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.[4]
The GMC counterpart, the GMC Sierra EV, was introduced in October 2022 with a restyled exterior and interior design.[5]
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.[6] It is available in a four-door Crew Cab configuration.[7][8]
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-foot (1.8 m) long bed is extendable to 10 feet 10 inches (3.3 meters). The front hood hosts a front trunk capable of handling three large suitcases.[9]
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.[9] Both fleet and retail production are expected to ramp up in 2024. Additional production at the Orion Assembly plant in Michigan is expected to begin in late 2025.[10]
2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV with its front trunk being opened (otherwise known as a frunk)
2024 GMC Sierra EV Denali Edition 1
Trim levels
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 440 miles of range on a full charge for the RST.
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