Chevy Equinox EV Battery Type: 85 kWh Ultium Pack Specifications

You slide behind the wheel of your new Equinox EV, and beneath your feet sits 85 kWh of carefully engineered lithium-ion power. Independent tests show this battery consistently delivers over 300 miles of range, sometimes beating EPA estimates by 37 miles. Yet most buyers have no idea what type of battery cells actually live under their floor, or why that matters when winter hits or you pull up to a fast charger. Let me walk you through what powers your electric crossover and why GM’s choices might surprise you.

Keynote: Chevy Equinox EV Battery Type

The 2025 Chevy Equinox EV uses an 85 kWh NCMA lithium-ion battery delivering 319 miles EPA range. Built on GM’s Ultium platform with 10 modules and 288V architecture, it charges at 150 kW DC when stations provide 500-plus amps, offering proven efficiency and an 8-year warranty.

What Powers Your Chevy Equinox EV?

The Heart Beneath the Floor

Your Equinox EV isn’t just carrying a battery. It’s built around one, like a bird’s heart powers its entire flight. This isn’t your old gas tank you forget about. It’s the core that powers everything from your morning commute to that impromptu road trip. I’ll skip the engineering jargon and tell you what this battery means for your life.

Quick Answer: What Type of Battery Is It?

GM’s proprietary Ultium platform with NCMA lithium-ion chemistry powers every Equinox EV. That stands for Nickel-Cobalt-Manganese-Aluminum, a sophisticated blend that reduces cobalt use by 70% compared to older EV batteries. Built with large-format pouch cells, the pack delivers around 85 kWh usable capacity. Front-wheel drive models stretch that energy into up to 319 miles of EPA range. The system runs on a 288-volt architecture with 10 battery modules stacked flat under your floor.

The Chemistry You Actually Need to Understand

NCMA: Four Elements Working for You

Nickel gives you energy density, the miles you crave. Cobalt adds stability but costs more and raises ethical questions about mining practices. Manganese balances safety with performance, keeping cells stable even under stress. Aluminum is the secret ingredient. It cuts cobalt use by up to 70% while keeping costs reasonable and maintains the high energy output you need.

This isn’t Tesla’s NCA or the budget LFP you’ll find in the next-gen Bolt. It’s the sweet spot. NCMA delivers 15 to 20 percent more range per kilogram than LFP chemistry, which means you get more miles from the same weight. The chemistry reaches energy densities between 200 and 260 watt-hours per kilogram, allowing engineers to pack serious range into a compact crossover footprint.

What This Chemistry Feels Like Behind the Wheel

Strong, consistent power even when the thermometer drops below freezing. No sudden drop-offs in performance like some older chemistries that struggle in cold climates. You can charge to 100 percent daily without the battery guilt other EV owners feel with high-cobalt packs.

GM engineers confirm Ultium handles DC fast charging without significant capacity loss over the warranty period. The NCMA formulation maintains thermal stability better than pure nickel chemistries, meaning the cooling system has an easier job keeping cells in their happy zone. You feel this as predictable acceleration whether you’re merging onto the highway in July heat or navigating icy roads in January.

Where GM Is Headed (And Why Your Equinox Won’t Follow)

Future Silverado EV trucks will use LMR chemistry for heavy hauling and extreme durability. Next-gen Bolt models coming in 2027 will adopt LFP for affordability and longevity, with cycle lives exceeding 3,000 charges. Your Equinox stays NCMA, positioned as the premium, do-everything option. GM designed this crossover to balance cost and capability, and NCMA hits that target perfectly for the 2025 model year.

The Cell Format: Why Pouches Matter to Your Daily Drive

Big Flat Pouches vs. Cylindrical Cans

Pouch cells look like oversized phone batteries, flat and flexible and efficient. Each Ultium pouch cell holds 0.37 kWh and measures about 103 amp-hours of capacity. One of these large-format cells produces the same power as approximately 20 smaller cylindrical cells, dramatically simplifying pack construction. Fewer modules means less complexity and more usable space throughout the chassis.

They fit snugly under your floor, keeping the center of gravity low and the cabin roomy. The 80 cells arranged in series and 3 in parallel create a compact configuration that doesn’t intrude on passenger or cargo volume. Ultium Cells LLC, a joint venture between GM and LG Energy Solution, manufactures these pouches specifically for the platform.

