There has been a lot of hype surrounding the Chevy Silverado EV, which is set to come out in the summer of 2024. Electric vehicles are typically synonymous with small vehicles, so when Chevrolet started focusing more on EVs with offerings like the Bolt and the EV Equinox, the world speculated—will they be able to make a massive pickup like the Chevy Silverado an electric vehicle?
So when they announced that they’d be doing just that, drivers who’ve long been fans of the classic Silverado but who are also looking to the future and thinking electric were absolutely thrilled. That’s when the reservations began rolling in—over 100,000 drivers put down deposits to hold their Silverado EV. However, there have been some interesting reports on Chevy Silverado EV reservations and EV truck reservations in general. Let’s break these down before doing a sneak peek at what to expect in the Silverado EV.
A Look at the Reservations for EV Trucks
Reservations for all EV pickups are high, and for the Silverado, that’s no different. There are a reported 140,000 reservations for the Chevy Silverado EV and counting. However, a reservation doesn’t mean someone will buy a car with certainty—it just means they’d like the option. And in the world of car reservations, there is something called a “phantom reservation.” This is a reservation someone makes for a vehicle when they likely will not convert that reservation into a purchase. And, it turns out that Chevy has some of the highest number of phantom reservations.
So, why are phantom reservation numbers so high for the Chevy Silverado EV? Some experts hypothesize that it’s because drivers fear that by the time the truck actually comes out, the MSRP will change. That’s understandable since the MSRPs reported by Chevrolet are a bit all over the place. They have the starting MSRP estimated at $39,900 but also report that future variations could see a range of MSRPs from “around $50,000 to $60,000, $70,000, $80,000, and more…” So, it makes sense that drivers aren’t confident that the price they see when they make a reservation will be the price they’re offered when they go into purchase the car.
Another reason there are so many phantom reservations is that, generally, drivers interested in electric pickups tend to reserve several EV pickups – with the plan of just purchasing one. Between push-back dates on actual releases, changes in MSRPs, and a generally unpredictable EV truck landscape, drivers want options. If it turns out that one EV truck won’t work out, they want a backup plan. This is normal in EV truck shoppers across the board. But, reports show that 100 percent of people holding a Silverado EV reservation also have a reservation for an additional EV truck.
What to Know if You Reserve a Chevy Silverado EV
There are a few things to know before reserving your Chevy Silverado EV, should you choose to do so. First, you don’t reserve it directly with Chevy—you choose a participating dealer. You can find a list of these on Chevrolet’s website. So when making a reservation, you’ll enter some contact information, along with your selection of trim and other vehicle features. Finally, you’ll pick the participating dealer that’s most convenient for you.
You will make a $100 deposit, but this is refundable if you choose not to purchase the truck. So, even if you think you might be interested in the Chevy Silverado EV, it is worth it to reserve one as you will get that money back if you don’t move forward with an order. And, as we already stated, reservation figures are high, so you don’t want to miss out.
Once you’ve made a reservation, the dealership you choose will reach out to you when it’s time to make a purchase, which Chevrolet says “Is expected to occur several months before vehicle production date.” Once the dealership reaches out to you, you will discuss the price. So, just as you would when purchasing any vehicle at a dealership, reservation or no reservation, the matter of cost will still be up for negotiation when it’s time to get your car.
Quick Highlights About the Car
If your interest has been piqued and you’re considering reserving a Chevy Silverado EV, here are a few quick facts about the car you should know.
Cab Type
Currently, the Chevy Silverado EV is only available in Crew Cab models. This means it has a full-size back seat and a total of four doors. So those wanting a two-door, regular cab will have to wait, though we cannot confirm that those will ever be available on this vehicle.
Charging Time
Chevrolet reports that the Chevy Silverado EV has standard DC Fast Charging capabilities of up to 350 kW and can get about a 100-mile range in 10 minutes of charging. So the good news is you won’t have to wait long to hit the road again in this truck.
Towing Capacity
To get a clear answer on the towing capacity of your Chevy Silverado EV, you’ll need to know the trim. Chevy says it has a range of 8,000 to 20,000 lbs, depending on trim and battery size.
Cool Features To Look Forward To
Chevrolet wouldn’t just release an electric version of its classic Silverado without adding some buzz-worthy features. They already went through the trouble of converting this traditional gas-guzzler into an electric car, so, while they were in there, they also made some other enhancements that make the Silverado stand out against the competition.
Hands-Free Driving
For starters, Chevy will offer on its Silverado EV the first ever genuine hands-free driver-assistance technology. This will make hands-free driving available on over 200,000 miles of compatible roads in the US and Canada, truly making this a car of the future.
Tons Of Info And Infotainment
Inside the cabin, you’ll find a generous amount of information and screens for all of your needs. First off, it’s got a 17-inch infotainment screen for you to access apps, navigation systems, and beyond. Then it has an 11-inch diagonal driver instrument display. And after all of that, you also get a 14-inch head-up display. Everywhere you look inside the cab, you find information and entertainment at your fingertips.
Automatic Ignition
Another fun feature is the automatic ignition. When drivers enter the vehicle with their compatible device (think a fob), the car turns on automatically, so you can use your hands to buckle up and choose your play station.
Still Interested?
So, even though the figures and reports surrounding reservations for the Chevy Silverado EV are a bit confusing, it’s clear that this is still a car to get excited about. We’re not convinced those phantom reservations won’t turn into real purchases—many shoppers are likely just keeping their options open and don’t necessarily want to wait until 2024 to get their Chevy Silverado EV. If you are such a driver, don’t forget that you can always opt for one of the electric trucks that come out sooner and then trade yours in for the Chevy EV once it’s available. Given a little time, you can also read more user reviews of the various trims and have more information about which one is right for you.
Electric vehicles are the way of the future, and if you don’t want to give up driving a pickup or give up one of the best truck brands in America, the great news is that now you don’t have to with the Chevy Silverado EV.
