Chevrolet Captiva EV

• The size of the battery pack is 60 kWh, which sits under the floor. Chevrolet says you can get a 415 km NEDC range, which is in ideal conditions. In real life you expect between 300 and 350 km in actual Saudi driving conditions. And even less with constant use of AC in summer heat.
• One good thing is you get instant throttle response from the electric motor. There is no lag, no turbo delay, or transmission shifts. The power is quick and makes city driving responsive; overtaking requires less planning.
• Three regenerative braking modes adjust energy recovery. The strong mode maximises range by aggressively slowing when lifting the accelerator. Normal provides a balanced feel, and Weak is for traditional coasting. You choose based on preference and conditions.
• The EV is a single-motor front-wheel drive setup; that means no all-wheel drive option. The ground clearance is 180 mm, adequate for Saudi speed bumps and city road conditions.
• Charging times vary significantly: a Level 1 portable charger takes 25 hours from empty using a standard household outlet, which is impractical. A level 2 home wallbox at 6.6 kW takes 8 hours, suitable for overnight charging at home. DC fast charging at 120 kW provides 80% in 45 minutes or a 75 km range in 10 minutes. Fast charging is a solution for highway trips.

The Reality of EV:

• A 415 km NEDC range claim is overstated; expect much lower real‑world ranges. During summer, when the AC is on full, the range could drop to 280–320 km maximum. Winter might offer around 350 km. For any EV, range anxiety is real until you accept its limitations.
• Saudi charging infrastructure is developing but incomplete. Major cities have public chargers, but secondary roads and rural areas offer minimal coverage. Without reliable home charging, this vehicle becomes problematic.
• Home charging installation costs money. A proper Level 2 wallbox requires electrical work. Budget SAR 3,000–8,000 for installation, depending on electrical capacity and placement.
• Battery degradation is inevitable. Lithium‑ion batteries lose capacity over time.
  Battery replacement costs after the warranty expires are unknown.

• Being an EV driver in the city is noiseless, and that creates quite a refined experience in traffic. Also, the instant electric torque gives you quick acceleration from stops, something unique to EVs.
• Another advantage is that the battery's weight lowers the centre of gravity, so the handling feels more planted than in the combustion Captiva. Although the body roll has been reduced, it is still present. Since this is not a sports crossover.
• Regenerative braking takes some adjustment; the Strong mode feels like aggressive engine braking and enables one-pedal driving. Normal mode balances regen and friction braking. Weak mode feels most traditional.
• The premier variant gets adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and assist, forward collision alert and automatic emergency braking. The systems work quite well for highway driving, certainly not Tesla-level sophistication, but providing basic assistance.
• The 360-degree camera on the Premier helps with parking. Finding charging spots remains crucial when necessary.

The Issues That Dominate:

• Range anxiety is a constant companion; with an EV, you can’t wish it away, especially given Saudi EV charging infrastructure. Every trip requires planning around charging availability. Spontaneous long drives can be a challenge, so ensuring enough charging stations is vital.
• Charging takes time. DC fast charging requires 45 minutes for 80%. Road trips demand at least a 45‑minute stop – no choice.
• Summer range loss is significant, as AC combatting 45°C+ temperatures drains power significantly. That means your 415 km range becomes 300 km or less.
• Highway range is worse than city range. Highway cruising at 120 kph drains the battery faster. Pure highways deliver 280–320 km, versus the 415 km claim.

• With just five seats, the second row offers reasonable space for adults. Legroom is fine, and headroom is sufficient. The floor is slightly raised to accommodate the battery pack underneath, which is visible to passengers as reduced foot space compared to the regular Captiva.
• The Premier variant gets a massive 15.6‑inch touchscreen that dominates the dashboard. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, but the system is responsive enough for daily use. The LT has a smaller 10.1‑inch screen. Both variants get an 8.8‑inch digital instrument cluster, displaying speed, range, and energy consumption.
• Leatherette seats are available in black or sandy colours with a six-way power adjustment for the driver. The materials are budget‑appropriate. The interior features hard plastics and minimal soft‑touch surfaces. The EV premium goes into the drivetrain, not interior refinement.
• The panoramic sunroof on the Premier gives cabin airiness but increases heat load dramatically. Your battery range suffers because the AC works harder; the powered tailgate, also on the Premier, provides convenience.
• Cargo space is 532 litres with rear seats up. That's more than the regular Captiva's seven‑seat configuration but less than the maximum when those seats fold.
• The LED headlamps are standard, and the 18‑inch alloy wheels with aero‑optimised design reduce drag to some extent.

What's Missing: 

• No frunk; the electric motor and power electronics occupy the front space. Most EVs from dedicated EV makers include front storage. The Captiva EV doesn't.
• Interior storage suffers from battery placement underneath. Compared to combustion models, the Captiva EV offers less underfloor storage. Small item stowage is limited.
• The massive 15.6-inch screen looks modern, but Chevrolet's software lags behind Tesla, BYD, or even MG.
• Build quality remains budget‑level. It costs similarly to better-built Chinese EVs that offer superior materials. It's clearly noticeable that you are paying for the Chevrolet brand, not superior build quality.

What's Standard: 

• Four airbags on both trims—driver, passenger, and front-side. No curtain airbags. This is highly insufficient for 2026 in this price range.
• ABS, ESC, and traction control are included. Rear parking sensors are standard. Keyless entry and push-button start are equipped.
• Premier Trim Advantages: Adaptive cruise control, forward collision alert, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning and assist, and 360-degree camera. These systems significantly improve safety but should be standard. The LT trim lacks crucial technology.

The Concerns That Matter:

• No independent crash testing exists for the Middle East‑spec Captiva EV, nor from Euro NCAP.
• EV service demands specialised training. Not all dealers are equipped for high‑voltage systems. Parts availability may be limited due to the limited network.
• Battery warranty details are unclear, and resale value is completely unknown.

The infrastructure question dominates everything. If you can charge at home with dedicated parking and electrical access, that is the best situation. If not, ownership will be a challenge. This single factor determines your ownership experience.