The Ride and Space You Gain

Lower battery placement equals smoother handling through corners. You feel this immediately when you take a turn at speed. The mass sits where engineers want it, right at the vehicle’s rotational center. More headroom and cargo space exist because engineers aren’t working around cylindrical tubes that waste packaging efficiency.

Weight distributes evenly front to back, so no lopsided feeling when accelerating or braking hard. The structural battery enclosure integrates with the chassis, adding torsional rigidity that competitors using bolt-on packs can’t match. This translates to a more solid, confident feel over rough pavement.

The Ultium Pack: How It All Works Together

Modules, Cooling, and Smart Management

Think of Ultium as a series of linked power blocks, each with its own brain. Ten modules live inside the protective enclosure, constantly monitored by the wireless battery management system. Active liquid cooling flows through channels, keeping every cell in the happy zone between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

The system monitors thousands of data points per second. Cell voltages, temperatures, and state of charge all feed into algorithms that balance performance and longevity. You just drive while invisible thermal management pumps coolant exactly where it’s needed. The wireless BMS eliminates 90 percent of the wiring found in older GM EVs, cutting weight and potential failure points.

Charging Architecture: 400V and What It Means

The 400-volt system, technically 288 volts nominal from 10 modules in series, shapes your entire charging experience. DC fast charging peaks at 150 kilowatts when the battery is preconditioned and warm, but only if the charging station can deliver over 500 amps of current. Real-world result: 10 percent to 80 percent in roughly 45 minutes at optimal conditions with the right equipment.

This voltage choice has profound implications. The fundamental equation for electrical power is watts equals volts times amps. To deliver 150,000 watts to a 288-volt system, you need over 520 amps flowing through the cable. Many older 150-kilowatt stations max out at 350 amps, which limits your actual charging speed to around 96 to 110 kilowatts regardless of what the station advertises.

Size, Range, and Trims: Where the Rubber Meets the Road

EPA Numbers You Can Trust (Mostly)

FWD models stretch up to 319 miles, perfect for daily life plus weekend adventures. The 2025 model year AWD versions with dual motors deliver 307 miles of EPA range. Highway tests regularly beat EPA estimates when you’re gentle with the accelerator, with independent testing showing real-world efficiency improvements of 6 to 12 percent over official ratings.

Edmunds achieved an impressive 356 miles in their mixed driving test, surpassing the EPA figure by 37 miles. InsideEVs recorded 306 miles in a 70-mph highway run on a 2024 model. Even Car and Driver’s demanding 75-mph test yielded 260 miles, a strong showing for constant high-speed driving that typically drains batteries fastest.

The Mystery of “85 kWh”

GM doesn’t officially publish exact capacity, but tested vehicles show around 85 kWh usable. Total gross capacity sits at approximately 89.4 kWh, with that buffer protecting long-term health by preventing you from ever truly emptying or completely filling the cells. Why automakers hide this: they want you focused on range, not specs that vary with temperature and age.

The buffer also allows the battery management system to balance cells over time without you noticing. Some capacity always remains reserved at the bottom to prevent damaging deep discharge, and a small cushion at the top protects against overcharge stress. This invisible margin is why your displayed 100 percent isn’t actually 100 percent of the physical capacity.

Trim-Level Charging Hardware

Base 1LT models include an 11.5-kilowatt onboard charger, fine for overnight home charging. This unit adds roughly 31 to 34 miles per hour of charging time, enough to fully replenish the battery in about 8 hours from empty. Higher trims like the RS AWD can be equipped with up to a 19.2-kilowatt onboard charger for faster Level 2 fills, reaching 51 to 60 miles per hour.

All trims share the same 150-kilowatt DC fast-charge limit, democratizing road-trip capability across the lineup. The faster 19.2-kilowatt charger does come with a trade-off. EPA data shows it’s rated at 96 MPGe compared to 103 MPGe for the standard charger, a difference of over 7 percent efficiency. Those energy losses during faster AC charging can add up to higher electricity costs over years of ownership.

Charging in Real Life: What You’ll Actually Experience

Level 2 at Home: Your Nightly Routine

Plug in when you park, wake up to a full battery. It’s that simple. The 11.5-kilowatt charger adds roughly 30 to 35 miles per hour of charging, turning an overnight dwell into complete replenishment. Monthly cost to fill from your home electricity runs around $10 to $15 depending on your local rates, assuming you pay the national average of about 16 cents per kilowatt-hour.

