The Chevrolet Silverado has ranked among America’s top-selling vehicles for years thanks to Chevrolet truck brand loyalty spanning generations. Now Chevy is electrifying its half-ton pickup franchise with the 2024 Silverado EV – an all-electric version promising zero-emissions operation with no compromise on capabilities.
As one of the most hotly anticipated EV launches ever, the Silverado EV represents a historic milestone for both General Motors and the pickup segment. Let‘s explore everything we know so far about Chevy’s electric truck contender.
Overview
The Chevrolet Silverado EV bursts onto the scene to take on Ford’s F-150 Lightning and other EV pickups arriving from companies like Rivian and GMC. As consumer appetite for electric vehicles keeps growing, an electric option for Chevy’s huge pickup truck fanbase is strategically timely.
For 2024, Chevy will launch the Silverado EV in two trim flavors:
- Work Truck (WT): Starts at $39,900
- RST First Edition: Starts at $105,000
Despite the price gap, both WT and RST trims share the same Ultium battery platform and many of the same groundbreaking features. The Work Truck focuses more on affordability and capability while the RST First Edition piles on the luxury, tech, and performance.
Range and Power
Chevy states both Silverado EV models should deliver over 400 miles on a full charge – among the highest ranges in the EV truck market. Exact EPA certification is still pending.
Performance also impresses thanks to the instantaneous torque from electric motors. The Work Truck produces 510 hp and 615 ft-lbs of torque while the RST First Edition dials it up to 664 hp / 780 lb-ft torque.
Towing and hauling capacities meet standards buyers expect from a full-size Silverado, while added bonuses like a large front trunk and up to 10.2 kW of offboard power give the Silverado EV extra versatility.
Overall, it’s shaping up as compelling option whether customers need to haul heavy cargo or just want to tap into the excitement surrounding electric vehicles. And speaking of high-tech features, the Silverado EV has them in spades…
Design and Technology Specs
As Chevy’s first model developed from the ground up as an EV, the Silverado EV takes advantage by packaging its flat battery pack underneath the cabin. This creates a spacious, modern interior cockpit unlike any Silverado before.
But first – what’s underneath?
Ultium Platform: The Heart of GM’s EV Strategy
General Motors’ new Ultium batteries and electric architecture represent the foundational technology enabling the Silverado EV and other upcoming EVs.
Batteries and Range
At the core of Ultium sits large-format NCMA battery cells offering up to 200 kWh capacity in GM’s current Hummer and Cadillac vehicles. By vertically stacking cells in modules within a pack, engineers can scale battery size and layout to fit different vehicle segments.
Advantages of Ultium batteries include:
- Cutting-edge NCMA chemistry for optimized energy density and reduced cost
- Wireless battery management system monitoring
- Excellent thermal dynamics via coolant flow through individual modules
This advanced battery system helps the Silverado EV target a gm-estimated over 400 miles on a full charge. Exact EPA range certification is still forthcoming.
Power Distribution
Silverado EV motors mount longitudinally within the chassis – one motor integrated within the rear axle drives the WT trim while the RST adds a front drive motor. Power outputs are:
- Work Truck: Single rear motor producing 510 hp / 615 lb-ft torque
- RST First Edition: Dual rear and front motors generating 664 hp / 780 lb-ft torque
Architecture
By flipping around the battery pack and consolidating other components, GM vehicle designers opened up the interior space for passengers and storage compared to internal combustion Silverados.
Other Silverado EV platform advantages include:
- Lower center of gravity enhances handling and stability
- Massive underfloor storage capacity like the frunk
- Flat load floor for easier cargo loading
- Improved ride quality via independent rear suspension
Now let’s examine the interior.
Interior, Utility and Storage
Climbing inside the 2024 Silverado EV reveals an environment focused on interface, connectivity, and practicality. Multiple displays provide access to apps and information while creative cargo options fit the needs of work and play.
Infotainment and Connectivity
- 17” LCD touchscreen anchors the modern dash
- 11” driver info cluster delivers data like range, power levels
- Google built-in OS enables live mapping, entertainment
- OTA updates continuously upgrade software
Utility
Creative storage spaces throughout pay homage to classic Silverado versatility:
- 5’ 11” bed expands via Midgate folding rear wall
- Large frunk storage up front with power outlets
- Fold-down console bin between cab and bed wall
Comfort and Convenience
- Heated and ventilated front row seating
- Heated second row outboard seats
- Multi-zone automatic climate control
- Hands-free start and unlocking
But besides carrying stuff, truck customers need to tow stuff…
Performance, Range and Towing
Hauling and towing metrics remain top criteria for any full-size pickup. Here’s how Silverado EV models measure up:
Work Truck (WT)
- 510 hp / 615 lb-ft electric torque
- GM-estimated 400+ mile range
- 8,000 lbs towing capacity standard
- Up to 20,000 lbs max towing planned
RST First Edition
| Category | RST Spec |
|---|---|
| Power | 664 hp / 780 lb-ft torque |
| Range | 400+ mile (GM est.) |
| Acceleration | 0-60 mph in 4.5 secs |
| Payload | 1,300 lbs |
| Towing | 10,000 lbs standard |
Note GM intends to sell a WT Max Trailering model in future years offering 20,000 lbs of max towing capacity.
Both Silverado EV models employ Four-Wheel Steer for tighter turning radii in low speed driving – handy for navigating off-road trails or parking lots.
Availability Timeline
When can buyers get their hands on Chevy’s new EV halo truck? The production timeline slates initial Silverado EV manufacturing by early 2023.
Here is GM’s targeted rollout cadence:
- Early 2023: Production begins at Factory ZERO Detroit plant
- Summer 2023: First WT and RST Edition deliveries
- 2023: Both WT & RST trims available
- 2024: Potential additional trims released
Factory ZERO – originally called Detroit-Hamtramck – gained its new name when GM dedicated the facility solely to EV production. Once at full capacity, the factory aims to pump out 400,000+ electric vehicles annually including both Silverado EV and GMC Hummer models.
As of April 2022, over 140,000 customers plunked down $100 refundable reservations for the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV indicating plenty of pent-up demand.
The Bottom Line
General Motors makes a bold statement by unveiling its revolutionary Chevy Silverado EV pickup. Alongside the mighty Ford F-150 Lightning and upstarts like Rivian, the Silverado EV barrels toward an all-electric future for American truck traditionalists.
Chevy’s initial EV variants promise 400+ miles of range, potent torque matching V8 power, and versatile utility true to the Silverado ethos – all for just under $40,000 to start.
For contractors, off-road explorers, or tech-minded families needing a flexible daily commuter, the 2024 Silverado EV checks the boxes. We’ll know if Chevy has an electric winner on its hands when the first trucks arrive next year.
