The 2024 Equinox EV comes with a charge cord (called an EVSE) supporting both Level 1 (120V) AC up to 1.4 kW via a 15A breaker and Level 2 (240V) AC charging at up to 7.7 kW (about 23 miles/hour) via a 40A breaker.
The Equinox EV supports a higher charging of 11.7 kW (about 34 miles/hour) (on a 60A circuit with a 48A capable EVSE) but this Dual Level Charge Cord does not support that. This Dual Level Charge Cord can be used indoors or outdoors and has a 3 year limited warranty.
Two Versions
There are TWO VERSIONs of this charge cord, the earlier one is white, the current version is black. Besides color, they are constructed differently. The white version has a row of 4 plugs on the cord that snap into the control box. The black version has the 4 plugs arranged in a square, two rows of two.
Please note: All charging requires a dedicated circuit suitable for the heavy-duty, continuous load of charging. In other words, don't plug into a circuit that's also used by other appliances (refrigerator, freezer, garage door opener, table saw, dehumidifier, toaster, stoves, etc.). You could overload the circuit and trip the breaker, or smoke/melt/char the wiring or worst case cause a wiring fire.
120V Or 240V?
Depending on your home's outlet, you plug either the 120V pigtail into the unit or the 240V pigtail.
Zippered Bag
The Equinox EV charge cord also comes with a zippered cloth case that fits under the cargo deck on the rear passenger side
Here's the first gen version (white, a linear plug into the control unit)
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Here's the 2nd gen version (black, a rectangular plug into the control unit):
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Are there instructions on how to use the dual level charge cord? Yes, they will come with the cord but here they are as well:
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Attached at the bottom of this post is a PDF of the GM Dual Level Charge Cord instructions and installation, or here's a webpage
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How Long is the Charge Handle Cord?
It's 25 feet long from the control box to the end of the handle.
Is there a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupt) built in?
Yes, according to the Status Indicator Lights Key chart below.
What Do I Need to Use this at 120V?
A standard wall outlet. If the outlet is old or worn, replacing it with a new receptacle is a good idea. The contact blades inside a receptical can get lose/sloppy over the years potentially causing electrical arcing or even plug melting. If replacing the outlet, go with a hospital or commercial grade unit rather than a 99 cent special. Wire to the terminal screws, don't use the back-stab option.
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What Do I Need to Use this at 240V?
Note that the 32A level 2 option requires
![Image]()
This 4-prong outlet gets installed in an over-sized RACO 888 Raised Square Exposed Work Cover, 2-5/8 in Dia L X 4-11/16 in W X 1/2 in T, 4-11/16" cover plate mounted to an over-sized Hubbell-Raco 8257 2-1/8-Inch Deep, 1/2-Inch and 3/4-Inch Side Knockouts Welded 4-11/16-Inch Square Box. These are bigger to accommodate the thicker wires that will be used from the circuit breaker. The box has knockouts for 3/4" conduit (again, thicker wires). The outlet, cover plate and box are available on Amazon and at big box stores.
![Image]()
The charge cord plugged into this will support 7.7 kW charging. Again, the 2024 Equinox EV can handle 11.7 kW but you'd need a 50A circuit for that and you'd need to buy a different charge cord that supports 48A (a 50A breaker), 240V 11.7kW charging. GM, ChargePoint, Siemens and other will gladly sell you a unit in the $550 range.
Can I plug into my electric clothes dryer outlet instead? Probably. If you have the white charge cord unit, an optional kit (GM Part # 84877187) with other plugs is available for plugging in to NEMA 5-15, NEMA TT-30, AND NEMA 14-30 outlets. These and other related parts are available at AC Delco directly or through GM parts sellers. No such kit exists for the black Ultium charge cord.
![Image]()
Is there a video I can watch?
Yes, here's a Chevy Support webpage and video on the charge cord with explanation and details (the Bolt EV is still mentioned)
Training video on using the charge port:
Where do I keep this cord if I want it in the car?