You’ll install a Level 2 wall charger in your garage or carport, typically a 240-volt unit similar to what powers your clothes dryer. Professional installation costs between $500 and $2,000 depending on your electrical panel’s capacity and distance from your parking spot. That upfront investment pays dividends in convenience, eliminating gas station stops from your routine forever.

DC Fast Charging: The Road-Trip Hero

Not all 150-kilowatt stations deliver 150 kilowatts to your car. The vehicle decides the limit based on temperature and battery state of charge, but the station’s amperage capacity matters even more for the Equinox EV. Charging slows dramatically above 80 percent as the system protects cells from stress. Plan your bathroom break for 20 percent to 75 percent, where speeds stay strongest.

You’ll find these stations at highway rest stops, malls, and some grocery stores. Newer 350-kilowatt stations and modern 150-kilowatt units capable of 500-plus amps will unlock your full charging potential. Tesla V3 Superchargers, accessible with an official adapter, also deliver the high amperage your low-voltage pack needs. A 30-minute stop at these high-current stations adds over 200 miles, enough for the next leg of your journey.

Battery-Health Habits That Actually Matter

You can charge to 100 percent daily. GM designed Ultium for this, unlike older EVs that stress under repeated full charges. If you want to be extra cautious for maximum longevity, stick to 80 percent for daily commutes and save 100 percent for trips when you need every mile.

Precondition before fast charging by warming the battery while plugged in at home. This heats cells to their optimal operating temperature using wall power instead of draining the pack, resulting in faster charging speeds when you reach the station. Plug in every night, even if you only drove 10 miles. It keeps the thermal system happy and ensures you always start the day with maximum range available.

Temperature: Your Battery’s Mood Ring

Cold Weather Reality

Expect 20 to 30 percent range loss when temps drop below freezing. Chemistry slows down at the molecular level, and cabin heating drains power faster than summer air conditioning ever could. Preconditioning is your secret weapon: heat the cabin and battery using wall power before you unplug, preserving precious range for actual driving.

NCMA handles cold better than pure nickel chemistries but still takes a hit. In practical terms, your 319-mile FWD model might deliver 200 to 225 miles in January. Plan routes accordingly, and use heated seats instead of blasting cabin heat to conserve energy. The regenerative braking system also becomes less effective in extreme cold until the battery warms up from driving.

Hot Climate Performance

Built-in thermal management keeps cells cool even in desert heat. Park in shade when you can. It’s not just about comfort, it’s about battery longevity. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures accelerates chemical reactions that degrade capacity over time. NCMA chemistry tolerates heat better than older lithium-ion formulas, maintaining more consistent performance even when ambient temps soar past 100 degrees.

The active cooling system circulates liquid through channels between cell layers, whisking away heat before it builds up. This runs automatically and silently, so you won’t notice it working. Phoenix and Las Vegas owners report minimal range loss compared to cold-climate degradation, a testament to effective thermal engineering.

The Sweet Spot

Battery loves 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s when efficiency peaks and charging speeds hit their maximum. The cooling and heating system works automatically; you won’t even notice it running except perhaps a slight hum during extreme fast-charging sessions. Extreme temps reduce range but won’t harm the battery thanks to active management protecting cells from temperature-induced stress.

Safety, Durability, and the Warranty That Protects You

What Shields Your Battery

Structural reinforced casing protects cells from road debris and crashes. The pack integrates with the vehicle chassis, distributing impact forces through the frame instead of concentrating them on battery modules. Automatic shutoff systems disconnect power instantly if sensors detect damage, preventing electrical fires and protecting first responders.

First responders train specifically on Ultium-equipped vehicles. They know exactly where to cut and where never to touch. GM provides detailed emergency response guides showing high-voltage cable locations and proper extraction procedures. The pack’s position low and centered makes it less vulnerable in side impacts and rollovers compared to designs mounted higher in the chassis.

The Warranty You Can Count On

Eight years or 100,000 miles covers the entire battery pack, whichever comes first. GM guarantees at least 60 percent capacity remaining at warranty end, though most batteries retain far more. Some competitors promise 70 percent, but real-world degradation data suggests most Ultium packs will exceed both thresholds by comfortable margins.

