Not too long ago, gasoline and diesel powertrains, and maybe the occasional FlexFuel option, were pretty much the only game in town for pickups. But looking at trucks for sale these days, you’ll find plenty of models that have electric components, whether they’re hybrids or full-on EVs. This exciting shift in technology expands demand for eco-friendly vehicles into a whole new segment, and it’s led automakers to get experimental in the race to create the truck of the future.
For the 2024 model year, Chevrolet is adding its own entry into the arena of all-electric trucks with the Silverado EV. The Silverado nameplate has long been associated with power and reliability, but can an electric version maintain that reputation? We’re going to dive into the stats and figures of this EV pickup and see what it offers drivers looking to make pain at the pump a thing of the past.
Performance and Capability
The 2023 Silverado 1500 offers buyers four options when it comes to powertrains. The base 2.7L Turbo High-Output four-cylinder can deliver 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque. Some higher-level trims come standard with a 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 that boasts 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. The rugged off-road ZR2 trim sports a 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 that brings 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque to the table. All of those options run on gasoline, but those seeking better fuel efficiency and torque can opt for the available 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel engine, which produces 305 hp and 495 lb-ft of torque.
The 2023 Silverado 1500 is a powerful full-size pickup, and those powertrains are nothing to sneeze at. Not only can the truck tow up to 13,300 lbs and haul as much as 2,280 lbs of payload, but it’s also plenty quick. With the powerful 6.2L V8 under the hood, the Silverado can go from zero to sixty in a mere 5.4 seconds. But the Silverado EV makes the 2023 Silverado’s stats look mundane by comparison.
The Silverado EV is powered by two electric motors, and working together, they can really deliver. This electric workhorse produces up to 754 hp and 785 lb-ft of torque when you shift into Wide Open Watts mode, which unleashes the truck’s full power. In this mode, it can go from zero to sixty in a zippy 4.5 seconds.
Due to differences in electric vehicle technology, the Silverado EV’s mind-blowing stats don’t translate into higher towing and hauling capacities (at least, not yet). However, it has a towing capacity of 10,000 lbs and a payload capacity of 1,300 lbs, which is plenty for the average truck driver. Plus, Chevy has announced that a future model, likely set to debut for the 2025 model year, will be able to tow a whopping 20,000 lbs.
Charging and Range
The Silverado EV runs on the Ultium Platform, with a 24-module battery pack designed to provide plenty of power. With the largest battery option, the Silverado EV can travel an estimated 400 miles on a single charge. When it comes time to recharge, drivers have a few different options. Plugging into a 120-volt outlet (aka Level 1 charging) can be done just about anywhere, but it’s the slowest option. Get a 240-volt Level 2 charging station installed at home, and you can let your truck charge overnight.
If you need a quick power-up while out on the go, hook the Silverado EV up to a DC Fast Charging station and recharge at up to 350kW. Chevy estimates that you can replenish an extra 100 miles of range in just ten minutes this way, so you’ll be back on the road in no time. With charging stations becoming more common across the country, it’s getting easier and easier to take EVs out for longer distances without having to worry about running out of juice.
Accessory Power Bar
Of course, the main point of charging the battery is to give your truck the power it needs to get up and go. But you can also use that power to do other things. With Chevy’s available accessory power bar, the Silverado EV will give you up to 10 outlets that you can use to power just about anything, from tools at a worksite to equipment at a campsite. You can even power your entire house during a blackout! This system provides a total of 10.2kW of power.
High-Tech Displays
This wouldn’t be the truck of the future if it didn’t have a high-tech interior to match its cutting-edge powertrain. Luckily, Chevy delivers a sizable 17-inch LCD infotainment screen in the center console and an 11-inch driver display replacing the analog dials usually found behind the steering wheel. There is also a head-up display that provides a field of view of over 14 inches, making it easy to look at important information without taking your eyes off the road. The vehicle’s software can receive updates over the air, so the system can stay up-to-date on the latest innovations and access services in the cloud.
Cargo Volume
The Silverado EV comes standard with a six-foot bed. However, it can accommodate bulky items up to nine feet long if you opt for a model with the Multi-Flex Midgate. This lets larger cargo pass through into the back row of the cabin. Finally, the Multi-Flex Tailgate with its load stop gives you nearly 11 feet to play with for extra-long items. If you need to make room for a long object in the bed but still need to fit a passenger or two in the rear seat, that’s no problem since the 60/40 flip-and-fold back seat can be lowered on just one side, making the cargo space extra versatile.
Since the Silverado EV doesn’t have an engine under the hood, there’s room for a large sealed trunk up front. Unlike an open bed, the trunk is weatherproof, lockable, and private, making it a great place to store more valuable equipment and anything you don’t want to make room for in the cabin but don’t want to expose to the elements either. With a volume of 10.7 cu.ft., there’s room for plenty of stuff.
A Versatile Piece of Equipment
The Silverado EV has plenty of impressive stats that work together to make this electric workhorse a versatile piece of equipment. Its zippy powertrain gives drivers plenty of horsepower to work with, which should turn some heads while passing on the freeway. A 400-mile range means you don’t have to worry about stopping to charge often, even if you need to pick up cargo from a few counties over or have a long commute to your workplace. That range should also come in handy on trips out to campsites in the countryside, where charging stations may be few and far between.
The fact that the power can be used both for the motors and anything you might want to plug into an onboard outlet is also a useful touch with a wide range of applications. From using power tools at remote worksites to bringing your game up a level at the next tailgate party with a minifridge, stereo, or electric grill, this truck can help with just about anything. You don’t have to be a genius mathematician to see that the Silverado EV’s numbers add up to big possibilities.