The storage area for the case can be seen in this training video on her right (it's empty)
Status Indicator Lights Key
The OM p.244-245 describes all the light colors and what they mean, but the flashing red is not discussed, only pulsing red. Seems light an oversight. The flashing red should have been noted with a page link to the security section (which also does not mention the flashing red).
What if I have charging issues? What do the charge cord lights mean?
Here is a Charging Troubleshooting chart (from the car owners manual). Note: These are different than what the Dual Level Charge Cord install sheet says, I'm not sure why.
Verify the charge cord status on the charge cord control box. The charge cord uses a combination of red and green indicators to display the status of the charge cord.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will this charge cord fit my vehicle?
A: Yes, it is designed to be compatible with any electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid with an SAE J1772 vehicle connector.
Q: Can I use this charge cord while traveling?
A: Yes, this charge cord is designed to work with any standard 3-prong household outlet for Level 1 charging, or any 4-prong (NEMA 14-50) outlet for Level 2 charging.
Q: Is professional installation required?
A: Professional installation is not required for Level 1 charging. Before plugging into any electrical outlet, have a qualified electrician inspect and verify the electrical system (electrical outlet, wiring, junctions, and protection devices) for heavy-duty services at a 12 amp continuous load. For Level 2 charging, a NEMA 14-50 outlet is required. This outlet requires professional installation by a qualified electrician. For further details on home charging installation, visit chevrolet.com/electric/living-electric/home-charging.
Q: Can I use this charge cord on a circuit with other devices?
A: Always use a dedicated circuit when charging your electric vehicle.
Q: What is the difference between a 120-volt and 240-volt outlet?
A: A 120-volt outlet is typically used with a leaf blower or power tool. A 240-volt outlet is typically used with an electric range.
Q: Can the Dual Level charge cord be used outside?
A: Yes, the charge cord is designed to IP66 standards and can be used outside with a weatherproof outlet. Do not submerge the unit in water.
Q: Can I use the Charge Cord with an extension cord?
A: We do not advise using any non-GM approved extension cord or non-GM approved adapters of any kind.
Q: How fast will my vehicle charge?
A: Further details on vehicle charging are available in the Plug-In Charging section of your vehicle Owner's Manual. For Level 1 charging the cord supports 120 volts at up to 12 amps (1.4kW). For Level 2 charging the cord supports 240 volts at 32 amps (7.7kW). Your vehicle's charging capability may be higher or lower than maximum available from the cord set. Speed of charging may vary based on vehicle type, battery condition, input voltage, vehicle settings and outside temperature.
Q: Are the swappable grid plugs easy to install?
A: The plugs are designed to securely attach to your existing charge cord. Due to their robust design, they may require some force when connecting and disconnecting. Ensure the grid plugs are fully inserted into the charger body for correct operation.
Other GM Charge Cord Options
The AC Delco site has other options, including the GM Power (11.5KW / 48-amp) and the Powerup+ (19.2kW/80-amp) Level 2 charge stations. Price, specs, warranty, faq are all there.
Charging Outlet Installation And Safety
The Equinox EV supports a higher charging of 11.7 kW (about 34 miles/hour) (on a 60A circuit with a 48A capable EVSE) but this Dual Level Charge Cord does not support that. This Dual Level Charge Cord can be used indoors or outdoors and has a 3 year limited warranty.
Two Versions
There are TWO VERSIONs of this charge cord, the earlier one is white, the current version is black. Besides color, they are constructed differently. The white version has a row of 4 plugs on the cord that snap into the control box. The black version has the 4 plugs arranged in a square, two rows of two.
Please note: All charging requires a dedicated circuit suitable for the heavy-duty, continuous load of charging. In other words, don't plug into a circuit that's also used by other appliances (refrigerator, freezer, garage door opener, table saw, dehumidifier, toaster, stoves, etc.). You could overload the circuit and trip the breaker, or smoke/melt/char the wiring or worst case cause a wiring fire.
120V Or 240V?
Depending on your home's outlet, you plug either the 120V pigtail into the unit or the 240V pigtail.
