Reservation books are open for the first-ever all-electric Chevrolet Silverado. Chevrolet debuted the 2024 Silverado EV pickup earlier this month, and it delivers some impressive numbers. Chevy says the pickup will deliver a GM-estimated 400-mile range. WT and RST First Edition launch models will both offer standard DC-fast charging and up to 10.2kW of offboard charging with optional equipment. The RST model will be the most powerful - offering up to 664-horsepower and 780 pound-feet of torque, 10,000 pounds maximum trailering and 1,300 pounds maximum payload.
Chevrolet will initially offer the Silverado EV in two configurations: a WT (Work Truck) and a luxury (and $$$) RST First Edition. Both will feature GM's largest battery that will deliver the GM-estimated 400-mile range. The WT arrives first in 2023 with the First Edition in the fall of 2023 and other models in the lineup to follow.
The flagship RST First Edition includes:
The WT will launch first for fleet customers. It will deliver 510-horsepower and 615 lb.-ft. of torque. The WT will offer 8,000 pounds max trailering and 1,200 pounds of payload. After initial launch, Chevrolet will introduce a fleet model with up to 20,000 pounds max trailering with the max tow package.
"GM Fleet has long provided customers with great products and services, an exceptional customer experience and innovative solutions to meet their unique business needs,” said Ed Peper, vice president of GM Fleet. “We’re excited to launch the Silverado EV, providing customers with a true work-capable truck to help them begin the transition to an electric fleet and assist them in achieving their own sustainability goals.”
The Silverado EV is built on GM’s advanced Ultium EV Platform, the foundation of GM’s EV strategy and the driver of the company’s vision for a zero-emissions future.
“Chevrolet has constantly revolutionized the Silverado franchise to make it the powerhouse it is today,” said Steve Hill, vice president of Chevrolet. “The Ultium Platform is a critical enabler of next-level pickup truck performance for both fleet and retail customers, whether they are currently driving a Silverado or are considering a pickup for the first time."
“The Ultium Platform enabled our design and engineering teams to start from a clean slate and create a pickup with impressive performance and capability,” said Nichole Kraatz, Silverado EV chief engineer. “The result is a truly impressive testament to the creativity and innovation our teams can bring to market with speed and at scale.”
The chassis is designed with independent front and rear suspensions, with power transferred to the available 24-inch wheels on RST via front- and rear-drive motors that compose the e4WD system. Automatic Adaptive Air Suspension enables the vehicle to be raised or lowered up to 2 inches (50 mm).
Four-wheel steer capability reduces the turning radius at lower speeds for greater maneuverability in parking lots, and enhances handling and stability at higher speeds, particularly when trailering.
The RST and WT models also come with Tow/Haul mode, trailer hitch provisions, and an integrated trailer brake controller and Hitch Guidance. The RST also includes Chevy’s Advanced Trailering System.
Charging
The RST and WT feature public DC fast-charging capabilities of up to 350kW enabling approximately 100 miles of range to be added in 10 minutes, based on GM estimates.
When combined with the available accessory power bar, the Silverado EV’s PowerBase charging system offers up to 10 outlets, to provide a total of 10.2kW of all-electric power for countless worksite or recreational needs, including powering your home, with the required equipment.
The Silverado EV is also capable of charging another EV using the available accessory charge cord, sharing its power in times of need.
In myChevrolet Mobile App, drivers can create energy-efficient route planning even while trailering.
RST owners also have access to Ultium Charge 360, GM’s holistic approach to EV charging, which is designed to simplify the overall charging experience, including access to more than 100,000 publicly available charging points in the U.S. and Canada.
WT customers have access to Ultium Charge 360 Fleet Service, which offers one of the industry’s most comprehensive charging solutions for businesses, whether drivers take their vehicles home or return to a central depot.
Design
Exterior wise, designers went for bold, capable and athletic looks. Chevy says the sculpted front-end design is designed to efficiently direct air down the body side, significantly reducing drag and turbulence. As a result, the Silverado EV WT is estimated to have one of the lowest drag coefficients of any available production full-size pickup truck, which helps with range.
Chevrolet also says the Silverado EV is also designed for functional flexibility.
“We had no constraints when it came to designing the Silverado EV with dramatic style and flexible utility because we didn’t need to work around a traditional propulsion system,” said Phil Zak, executive director of Chevrolet Design. “The Ultium Platform allowed us to redefine what it means to offer expansive new storage and utility possibilities.”
The eTrunk – a lockable, weatherproof compartment in the front of the vehicle – provides enough space to fit a large hard sided suitcase and a multitude of accessory options for both fleet and retail customers to load gear based on the unique needs of the customer.
The RST’s modular console features a capacity of just over 7 gallons, meaning a lunch cooler can easily fit inside.
On the RST, the storage capacity of the 5-foot-11-inch bed is maximized thanks to the innovative available Multi-Flex Midgate, which provides just over 9 feet of storage between the cab and the tailgate when the Midgate is open.
Technology
Chevrolet also says the Silverado will be the brand’s first application of Ultifi, a new Linux-based software platform. The in-house developed system separates the vehicle’s software from the hardware to enable rapid and frequent software updates.
A new, hands-free start feature on the RST allows the vehicle to turn on automatically after the driver enters with an enabled device.
The Silverado EV will be built at GM's new Factory ZERO Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Center. The WT model arrives in spring of 2023. The RST First Edition arrives in the fall of 2023 with an MSRP of $105,000 + DFC. After production ramps up, Chevrolet says we'll see the full Silverado EV portfolio, including WT (with a starting at MSRP of $39,900 + DFC), RST, Trail Boss and more. Chevy says the truck will offer various prices ranges, with MSRPs around $50,000, $60,000, $70,000, $80,000 and above.
All Photos Credit: Chevrolet
