Despite using the Silverado nameplate, the vehicle does not share its underpinnings with the ICE-powered Silverado, as it is built on a narrower version of the dedicated electric platform used by the GMC Hummer EV. The Silverado EV is the first Chevrolet-branded electric pickup truck since the experimental S-10 EV and VIA VTRUX.[3]
The GMC counterpart, the GMC Sierra EV, was introduced in October 2022 with a restyled exterior and interior design.[4]
Overview
The Silverado EV was introduced at the 2022 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) on January 5, 2022. Instead of using the existing Silverado platform, it uses the electric-only BT1 platform with an Ultium battery. While the wheelbase and overall length are similar to the ICE-powered Silverado, the proportions are significantly altered which enables it to adopt a more aerodynamic exterior design and a forward-shifted cab to increase interior space.[5] It is available in a four-door Crew Cab configuration.[6][7]
All models are powered by front and rear electric motors with optional 200 kWh battery and uses independent front and rear suspension. The truck will initially have a towing capacity of 8,000 lb (3,629 kg), but Chevrolet will offer a max tow package that will increase the figure up to 20,000 lb (9,072 kg).
The truck features a midgate which is similar to the one in the Avalanche, which allows the wall separating the bed from the cab to be lowered in a 60:40 split to increase the effective bed length while leaving room for a rear passenger. The rear glass is removable and can be stored in the folding section, further enlarging the opening. Combined with the tailgate, the 5.9 feet long bed is extendable to 10 feet 10 inches. The front hood hosts a front trunk capable of handling three large suitcases.[8]
Production started at the Factory Zero assembly plant (formerly Detroit/Hamtramck Assembly) in the second quarter of 2023, in limited numbers for fleet and commercial customers only.[8] Both fleet and retail production are expected to ramp up in 2024. Additional production at the Orion Assembly plant in Ohio is expected to begin in late 2025.[9]
Trim levels
2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV with its trunk being opened (otherwise known as a frunk)
Two trim levels were available at its introduction, both for the fleet-oriented work truck: 3WT and 4WT. The flagship RST First Edition will debut in mid-2024. Additional trim levels, such as the off-road oriented Trail Boss, will be released later. The WT has a power output of 510 hp (517 PS; 380 kW) and 615 lb⋅ft (834 N⋅m; 85.0 kg⋅m) of torque, while the RST offers a power output of 664 hp (673 PS; 495 kW) and 780 lb⋅ft (1,060 N⋅m; 108 kg⋅m).
The WT trim features a more basic appearance, silver-painted steel wheels, black front and rear bumpers and exterior accents, and a vinyl interior with rubberized floors, while the RST features a sporty appearance with large aluminum-alloy wheels, color-keyed front and rear bumpers and exterior accents, a luxury leather-trimmed interior, and carpeted flooring with front and rear floor mats. Both models include a touchscreeninfotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Autosmartphone integration, as well as a large Thin Film Transistor (TFT) reconfigurable LCD full-color instrument cluster display screen. Also standard on both models are LED front headlamps and a dual-zone automatic climate control system.
The RST First Edition trim features a drive mode called Wide Open Watts, that enables 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) time in less than 4.5 seconds. It also will come equipped with 24-inch wheels, four-wheel steering, an adaptive air suspension that can raise or lower the model up to 2 in (51 mm), and a Super Cruise semi-autonomous driving system. GM expects about 400 miles of range on a full charge for the RST.