Zippered Bag
The Equinox EV charge cord also comes with a zippered cloth case that fits under the cargo deck on the rear passenger side
Here's the first gen version (white, a linear plug into the control unit)
Here's the 2nd gen version (black, a rectangular plug into the control unit):
Are there instructions on how to use the dual level charge cord? Yes, they will come with the cord but here they are as well:
Attached at the bottom of this post is a PDF of the GM Dual Level Charge Cord instructions and installation, or here's a webpage
How Long is the Charge Handle Cord?
It's 25 feet long from the control box to the end of the handle.
Is there a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupt) built in?
Yes, according to the Status Indicator Lights Key chart below.
What Do I Need to Use this at 120V?
A standard wall outlet. If the outlet is old or worn, replacing it with a new receptacle is a good idea. The contact blades inside a receptical can get lose/sloppy over the years potentially causing electrical arcing or even plug melting. If replacing the outlet, go with a hospital or commercial grade unit rather than a 99 cent special. Wire to the terminal screws, don't use the back-stab option.
What Do I Need to Use this at 240V?
Note that the 32A level 2 option requires
- a dedicated circuit with a 40A breaker. and
- a NEMA 14-50R receptacle. The Hubble version is beefier for high, continuous load (and more $) than the Leviton version. I think beefier is better when it comes to safety, even has a little green plugin car... Still in doubt? One Equinox EV owner's experience: "My professionally installed receptacle melted on one side, causing a lot of havoc --fried grizzlE cord at receptacle, a disgusting smell in garage, late to a key work event, etc. So it's true that paying a lot of money for the top electrician to install the receptacle and cord, breaker, line etc. means nothing. Next time I'll buy the industrial socket and make them use it." Also insist they use a torque screwdriver on the screws holding the power wires. "Hand tight is good enough" isn't.
This 4-prong outlet gets installed in an over-sized RACO 888 Raised Square Exposed Work Cover, 2-5/8 in Dia L X 4-11/16 in W X 1/2 in T, 4-11/16" cover plate mounted to an over-sized Hubbell-Raco 8257 2-1/8-Inch Deep, 1/2-Inch and 3/4-Inch Side Knockouts Welded 4-11/16-Inch Square Box. These are bigger to accommodate the thicker wires that will be used from the circuit breaker. The box has knockouts for 3/4" conduit (again, thicker wires). The outlet, cover plate and box are available on Amazon and at big box stores.
The charge cord plugged into this will support 7.7 kW charging. Again, the 2024 Equinox EV can handle 11.7 kW but you'd need a 50A circuit for that and you'd need to buy a different charge cord that supports 48A (a 50A breaker), 240V 11.7kW charging. GM, ChargePoint, Siemens and other will gladly sell you a unit in the $550 range.
Can I plug into my electric clothes dryer outlet instead? Probably. If you have the white charge cord unit, an optional kit (GM Part # 84877187) with other plugs is available for plugging in to NEMA 5-15, NEMA TT-30, AND NEMA 14-30 outlets. These and other related parts are available at AC Delco directly or through GM parts sellers. No such kit exists for the black Ultium charge cord.
Is there a video I can watch?
Yes, here's a Chevy Support webpage and video on the charge cord with explanation and details (the Bolt EV is still mentioned)
Training video on using the charge port:
Where do I keep this cord if I want it in the car?
The storage area for the case can be seen in this training video on her right (it's empty)
Status Indicator Lights Key
| AMBER | BLUE/GREEN | RED | MESSAGE |
| Solid | Power On | ||
| Blink | Charging | ||
| Solid | Refer to Service Personnel | ||
| Blink | GFCI / Shock Detection Interrupt Active | ||
| Solid | Problem external to Charge Cord, check wall receptacle and vehicle | ||
| Solid | Solid | Solid | Rebooting Due to Error |
| Flashing | Alarm System On |
The OM p.244-245 describes all the light colors and what they mean, but the flashing red is not discussed, only pulsing red. Seems light an oversight. The flashing red should have been noted with a page link to the security section (which also does not mention the flashing red).
What if I have charging issues? What do the charge cord lights mean?
Here is a Charging Troubleshooting chart (from the car owners manual). Note: These are different than what the Dual Level Charge Cord install sheet says, I'm not sure why.
