Chevrolet is set to launch the 2024 Silverado EV this spring and it’s heralded as having the highest range estimate in its class. The first Silverado to be released into the market will be the Silverado EV in Work Truck form, capable of reaching an impressive 450 miles on a single charge. This number trumps a host of rivals, including the Rivian R1T with its range estimate topping out at 328 miles, and the Ford F-150 Lightning at 320 miles.
Chevy had initially announced at the 2022 CES that the full-size Silverado EV had a range of 400 miles, so the newly announced figure of 450 miles was a pleasant surprise to many. The automaker attributed the increase to the extensive development and testing that the vehicle underwent over the past several months. The Silverado’s range is made possible by a 200-kWh battery that can charge up at 350 kW. By employing a DC fast charger, users can top up their car with 100 miles of range in just 10 minutes of charging. The higher than anticipated range is sure to be a hit with consumers who want to use their Silverado EV for extended periods.
Apart from the WT version launching in spring, the automaker is set to launch the Silverado in other variants. The RST version, designed with lifestyle in mind, will launch in fall, in a special First Edition guise. Chevy has confirmed that around 95% of reservations are for the RST version as it comes with impressive power, reaching 664 hp, and can go from 0-60mph in just 4.5 seconds. The powertrain also allows for a maximum payload of 1,300 pounds and towing capacity of 10,000 pounds. In contrast, the Work Truck will have 510 hp, maximum towing capability of 8,000 pounds, and a maximum payload of 1,200 pounds. Chevy has confirmed that a WT version with a maximum towing ability of 20,000 pounds is also in the pipeline.
Underpinning the Silverado EV is General Motors’ Ultium EV platform and battery set that is also present in other GM vehicles like the Cadillac Lyriq and GMC Hummer EV. The Ultium EV platform is power-packed, making it a popular choice for GM to feature in their latest electric models. The Silverado EV is about an inch longer than a Silverado 1500 with a crew cab and short bed, measuring 233 inches in length. The Silverado EV also comes with a front trunk or “frunk” and the option for a Multi-Flex tailgate that allows for up to ten feet of loading capacity when opened.
The Orion Assembly plant in Orion Township, Michigan, will be the production location for the Silverado EV, where the GMC Sierra EV will also be built alongside it. The base price for the Silverado EV is set at $39,900, plus destination, for the smaller battery variant, while the RST version will fetch a six-figure amount.
The latest offering from Chevy is a firm signal of their commitment to the electric vehicle industry. Their ability to offer such an impressive range on their full-size Silverado EV caters to the needs of consumers who want to use their trucks for extended periods, particularly those in rural areas and heavy-duty industries. Chevrolet is also joining the ranks of the few automakers with an electric truck on offer, most notably Tesla, which shook the industry with its Cybertruck. The Silverado EV is a promising addition to the electric vehicle industry, and its launch this spring is highly anticipated by many.