Warranty transfers to the next owner if you sell, protecting your resale value. Individual module replacement is possible if one fails, dramatically reducing repair costs compared to swapping the entire pack. This modular serviceability, combined with the wireless BMS that isolates faults quickly, means most battery issues can be fixed by replacing one or two modules rather than condemning the whole assembly.

Real-World Lifespan Expectations

Early Bolt EVs show less than 10 percent degradation at 150,000 miles, and they use older chemistry. GM’s internal data suggests Ultium batteries comfortably reach 150,000 to 250,000 miles before hitting 80 percent capacity. The aluminum in NCMA helps extend lifespan beyond older chemistries by reducing structural stress on the cathode material during charge and discharge cycles.

You’ll likely sell or trade the vehicle before the battery becomes a concern. Most EV batteries outlive the cars they power, eventually finding second lives in home energy storage or grid support applications where peak performance matters less than stable, predictable capacity.

How This Stacks Up: Equinox EV vs. The Competition

Battery Type Showdown

Tesla Model Y uses NCA chemistry delivering 330 miles of range but commands a significantly higher price point. Hyundai Ioniq 5 employs NMC chemistry with an 800-volt architecture for faster charging, though it costs more and real-world range falls short of ratings in some tests. VW ID.4 uses similar NMC chemistry with comparable range and pricing, making it a close competitor.

Equinox EV advantage: best value per mile of range in its class. At a $34,995 starting price, no mainstream electric crossover delivers more EPA-estimated miles per dollar spent. The NCMA chemistry provides nearly the energy density of premium competitors at a cost structure that enables GM’s aggressive pricing strategy.

When NCMA Wins (And When It Doesn’t)

NCMA beats LFP in several critical areas. Higher energy density means more miles in the same space, allowing the Equinox to hit 319 miles without becoming prohibitively heavy. Better cold-weather performance maintains usable range when temperatures plunge below freezing. Lighter weight for the same capacity improves efficiency and handling dynamics.

LFP beats NCMA where longevity and safety reign supreme. Cycle life often exceeds 3,000 to 5,000 charges compared to NCMA’s 1,000 to 2,500, though both far outlast typical ownership periods. No cobalt eliminates ethical concerns and material cost volatility. Inherent thermal stability makes LFP cells nearly impossible to ignite, even when physically damaged. For buyers prioritizing maximum longevity over maximum range, LFP represents the superior long-term choice, which is why GM is pivoting to it for future budget models.

What Happens When the Battery Ages?

Replacement Cost Reality

Full pack replacement sits at an estimated $10,000 to $15,000, though GM hasn’t published official pricing yet. Module replacement runs significantly cheaper if only one section fails, potentially $2,000 to $4,000 depending on labor rates. Warranty means you likely won’t pay out-of-pocket for at least 8 years, by which time battery costs will have dropped further as manufacturing scales up.

The modular Ultium design enables targeted repairs. If diagnostic tools isolate a problem to one module, technicians can access and replace just that section rather than condemning the entire $15,000 pack. This serviceability dramatically improves the long-term ownership economics compared to sealed, non-serviceable designs from some competitors.

Your Battery’s Second Life

GM recycles up to 95 percent of Ultium battery materials. Lithium, nickel, cobalt, and aluminum return to the supply chain through partnerships with recycling firms. Retired EV batteries power homes, store solar energy, and support the grid in stationary applications where weight doesn’t matter and daily cycling is gentler than automotive use.

Your battery won’t end up in a landfill. It’s too valuable. The metals inside have real market value, making recycling economically attractive even without regulatory mandates. As these batteries age out of vehicles over the next decade, an entire industry is developing to harvest, refurbish, and redeploy their stored energy capacity.

Future-Proofing Through Software

Ultium platform supports over-the-air updates that improve battery management algorithms. Chemistry won’t change once the pack leaves the factory, but efficiency calculations can get smarter over time. GM has already demonstrated the ability to modify charging curves and thermal management strategies remotely, optimizing performance as the company gathers real-world data from hundreds of thousands of vehicles.

Expect incremental improvements in range and charging speed through updates as engineers learn how these batteries behave in diverse climates and use cases. Small software tweaks that adjust when the cooling system activates or how aggressively regenerative braking harvests energy can add miles over the vehicle’s lifetime.

FAQs: The Questions You’re Actually Asking

Is the Equinox EV using LFP batteries?