Verify the charge cord status on the charge cord control box. The charge cord uses a combination of red and green indicators to display the status of the charge cord.
| Green | Red | Reason | Action |
| – | – | The charge cord has no power. | Verify all components are connected properly, there is no damage, and the outlet has power. If the error continues, contact your dealer. |
| On | – | The charge cord is ready to use. | Plug the charge cord into the vehicle charge port to begin charging. |
| Blinking | – | Vehicle is actively charging. | No action needed. |
| Blinking | Blinking | An error has occurred and the charge cord is rebooting. | Wait for the charge cord to return to a solid green. If it reboots two or three more times, unplug the charge cord from the vehicle. If the error continues, contact your dealer. |
| Blinking | Three blinks | Due to internal overheating from the charge cord control box, charging is at a reduced rate. | If unplugging and plugging back in does not work, move the charge cord away from direct sunlight and/or hot surfaces such as asphalt paving. |
| Blinking | One blink | Due to overheating on the AC plug or electrical outlet, charging is at a reduced rate. | Disconnect from the electrical outlet. If the error persists, have a qualified electrician inspect and repair the issue. |
| – | One blink | The charge cord is troubleshooting after an error and requires a reboot. | Try the following actions to restore the full charging rate:
|
| – | Two blinks | There is a Ground Fault Circuit Interruption (GFCI) fault. | After 15 minutes, it will auto-reset. Try a different connector, if available. If the error continues, contact your dealer. |
| – | On | There is a cordset internal fault. | Immediately disconnect from the electrical outlet and the vehicle. Contact your dealer for a replacement. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will this charge cord fit my vehicle?
A: Yes, it is designed to be compatible with any electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid with an SAE J1772 vehicle connector.
Q: Can I use this charge cord while traveling?
A: Yes, this charge cord is designed to work with any standard 3-prong household outlet for Level 1 charging, or any 4-prong (NEMA 14-50) outlet for Level 2 charging.
Q: Is professional installation required?
A: Professional installation is not required for Level 1 charging. Before plugging into any electrical outlet, have a qualified electrician inspect and verify the electrical system (electrical outlet, wiring, junctions, and protection devices) for heavy-duty services at a 12 amp continuous load. For Level 2 charging, a NEMA 14-50 outlet is required. This outlet requires professional installation by a qualified electrician. For further details on home charging installation, visit chevrolet.com/electric/living-electric/home-charging.
Q: Can I use this charge cord on a circuit with other devices?
A: Always use a dedicated circuit when charging your electric vehicle.
Q: What is the difference between a 120-volt and 240-volt outlet?
A: A 120-volt outlet is typically used with a leaf blower or power tool. A 240-volt outlet is typically used with an electric range.
Q: Can the Dual Level charge cord be used outside?
A: Yes, the charge cord is designed to IP66 standards and can be used outside with a weatherproof outlet. Do not submerge the unit in water.
Q: Can I use the Charge Cord with an extension cord?
A: We do not advise using any non-GM approved extension cord or non-GM approved adapters of any kind.
Q: How fast will my vehicle charge?
A: Further details on vehicle charging are available in the Plug-In Charging section of your vehicle Owner's Manual. For Level 1 charging the cord supports 120 volts at up to 12 amps (1.4kW). For Level 2 charging the cord supports 240 volts at 32 amps (7.7kW). Your vehicle's charging capability may be higher or lower than maximum available from the cord set. Speed of charging may vary based on vehicle type, battery condition, input voltage, vehicle settings and outside temperature.
Q: Are the swappable grid plugs easy to install?
A: The plugs are designed to securely attach to your existing charge cord. Due to their robust design, they may require some force when connecting and disconnecting. Ensure the grid plugs are fully inserted into the charger body for correct operation.
Other GM Charge Cord Options
The AC Delco site has other options, including the GM Power (11.5KW / 48-amp) and the Powerup+ (19.2kW/80-amp) Level 2 charge stations. Price, specs, warranty, faq are all there.
Charging Outlet Installation And Safety
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