This year’s CES is full of EV headlines, from a Sony EV to Chrysler’s Airflow concept and much more. GM’s accelerated push into electric vehicles made news with multiple head-turning announcements at CES. Arguably, the unveiling of the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV is the biggest deal of all in an expo full of automotive gamechangers. 

Although Tesla’s Cybertruck started the electric pickup conversation with the swing of a sledgehammer into a windshield in 2019, other automakers are much closer to bringing electric trucks (or dare I say e-trucks?) to market. The outdoorsy Rivian R1T has begun deliveries, and the GMC Hummer EV is crab-walking its way into customers’ hands.  But these two premium offerings are a price point or two above what the majority of drivers can afford. Enter the Ford F-150 Lightning and its chief competition, the all-new Chevrolet Silverado EV.

The 2024 Silverado Is Positioned to Win Over Traditional Truck Buyers and First-Timers

During the CES unveiling last week, General Motors CEO Mary Barra made it clear that the upcoming electric Silverado “can be what you need and want it to be”, as they put it. Those in need of a long-range electric work truck with 10 power outlets for tools and equipment will find what they need in the Silverado ‘Work Truck’ or WT. All trims will be Crew Cab designed with a 40/60 split on the second row.

For the truck-aspiring commuter or casual heavy-hauler, the boundary-breaking Silverado RST ups the ante and launches the MSRP to six figures. You could argue that the RST is closer to what the new Hummer offers than the WT version of the Silverado. Surveys of EV-curious consumers show that Americans are feeling uneasy about the switch from gas stations to charging infrastructure. The 2024 Silverado EV is out to change that, with up to 400 miles of range and true rapid charging capabilities. 

For now, Chevrolet only mentions a future with a “full lineup of Silverado EVs” that will include mid-level trims. The press release announcing the launch outlines plans to “unleash the full Silverado EV portfolio, including WT (with a starting MSRP of $39,900 + destination charges), RST, Trail Boss and more. Customers will have the ability to content the truck across various price ranges, with MSRPs around $50,000, $60,000, $70,000, $80,000 and more.” We’ll update this page as we learn more. 

GM’s Cutting-Edge Ultium Platform Sees Action

When GM first ventured into the world of electrification with the Chevrolet Volt in 2010, battery costs were about $1,000 per kWh. That meant that the Volt’s 16 kWh battery was the most expensive component of the car. Now, Mary Barra says that their all-new Ultium platform will be produced at less than $100 per kWh. To be frank, that’s a gamechanger for any legacy automaker, let alone one that has been plagued with battery recalls and outdated electric powertrains. The press release announcing Ultium didn’t beat around the bush, stating that “the first generation of GM’s future EV program will be profitable.”

What does the Ultium platform mean for the 2024 Silverado EV? Outstanding range figures, efficient electric motors and exceptional charging speeds will come standard. Chevrolet claims up to 400 miles of range, and 100 miles of added driving range in just 10 minutes at DC fast chargers. All OEMs partner with suppliers for battery (and combustion engine) components to some extent. GM’s engineers designed the Ultium platform, but LG will be in charge of making the battery packs for the time being. Despite the kerfuffle between the two corporations over LG’s Chevy Bolt battery debacle, it looks like the partnership is continuing. Besides, LG Chem is a respected battery supplier for Stellantis, Lucid and even some Tesla models.

Specs: Power, Range and Flexible Dimensions Inside and Out

In summary, the upcoming electric Silverado is charging full steam ahead in the race to dominate the electric pickup truck segment. Here’s what GM has shared with us so far:

When it comes to towing and payload, the Silverado EV is no slouch. GM says a future WT Max version will be capable of towing 20,000 pounds.

Technology: OTA Updates, Big Screens and Hands-Free Driving

The Silverado EV is packed with the latest technology, including an advanced software system that enables over-the-air updates, a feature popularized by Tesla that is quickly spreading among automakers. As a driver approaches the luxurious RST, a distinctive lighting animation greets them. Infotainment and driver information is presented on the RST’s large 17-inch screen, which is paired with a neighboring 11-inch driver instrument display. There’s also a driver head-up display with a field of view over 14 inches. 

The RST includes trailer-capable Super Cruise, GM’s hands-free driver-assistance technology. Super Cruise works on more than 200,000 miles of compatible roads across the U.S. and Canada.

The 2024 Silverado EV’s Most Anticipated Features

The 2024 Silverado will enter a crowding field of full-size electric trucks. What makes the Silverado stand out from the F-150 Lightning, Rivian R1T, GMC Hummer EV and the eventual Tesla Cybertruck?