No. It uses NCMA chemistry today and will continue with this formulation through the current generation. The next-gen Bolt arriving in 2027 will get LFP as GM converts its Ultium manufacturing facilities. Why it matters: NCMA gives you better range and cold-weather performance for your money right now. LFP’s advantages in longevity and safety come at the cost of energy density, requiring a larger, heavier pack to achieve similar range.

Why won’t Chevy publish the exact kWh capacity?

Automakers focus on range because that’s what you experience, not raw capacity numbers that vary with temperature and age. Usable capacity changes with software updates, thermal conditions, and battery health over time. Publishing one number creates confusion when that figure shifts. Around 85 kWh usable is the commonly cited figure from independent testers using diagnostic tools, with total gross capacity near 89.4 kWh including the protective buffer.

Does cold really kill my range with this chemistry?

Yes, but preconditioning cuts that loss in half. Physics can’t be cheated: lithium-ion batteries of all types slow down chemically in freezing temperatures. Plan for 200 to 225 miles of winter range instead of 319 miles during frigid months. NCMA handles cold better than pure nickel batteries, maintaining more consistent performance than some competitors, but you’ll still notice the difference when January arrives.

Heat the cabin and battery using wall power before unplugging for your morning commute. This simple habit preserves 10 to 15 percent of range that would otherwise vanish warming up cells and cabin air using the battery itself.

Can I upgrade to a bigger battery later?

No official upgrade path exists. Battery modules are structurally integrated with the chassis, making swaps impractical and prohibitively expensive. Choose your trim wisely now; this is a decision you’ll live with for the life of your ownership. The good news: 319 miles for FWD models covers 95 percent of daily driving needs, with DC fast charging filling the gap for occasional long trips.

Does the warranty transfer if I sell my Equinox EV?

Yes. The 8-year, 100,000-mile coverage stays with the vehicle, not the original owner. This protects resale value and gives used buyers confidence they’re not inheriting an expensive battery replacement bill. The warranty remains fully valid through its entire term regardless of how many times the vehicle changes hands, a significant advantage when it’s time to trade or sell.

What if the battery gets damaged in an accident?

Insurance covers battery damage like any other vehicle component. Ultium’s protective casing and automatic shutoff minimize fire risk even in severe crashes. Repairs may require module replacement rather than the whole pack, dramatically reducing costs. The wireless BMS helps isolate damaged sections quickly, allowing technicians to assess whether a targeted repair can restore full function or if more extensive work is needed.

Should You Wait for “Next-Gen” GM Batteries?

What’s Coming Down the Pipeline

LFP for budget models arrives with the next-gen Bolt and entry-level Blazer EV starting in 2027. LMR chemistry will power Silverado EV and heavy-duty applications needing maximum durability and charge cycles. Not for Equinox: this platform is locked in with NCMA for the foreseeable future, with no mid-cycle chemistry change planned.

GM’s battery roadmap shows clear segmentation. Budget buyers get LFP’s longevity and low cost. Work truck buyers get LMR’s extreme durability for commercial abuse. Mainstream crossover buyers like you get NCMA’s balanced performance at a competitive price point. Each chemistry serves its specific mission.

What This Means for Buying Today

Waiting means missing years of driving enjoyment for marginal gains. NCMA is mature, proven, and perfectly suited to the Equinox’s mission as a family crossover. Future batteries will excel in different areas like cost or longevity, not necessarily better for your specific needs if range and cold-weather capability matter most.

The best EV is the one you can buy and drive today, not the theoretical improvement arriving in two years. Battery technology advances incrementally, not revolutionary leaps. The Equinox EV you can purchase now will serve you reliably for its entire useful life, long before any meaningful technological gap emerges.

Conclusion: Your Battery, Your Confidence

The Heart That Won’t Let You Down

The Ultium battery in your Equinox EV isn’t just a component. It’s years of engineering distilled into reliable, everyday power. NCMA chemistry delivers the range you need, the charging speed you want, and the lifespan you expect. Whether you’re navigating winter commutes or summer road trips, this battery was built for real life, not just lab tests.

You’re in Control

Charge to 100 percent without guilt when trips demand it. Trust the warranty to protect your investment for eight years or 100,000 miles. Follow simple habits like preconditioning, regular charging, and parking smart, and this battery will outlast your ownership. The knowledge you’ve gained here isn’t just facts. It’s the confidence to drive electric without second-guessing every decision.

Stop overthinking. Start driving.

Equinox EV Battery Type (FAQs)