Pickups are still huge for manufacturers. The top two selling vehicles in America are full-size trucks from Ford and Chevrolet. Now, Chevy joins the EV truck race with the Silverado EV.
Where the Ford EV truck looks a lot like the gas version, Chevrolet went with a different styling route to differentiate from its normal gas truck.
A more futuristic take on the truck is on display as LED lighting spans the length of the grill. It also provides a light show when unlocking the truck or when the charging starts.
This EV Silverado looks a bit more sleek and more aerodynamically shaped than any Chevy truck before. It’s more rounded with softer lines, and not as mean and tough as the normal gas version.
There is no separate bed — it’s integrated like the Chevrolet Avalanche of 10 years ago.
This truck is ready to work.
The bed is wide and ready to haul, and it has the nifty multiflex tailgate with six unique settings rather than just open or close. The biggest difference is in the midgate, where the back glass comes out and a panel and rear seats fold allowing 10-foot items to be stored within the truck without jutting out past an open rear tailgate.
Driving the Silverado EV is like driving any other Chevy, except there’s no key or start button. Just hop in and shift to drive or reverse as long as you have the key fob on you. The sheer silence takes a few minutes to process as well.
It’s a very good travel partner providing a comfortable ride on the highway, and it handles most bumps with ease with the air ride suspension. The Super Cruise handles highway driving chores and will even change lanes when needed without driver intervention.
With rear wheel steering, it’s much easier in tighter spaces and the turning circle is like a smaller sedan.
The power is impressive with over 750 horsepower instantly ready, which makes it great at hauling people and gear effortlessly. The Silverado EV RST can get 440 miles on a charge.
The big battery pack charges quickly when you use the high-speed D.C. public chargers, but it can be pricey. It’s best to have a Level 2 home charger to keep the price down.
The first model for the Chevrolet EV is the RST model, a fully loaded version of the truck. All the toys come standard at a nearly six-figure price tag.
The power front leather seats provide great comfort, and the heated rear seats fit three easily with ample head and leg room. Some of trim pieces and materials are still a bit of a let down in a few places in the cabin, especially the door panels.
Hard plastics are visible, and should be out sight for this price point. However, the dash now houses a modern digital instrument cluster and large 17.7-inch central screen that works really well without lag, and even Google is built in.
There is good storage in the cabin, and a trunk under the front hood allows for dry storage and a place to store the AC charging cord. The RST model I drove comes with PowerShift charger that can provide power to your house if you lose power and have the optional home kit.
Cost: $94,500; as tested $96,710
MPG: Can get up to 440 miles on a charge.
Options: $140 all-weather mat; $75 Etrunk cargo net
Safety: Front and rear park assist; multicolor head-up display; teen driver mode; automatic emergency braking; lane change alert with side blind zone alert; forward collision alert; following distance indicator; IntelliBeam headlamp control; rear cross traffic alert; Chevy safety assist; front pedestrian & bicyclist braking; HD surround vision
Things to know: The first electric Silverado is an easy to live with EV that offers long range and capability. The RST version comes loaded and is pricey. Other trim levels are on the way at a lower price.
Pros:
- Long range and fast charging, the Silverado EV takes some of the range worry away.
- Plenty of power makes for easy hauling and towing.
- Loads of technology and Super Cruise can manage many of the highway driving duties.
Cons:
- Pricey RST trim level for the first version of the EV Silverado.
- Improved interior but there are still cheaper trim pieces.
- Feels heavy and a bit uncomfortable on curvy back roads.
