After Ford took the first step and unveiled its first electric pickup back in 2020, it’s time for its age-old rival in this space to make a move as well. Following months of teasers, the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV is finally here and it’s meant to take GM into the electric era in the next few years.
The mighty popular truck received all the goodies GM had at its disposal and the platform underpinning the electric Silverado is shared with the GMC Hummer EV, thus being developed from the ground up to house electric trucks, not a modified version of the ICE alternative. That brings a number of advantages to the plate for the Silverado but it also makes it look a bit like the Hummer EV from certain angles.
The wheelbase and overall length are similar to the four-door gas and diesel Silverados, but the proportions are drastically different. Engineers were able to relocate the cowl forward and enhance interior space since there’s no ICE (internal combustion engine) up front. The cab also incorporates Hummer-style rear pillars, making the entire middle portion appear and feel considerably larger than a regular truck.
The changes done up front front are not limited to the cab simply being pushed forward. Because an EV doesn’t require ventilation, there’s no apparent grille, and the resulting design is significantly more subtle and polished than the one on the ICE versions, which is dominated by a huge, open grille. In addition, the hood has been lowered for better forward visibility and aerodynamics.
The Silverado EV will be available in two trim levels: base Work Truck (WT) and flagship RST. The base model will get a simple, rectangular screen for the infotainment system inside the cabin. The RST version will have a custom, 17″ screen built-in. Other than that, the cabin is bespoke to the Silverado EV, meaning you get more tech and features than ever. For example, the instrument cluster is a digital, 11″ one with new functions.
The bed is 71 inches long, slightly longer than the quad-cab Silverado’s short bed. It’s the only bed length available for now, although Chevy has brought back the Midgate from the old Avalanche if you need more space. As a result, you’ll be able to carry a few passengers while still loading up long objects. It isn’t available on the first WT models. Chevy will also provide a Multi-Flex tailgate with an integrated step.
As for the powertrains, there are a couple of options available. Chevrolet will initially offer only two trim levels and powertrain combinations, with more coming in for the 2025 model year. No matter what model you go for, all cars will be fitted with two electric motors and all-wheel drive. The Silverado EV WT comes with 510 horsepower and 615 pound-feet of torque. It has a payload of 1,200 pounds and a towing capacity of 8,000 pounds.
The Silverado EV RST will be the only model available for private customers at first. It too has two motors but makes 664 horsepower and 780 pound-feet of torque when in the sport mode which is called Wide Open Watts (WOW). This version, according to Chevy, should hit 60 mph in less than 4.5 seconds. This version has a payload of 1,300 pounds while the maximum towing capacity if 10,000 pounds.
Chevy didn’t provide an exact size for the battery that will be used in the Silverado EV. However, the golden bow tie company did mention that both versions will have the same battery pack under the floor, which should offer a range of 400 miles on a single charge. The car can then be replenished using 350 kW DC fast-chargers. More importantly, you’ll also be able to use the battery to power your tools, the EV Silverado having plenty of outlets on board that can feed up to 10.2 kW at once.
Other mechanical features of the Silverado EV are also quite interesting. It has a completely independent coil-spring suspension as standard, with adaptive air suspension as an option, just like the Hummer EV. The air suspension will come standard on the first-year RST, with a ride height adjustability of 2 inches. Both initial variants come with four-wheel steering as well. The Silverado EV has no start button and offers Super Cruise with automatic lane-changing and towing capability. Simply set your phone as your key or bring the keycard, and the truck will power on immediately and be ready to drive.
As for pricing, the WT model will kick off at $41,595. For the RST model we’ll have to wait a bit, as only the pricing for the First Edition models was revealed, these being full-optioned versions that will be sold at first. They will set you back a cool $105,000 even. Production is set to kick off in the spring of 2023 for the WT model, with the RST to join it in the fall of the same year. Chevy will take reservations though, starting today.
