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

Quick Answer

Charging a 2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV at home in Montana costs approximately $38/month — that's $0.038/mile and saves $1,127/year compared to a 28 MPG gas car at Montana's gas price of $3.70/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

$0.038

home charging

Monthly Cost

$38

1,000 miles/month

Annual Savings

$1,127

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 Montana

Montana's electricity rate of $0.13/kWh is below the national average of $0.17/kWh. At this rate, the Chevrolet Equinox EV's 85 kWh battery costs $11.05 for a full charge — a meaningful savings versus gas at current prices.

Charging Method

$/kWh

$/month

$/year

🏠 Home (Level 2)

$0.13

$38

$459

🔌 Public Level 2

$0.23

$69

$826

⚡ DC Fast Charger

$0.49

$144

$1,729

⛽ Gasoline (28 MPG)

$3.70/gal

$132

$1,586

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

$11.05

EV Ownership in Montana

Montana has low EV adoption due to its vast rural geography and limited charging infrastructure. Billings, Missoula, and Bozeman are the primary markets. The state's scenic driving routes and outdoor culture are increasingly attracting EV road-trippers.

Incentives & Programs

Montana has no state EV tax credit. Federal incentives apply. NorthWestern Energy offers no dedicated EV rate plans currently, though this may change as the market grows.

Charging Infrastructure

I-90 and I-15 corridors have sparse DCFC coverage. Billings, Missoula, and Bozeman have limited urban charging. Gaps of 100+ miles exist on many Montana routes — this is one of the most challenging EV states for long-distance driving.

Grid & Energy Source

Montana's grid is roughly 60% hydro and 30% coal — an unusual mix. The hydro-heavy portion makes Montana's EV charging fairly clean, though the coal-heavy Billings area is somewhat less so.

MontanaElectricity Rates & EV Savings

The average residential electricity rate in Montana is $0.13/kWh, which is below the national average of $0.17/kWh. With a gas price of $3.70/gallon, Montana 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)

$459

Chevrolet Equinox EV @ $0.13/kWh

Annual Gas Cost (28 MPG)

$1,586

@ $3.70/gallon in Montana

You save every year by driving electric in Montana

$1,127/year

That's $94/month saved vs. a 28 MPG gas car

Home vs. DC Fast Charging in Montana

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

🏠 Home L2

$38

$38/mo

🔌 Public L2

$69

$69/mo

⚡ DC Fast

$144

$144/mo

⛽ Gasoline

$132

$132/mo

Tips for Charging Your Chevrolet Equinox EV in Montana

Montana'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:

Montana's charging gaps are real — use A Better Routeplanner (ABRP) to map your entire Montana route before departure.

Glacier and Yellowstone access roads have limited charging. Plan to arrive with a near-full charge.

Montana's winters are severe: -20°F is not uncommon. Range can drop 40–50% in extreme cold — treat the battery like a critical resource.

Bozeman is the most EV-friendly city in Montana, with growing Tesla and third-party infrastructure.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

At Montana's average residential rate of $0.13/kWh, charging a 2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV at home costs approximately $38/month based on 1,000 miles of driving. A full charge costs $11.05.

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 $11.05 at Montana's rate of $0.13/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 Montana?

Home charging the Chevrolet Equinox EV in Montana costs $0.038/mile. A comparable 28 MPG gas car costs $0.13/mile at Montana's gas price of $3.70/gallon. EVs save approximately $1,127/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 Montana?

Driving 1,000 miles/month in a Chevrolet Equinox EV adds about $38 to your monthly electric bill in Montana. That's 29.4 kWh per 100 miles × $0.13/kWh.

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

Cold winters in Montana 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.