Chevrolet is making waves with the 2024 Silverado EV, boldly proclaiming it as a “pickup truck reimagined.” This reimagining, focused on maximizing efficiency and range – the new ‘MPG’ for electric trucks – follows in the footsteps of Rivian and Ford, pioneers in the all-electric pickup segment.
The Silverado EV’s design, featuring a crew-cab, two-row, five-seat configuration, echoes rather than pioneers current trends. It bears a resemblance to the larger, more powerful GMC Hummer EV Pickup launched in 2020. Both trucks take inspiration from the Chevy Avalanche of two decades past, utilizing a unibody construction stiffened by “sail” panels that gracefully extend from the cab roof to the bed rails. The Silverado EV also revives the Avalanche’s innovative mid-gate, which expands the cargo bed by opening the cab’s rear wall beneath the back window.
Positioning itself as only the fourth mass-production, full-size electric pickup in the market, the Silverado EV secures significant groundbreaker status. While the Tesla Cybertruck arrived slightly earlier and the Ram 1500 REV is anticipated in late 2024 or early 2025, the Silverado EV’s primary competitors in the current landscape are the Ford F-150 Lightning and Rivian R1T. The Cybertruck, with its unique design, occupies a niche of its own.
Chevrolet plans a diverse Silverado EV lineup, including retail and commercial versions. Initially, they are launching with the RST First Edition, available in limited quantities compared to the Ford F-150, which has been in production for two years. The First Edition trim carries a premium price tag, with Ford and Rivian offering more affordable entry points. A Silverado EV Trail Boss is slated for 2025, and Chevrolet has hinted at additional trims in the pipeline. For commercial buyers seeking efficiency and range, the Silverado EV is already available in 4WT and 3WT trims, with more commercial-focused options expected.
The Silverado EV First Edition RST boasts impressive power, delivering up to 754 horsepower and a 10,000-pound maximum towing capacity. Crucially for those seeking the “best mpg” equivalent in an electric truck, Chevrolet estimates a class-leading driving range of 440 miles. This focus on extended range positions the Silverado EV as a strong contender for drivers prioritizing efficiency and capability in a full-size electric truck.
Chevrolet equips the Silverado EV First Edition RST with a comprehensive suite of infotainment and safety technologies, including the SuperCruise hands-free highway driving system. While some features may be optional on lower trims, the commitment to technology further enhances the Silverado EV’s appeal in the competitive electric truck market.
