Alright folks, buckle up because we’re diving into the future of pickups with the 2024 all-electric Chevrolet Silverado. Chevy’s best-selling nameplate has gone electric, promising an impressive blend of power, innovation, and a touch of that classic Silverado robustness. We all know that moving towards EV trucks is going to be a seismic shift and for some a pill that is hard to swallow. However, Chevrolet has been a leader in trucks for decades so let’s dive into their offering.

Key Features at a Glance

Let’s hit the highlights first, because who doesn’t love a good bullet point?

• 450-mile EPA-estimated range on the 4WT
• 440-mile GM-estimated range on the RST
• 754 horsepower and 785 lb-ft of torque in Wide Open Watts Mode (RST)
• 0-60 mph in under 4.5 seconds
• DC fast charging up to 350kW
• 10,000 pounds of maximum trailering capacity
• 1,500 pounds of payload on RST

Now, let’s take a deeper dive into why the Silverado EV might just be the game-changer we’ve been waiting for in EV trucks.

CHECK THIS OUT! Please check out the Silverado EV forum here; https://silveradoevtalk.com and Facebook Group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/chevrolet.silverado.ev/

A New Era for Chevy Trucks

“Chevrolet has been building trucks for nearly 100 years and understands what customers want and need in a pickup,” said Scott Bell, vice president of Chevrolet. And it shows. The Silverado EV is designed from the ground up on GM’s Ultium Platform, delivering a truck that’s as capable as it is innovative.

The Silverado EV comes in two flavors: the First Edition RST for those who want all the bells and whistles and the fleet-oriented WT model for the workhorse crowd. Both versions pack a suite of standard and optional safety technologies.

The RST First Edition: All the Goodies

The RST model is like the Swiss Army knife of trucks. Here’s what you get:

• Four-Wheel Steer for tighter turns and better handling
• Automatic Adaptive Air Suspension to smooth out the ride
• Multi-Flex Midgate and Tailgate to expand cargo space
• 17-inch LCD infotainment screen paired with an 11-inch driver instrument display
• Super Cruise for hands-free driving on over 400,000 miles of roads across the U.S. and Canada

What’s Under the Hood? (Or, Should We Say, Where the Hood Used to Be?)

Gone are the days of popping the hood to check the engine. Instead, you’ve got a performance powerhouse with:

• 754 horsepower with more than 785 lb-ft of torque in the RST
• 0-60 mph in under 4.5 seconds—talk about a quick getaway!
• 510 hp and 615 lb-ft of torque in the WT, making it a solid performer for fleet needs

Power and Performance

The Silverado EV doesn’t just promise performance; it delivers. With DC fast charging capabilities of up to 350kW, you can add about 100 miles of range in just 10 minutes. Plus, the PowerBase charging system offers up to 11 outlets, providing 10.2kW of all-electric power for worksites or camping trips. PLUS! You can charge another EV with the available accessory charge cord—perfect for when your buddy’s EV runs out of juice on the trail or camp site.

Design and Utility

Chevy’s design team didn’t hold back. With a sleek exterior designed to cut through the air like a hot knife through butter, the Silverado EV is all about efficiency and aesthetics. The Crew Cab model offers plenty of space, with a shorter front overhang for a more aggressive stance and better visibility.

Inside, the Silverado EV is as functional as it is stylish. You’ve got customizable storage solutions, a lockable eTrunk, and even a fixed-glass roof in the RST for that open-air feel. Trucks have been moving more and more towards function but luxury inside and both models follow that trend.

The Future of Towing and Hauling

Let’s talk utility. The Silverado EV offers:

• 10,000 pounds of towing capacity—whether you’re hauling a trailer or a boat or Cybertrailer, this truck’s got you covered.
• 1,500 pounds of payload in the RST, making it just as capable as its gas-guzzling predecessors.

Charging the Silverado EV

Worried about range and charging infrastructure? Don’t be. Chevy’s collaboration with the broader industry is accelerating the installation of public charging stations across North America. The MyChevrolet mobile app gives RST owners access to over 174,000 public chargers. This number is vastly growing and analysis is being done on how many we will need in the next 20 years.

• 800-volt DC fast charging ensures you’re never left waiting too long to get back on the road.

Will people buy EV trucks right now?

There’s no denying that EV trucks are stirring the pot in the automotive world. Traditional gas and diesel truck owners are understandably skeptical about making the switch to electric. Concerns about range, towing capacity, and charging infrastructure are valid points of contention. There is also a opinion among a some vocal minority groups that broadly EV’s will not last the test of time.

Some people even pointed to how GM is even delaying the production of a second EV truck plant due to uncertain demand. However, some interpreted the news as less demand issues as future planning for an all EV fleet. So while the future of EVs is bright, the path forward is still being paved.

Is the Silverado EV a winner?

Switching to an electric truck like the Silverado EV involves more than just embracing new technology; it’s about adopting a new lifestyle that prioritizes sustainability without sacrificing power or utility. Chevrolet has meticulously designed this truck to meet the needs of a wide range of drivers, from fleet operators looking for reliable, high-capacity vehicles to individual owners seeking a versatile and eco-friendly truck for daily use. There will be growing pains as we expand to more and more EV cars and trucks. The need to fast charge especially in commercial applications is a must. EV trucks will not anytime soon replace diesel trucks that are in constant daily use towing heavy equipment around. However, there is progress in all aspects of this industry with lots of entrepreneurs and capital to see it succeed. The Silverado EV will no doubt succeed, it just may take time to see mass adoption.