Chevrolet’s flagship electric truck, the first-ever Silverado EV, arrives later than the Ford F-150 Lightning competition but gives us our first glance at Chevy’s bold ambitions regarding electrification. With a stylish new design, exciting features, and excellent range, it could be one of the best and most powerful electric pickups.
The electric Silverado is a highly anticipated truck with much to offer, which could help it pull buyers away from other automakers. While it looks like the discontinued Chevrolet Avalanche from a different era, it packs a large battery that delivers up to 450 miles of range and towing capacity to match comparable combustion trucks.
Along with the insane amounts of power and torque, it has all sorts of technology inside. Here’s what you need to know.
Chevy Silverado EV Price and Release Date
Before we explore all the fun packed inside the new Silverado, the first thing you’re probably wondering about is the price tag and release date. Unfortunately, those are two things that are constantly subject to change. The Silverado EV release date is set for fall 2023, although that’s for the 4WT (Work Truck) trim model. Initially, it’ll only be available to fleet customers, then to individual buyers in early 2024.
After launching the 4WT, Chevy plans to release the Silverado RST EV next, a fully loaded premium trim; a standard model will follow later in 2024. That means you’ll have to wait longer for a mid-range model. Here are the different models the automaker plans to offer:
As for pricing, the Chevrolet Silverado EV initially had a price tag of under $40,000. Unfortunately, in June 2023,InsideEVsconfirmed that Chevy was scrapping the lowest-tier $40,000 option, and the automaker is now stating that the retail version will start at $51,895 with destination charges. It’ll be more affordable than the Rivian R1T and Ford’s popular F-150 Lightning at that price.
When the Silverado RST First Edition arrives, it’ll hit your wallet for over $106,000, making it one of the most expensive electric trucks on the market. All the middle packages are subject to change, and we’ll update them once GM reveals the final pricing and spec.
1. The Silverado EV Has an Impressive Range
Being late to the game allowed Chevrolet to assess the competition and build from there. The Silverado EV lineup will have massive battery packs (up to around 200 kWh), which Chevy says should provide an EPA estimated range of around 450 miles in the Work Truck configuration. For comparison, Ford’s F-150 Lightning with the big battery tops out around 320 miles, while the longest-range Rivian R1T trim exceeds 400 miles, making itperfect for outdoor adventures, and RAM claims its upcoming 1500 REV will offer 500 miles per charge.
Unfortunately, we don’t have official battery stats or information on the rest of the lineup. Those numbers are for the 4WT model, meaning you should expect a lower range on the base $52,895 variant. The EPA has given the Silverado EV WT variant fuel economy equivalency ratings of 67 MPGe city and 59 MPGe highway.
2. Four-Wheel Steering and e4WD
Chevy’s electric truck gets its performance from a dual-motor configuration, with an electric motor in the front and one in the rear. This setup delivers all the power needed, as well as all-wheel drive, for those who want more capability on rugged terrain. The Silverado EV Trail Boss (pictured above) will come with beefy tires, uprated suspension, and more ground clearance.
Select Silverado EV models will also get four-wheel steering and Crab Walk mode, which is one of thecoolest features of the Hummer EV. Better yet, four-wheel steering should vastly improve the turning radius on the electric Silverado, making it agile in parking lots and around town.
This electric truck was built to do it all, whether you’re headed on a 400-mile road trip, fitting in tight parking spots, or hitting a trail in the woods.
3. Powerful Towing Without the Usual Stress
Truck owners want to do truck things, which often include towing a trailer or boat, carrying a payload, or wandering off-road to a nearby campsite. Luckily, Chevrolet says its new electric pickup can handle that and more. During the initial announcement of the Silverado EV, GM’s CEO Mary Barra toldCNBCthat the Silverado EV would be “unmatched” versus the competition.
The Silverado EV’s maximum towing capacity is 10,000 pounds, with a payload capacity of up to 1440 pounds, depending on the model. Towing is on par with the highest-trim F-150 Lightning but falls short in payload. For comparison, RAM claims the 1500 REV can tow 14,000 pounds.
The Chevy Silverado EV WT pushes a robust 510 horsepower and 615 lb-ft of torque to achieve those stats. If you opt for the RST First Edition, those numbers climb to 754 horsepower and 785 lb-ft. of torque. Chevrolet says a “wide-open-watts” mode offers a 0 to 60 mph time of under 4.5 seconds, making it one of the fastest electric trucks on the market.
