Reviews of Chevy Equinox, Mustang Mach-E, Cadillac, and Jeep EV Unveils: A Recap of the Past Week

Which complete automobile manufacturer revealed plans for a $22,000 electric vehicle—in Europe?

Which car companies are collaborating on a new line of compact engines?

This article recaps the highlights of the past week at Green Car Reports, culminating on May 31, 2024.

Our assessment of the 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV indicates that this reasonably priced GM electric vehicle—with a forthcoming $35,000 variant—is a capable EV that excels in all aspects. Boasting an EPA range of 319 miles, it appears to strike a perfect balance between range and cost.

There’s also space below the anticipated $35,000 edition of the Equinox EV. A GM executive hinted that the upcoming revamped Chevy Bolt EV—scheduled for late 2025—will be the most economical EV in the U.S. market.

The 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E GT gains speed with a new rear motor derived from the F-150 Lightning and now includes magnetic damping system and performance seats, enhancing its appeal on winding roads. However, it’s the 2024 Mustang Mach-E Rally that shines in challenging terrains—and proves its worth in various environments—so be sure to read that review on our affiliated site, Motor Authority.

Scheduled to debut later this year, the 2025 Cadillac Optiq EV was recently showcased by Green Car Reports. Boasting all-wheel drive, an expansive fixed-glass roof, generous screen real estate, and a lavish interior, this 300-mile EV leverages lighting to elevate its aesthetics.

The first electric vehicle from Jeep bound for the U.S. market was unveiled on Thursday night, accompanied by initial impressions of this upcoming model. The 2024 Jeep Wagoneer S EV, comparable in size to the Grand Cherokee but offering a slightly roomier interior, promises over 300 miles of range. An exclusive Launch Edition is set to hit the market this autumn at a price of $71,995, including destination charges.

Toyota, Subaru, and Mazda are forming a partnership to develop downsized engines for hybrid models—engines that could potentially run on hydrogen or e-fuels as well as gasoline. Subaru hinted that this next-gen technology might find its way to the next Crosstrek Hybrid.

Volkswagen has officially confirmed its plans for a $22,000 VW EV designed in Europe, primarily targeted at the European market—at an astonishingly low price of around $22,000. Could such a vehicle also create a ripple effect in the U.S.?

Whether it’s a temporary pause or a strategic retreat, the recent setbacks in Tesla’s Supercharger network have opened up opportunities for competitors—especially with the $5 billion federal NEVI charging infrastructure project.

A recent patent application reveals that GM is exploring a cooling mechanism for its EV charging ports resembling the technology used in cooling microchips, leveraging PCM cooling inspired by the heat sinks of chips and more recently, trendy outdoor gear.

SUVs emit approximately 20% more CO2 compared to cars. Despite the growing popularity of SUVs, contradicting the trend towards cleaner vehicles, this statement remains valid for both EVs and traditional vehicles, affirming that smaller, car-like models are inherently more efficient.

Volkswagen has issued a recall for the 2021-2023 VW ID.4 to address glitches in gauge clusters and flickering infotainment screens through software updates applied by dealerships to the control unit and infotainment module.

Could commercial electric vehicles become more financially viable with smaller batteries and reduced costs thanks to dynamic wireless EV charging systems embedded in roadways? An experimental initiative in Indiana aims to explore this possibility, joining a host of pilot projects examining this technology.

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