Up to 400 miles of range

This is outstanding, and it might even be too good. With the DC fast charging capabilities that come with the Silverado (see below), there’s hardly a need for more than 300 miles of real-world range. On the other hand, 400 miles of range makes the Silverado EV a great overlanding option for those who venture far off the beaten path. In all likelihood, Chevrolet will have quite the upcharge for the maximum range. Most trim options will most likely feature ranges in the 250-320 mile range. The Silverado’s main competitor, the Ford F-150 Lightning, is only capable of up to 300 miles of range on select trims. With the Ford, a minimum price tag of about $70,000 unlocks the max range. 

Up to 350 kW charge speeds

All trims of the Silverado EV will be capable of super-fast DC fast charging at 350 kW speeds. In 2022, only the Porsche Taycan and Lucid Air are capable of such rapid charging. Soon, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Kia EV6 will join their ranks. Why then, is it ‘up to’ 350 kW charging? Not all public fast chargers are capable of such high outputs. The good news is that all new Electrify America charging stations are equipped for 350 kW. GM says that the Silverado will add 100 miles of range in just 10 minutes at such a powerful charging station. Of particular note, the F-150 Lightning will only accept 150 kW charging speeds. The Silverado has a clear advantage here. 

Vehicle-to-load capability makes the Silverado a mobile generator

GM says that the new Silverado is basically a rolling generator, if you buy the required accessories. “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.” It can even charge other electric vehicles!

Flexible interior and bed dimensions

On the RST, the storage capacity of the 5-foot-11-inch bed is maximized thanks to the Multi-Flex Midgate, which provides just over 9 feet of storage between the cab and the tailgate when the Midgate is open. The Silverado RST EV has a noticeably larger bed than the F-150 Lightning’s 5.5 foot offering. But wait, there’s more! The Multi-Flex Tailgate enables up to 10 feet, 10 inches of load floor and storage capability. An available tonneau cover allows for fully lockable, weatherproof storage. Furthermore, there’s a sizable frunk (front trunk) that Chevy is calling the eTrunk. 

Pricing and Availability

GM has a plan for the rollout of the 2024 Silverado EV, so we’ll give it to you straight from the horse’s mouth. 

“The Silverado EV will be assembled with domestically and globally-sourced parts at GM’s Factory ZERO, Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Center — a facility repurposed and retooled with a $2.2-billion investment devoted to EV production.

In spring 2023, the Silverado EV will debut a WT model offering GM’s longest range battery with an expected GM-estimated range of over 400 miles on a full charge. In fall 2023, a fully loaded RST First Edition model, also delivering a 400-mile range, will debut with an MSRP of $105,000 + DFC. After production ramps up, Chevrolet will unleash the full Silverado EV portfolio, including WT (with a starting MSRP of $39,900 + DFC), RST, Trail Boss and more. Customers will have the ability to content the truck across various price ranges, with MSRPs around $50,000, $60,000, $70,000, $80,000 and more, allowing them to choose the truck that meets their capability and pricing needs.”

So there you have it. Availability is limited through 2023 or perhaps well into 2024. In fact, most EVs have limited availability through 2022, as we outlined for you in our recent article. The F-150 Lightning does have the advantage here, as it will be available starting late this year. 

CarEdge’s Take On the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV

The upcoming electric Silverado looks to be a transformational truck with amazing range, power and flexibility. Plus, there’s a whole lot of luxury on the RST. Here’s what we’re keeping an eye on as your consumer advocates: Several of the neat features that Chevrolet touts are only available with the purchase of ‘accessories’. The following features require some sort of accessory or upgrade:

• The Silverado EV’s PowerBase charging system offers up to 10 outlets, to provide a total of 10.2kW of all-electric power ‘with the required equipment’
• The Silverado is capable of charging another EV using the ‘available’ accessory charge cord
• The storage capacity of the 5-foot-11-inch bed can be extended to 9 feet with the ’available’ Multi-Flex Midgate
• The ‘available’ Multi-Flex Tailgate enables up to 10 feet, 10 inches of load floor and storage capability.
• An ‘available’ tonneau cover protects belongings in the bed
• Up to 664 horsepower with more than 780 lb-ft of torque in ‘available’ Wide Open Watts mode
• This next one is less of a shock: 400 miles of range will be available with select trims. It’s not clear what the base range will be.

As you can see, the pricing structure may become a numbers game once Chevrolet starts shipping the Silverado EV to dealerships in 2023. Hopefully the available accessories are offered at a reasonable price. 

The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV shows just how far legacy OEMs have come in their push towards electrification. GM has already committed $35 billion to electrification over the next decade, and their prized Ultium platform is looking like a real gamechanger. It’s exciting that we’ll soon see the result of their investments. What do you think? Is the electric truck segment about to get serious? Or were you hoping for lower prices and better specs? Let us know in the comments below, or better yet, join our CarEdge Community forum to connect with auto experts, consumers and fellow car enthusiasts.

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