More importantly, the Silverado EV comes with camera-assisted towing on all models, with the option to upgrade to a 14-camera towing package showing nearly every angle imaginable for a stress-free experience. GM also says a more capable 2025 Silverado EV model will push the boundaries and have a tow rating of 20,000 pounds.
4. The Silverado EV Makes Chevy’s Multi-Flex Tailgate Even Better
Chevy’s Silverado with an internal combustion engine (ICE) comes equipped with amulti-flex tailgate, which opens in several configurations to improve usage or double as steps into the bed. This is a hugely popular feature with its customer base. On the Silverado EV, Chevrolet took the opportunity to make things even better. The company has introduced a new Multi-Flex “midgate” that’s highly configurable, like the tailgate.
The midgate pass-through is behind the passenger seats, separating the interior from the truck’s bed. On the Silverado EV pickup, owners can lower either side of the midgate in a 60/40 split configuration or remove the entire midgate (and window) to expand the truck bed for carrying cargo. With the midgate and tailgate dropped, the truck bed extends into the interior to offer an industry-leading 10-foot-10-inches of space for 2x4s, kayaks, drywall, or anything else you need to carry. You’ll have enough cargo space and room for any job.
Use the tailgate as steps into the bed, a work surface, or to hold items in place. There’s even an optional handle, making climbing into the tall bed easier. Then, when you need to get a big job done, lower the tailgate and midgate to work smarter—not harder.
5. Bidirectional Charging
The Silverado EV uses GM’s impressive Ultiumdedicated EV platformfrom the Hummer EV, only scaled down for a more mainstream electric truck.
Chevrolet says its new electric pickup can get 100 miles of range in 10 minutes when hooked up to a 350-kW DC fast-charging station. Sure, that’s not as fast as stopping for gas, but it’ll get owners back on the road quickly and with plenty of remaining range. Most owners will probably prefer to charge at home from a Level 1 or Level 2 wall box.
A key selling point for the Silverado EV is itsbidirectional charging capability. The huge battery can send or receive a charge or evenpower your home in an emergency. This is also known as two-way charging, vehicle-to-grid (V2G), vehicle-to-vehicle, or vehicle-to-home technology. With select accessories and a suitably equipped home, Chevy says the Silverado EV can keep the lights on for up to 21 days if needed.
Furthermore, Chevy’s Silverado can offload over 10.2 kW of power to a slew of AC power outlets in the truck’s bed, letting owners power tools on a job site or lights while camping. There are four standard 120-volt AC outlets and a single 240-volt outlet in the 5'11" bed, with more in the cabin.
6. Optional Adaptive Air Suspension
All Chevrolet Silverado EV models come well-equipped with air suspension for a smooth ride and height adjustments of 2 inches. Lower the truck to get in easily, then add a lift for more ground clearance off-road or a more aggressive stance.
Then, an optional four-corner adaptive air suspension package makes things even better. The adaptive setup can automatically adjust to bumpy road conditions for a smoother ride or slightly lower the front for improved aerodynamics to increase range on the highway. That air suspension also helps with the payload capacity, and hopefully, it’ll offer an auto-leveling feature likeRivian’s Camp Mode.
7. A Spacious eFrunk (Front Trunk)
Without a huge combustion engine under the hood, many electric vehicles come with a front trunk, also known as a frunk. This gives Silverado EV owners a space to store additional items without wasting the rear seats or exposing anything to the elements in the bed. However, not all front trunks are created equal, and Chevy has one of thebest frunks we’ve seen yet.
Chevy calls it an “eFrunk” and it has 11 cubic feet of cargo space. Inside, you’ll find another 120-volt outlet for electric coolers or powering tools and lights. Then, you’ll enjoy four bag hooks for groceries and four cargo tie-down spots. There’s even a dedicated drain plug for wet items or ice.
The Chevy Silverado EV Is an Electric Truck for Everyone
The old company slogan of “Chevy Runs Deep” was replaced with “Find New Roads” in 2013, and there’s a good chance that it’ll change again soon with the shift to electrification. If you’ve been patiently waiting for Chevy to release an electric truck to help you find new roads, the Silverado EV will deliver everything fans expect from the brand.
Whether you love or hate the Avalanche-style design, the all-new electric Silverado EV is poised to be one of the most powerful and capable electric trucks on the market. With features like a 17.7-inch infotainment display, e4WD, comfy air suspension, tons of power and range, and Super Cruise hands-free driving technology, the Silverado EV is a truck for everyone.
