Analysis: 2024 Chevy Silverado EV RST now available to the public
The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV, a full-size electric pickup, initially launched in its Work Truck version for fleet customers almost a year ago. It’s just recently become accessible for individual consumers.
The initial retail model available is the high-end 2024 Chevy Silverado EV RST First Edition. We had the opportunity to drive a black version, valued at slightly under $100,000, for nearly 100 miles in the mostly flat areas around Detroit.
Representatives from Chevrolet chose not to comment on the details of the trims positioned below the RST in the lineup. The RST trim includes several enhancements not available on the standard Work Truck, such as an adjustable air suspension, rear-wheel steering, a panoramic glass roof, 24-inch alloy wheels, the option for Super Cruise hands-free driving, and various driving modes.
Silverado EV’s range and efficiency are key highlights of the series. With an EPA-rated combined range reaching up to 450 miles thanks to its approximately 205 kWh battery capacity, it surpasses all other electric trucks currently available. The RST First Edition, specifically, is estimated to offer 440 miles. This impressive range is likely to provide peace of mind to potential buyers concerned about unexpectedly depleting their battery.
2024 Chevy Silverado Electric Vehicle
We drove through a combination of rural roads in Michigan and high-speed Interstate highways, reaching speeds of up to 80 mph. Over the course of 100 miles, we observed efficiency rates between 2.0 and 2.2 miles per kilowatt-hour. These figures are comparable to those achieved by Green Car Reports during a week-long evaluation of the Ford F-150 Lightning. This indicates that the Silverado EV, despite having a longer range and a weight exceeding four tons, might be marginally more efficient than its competitor from the same region.
Home backup power through two-way charging is coming soon.
Chevrolet states that the payload capacity is 1,500 pounds. The Silverado EV model we evaluated has a towing capacity of 10,000 pounds. For the towing test, Chevrolet supplied an electric powerboat on a trailer and an enclosed car trailer.
There were no specific details provided on how towing affects efficiency. However, Google’s onboard navigation system considers towing when calculating range and charging stops. Additionally, Super Cruise is compatible with towing as well.
2024 Chevy Silverado Electric Vehicle
2024 Chevy Silverado Electric Vehicle
Electric Revival of the Chevy Avalanche
The electric version of the Silverado pickup diverges significantly from its traditional gasoline and diesel counterparts, sharing only its name. Unlike the internal combustion engine (ICE) models, this electric Silverado features a lower, sleeker profile and is essentially a brand-new design, although it shares some components with the GMC Hummer EV and the forthcoming Cadillac Escalade IQ. The front has been minimized, sporting narrow LED headlights and a panel that mimics a grille. It boasts a four-door cabin seamlessly integrated with the truck bed.
The Silverado EV is essentially the electric version of the Chevrolet Avalanche, produced between 2002 and 2013. This earlier model was known for its unique design, featuring a four-door layout and an integrated pickup bed. The new Silverado EV shares several design elements with the Avalanche, including the sail panels that link the roof to the sides of the bed and the midgate that can open and fold down to extend the bed’s length, allowing cargo to be stored from behind the front seats all the way to the tailgate. Despite these similarities, Chevrolet executives are quick to dismiss any idea that the new electric truck should be called the „EValanche.“
2024 Chevy Silverado Electric Vehicle
2024 Chevy Silverado Electric Vehicle
2024 Chevy Silverado Electric Vehicle
One downside of the new neo-Avalanche design is that Silverado EV Work Trucks are incompatible with the specialized „upfit“ accessories, like tool chests and industry-specific bed caps, that are used with the gasoline models. This sets the Silverado EV apart from the Ford F-150 Lightning, which can use such accessories and considers it a key selling feature.
Inside the cabin, areas that are frequently touched are made from soft materials, while the dashboard and other large surfaces feature hard plastic with a fine dot pattern. The high-end models we tested showcased contrast stitching and seat upholstery, marking them as „First Edition“ versions.
Silverado EV: Speedy but Weighty
When driving the Silverado EV in its standard mode, it performs well enough to keep pace with other vehicles. Pressing the accelerator to the floor delivers the kind of acceleration that allows this big and hefty truck to easily merge into traffic, pass other cars effortlessly, and navigate through traffic as quickly as desired.
The RST First Edition model, equipped with 24-inch wheels, handles corners impressively, thanks to its air suspension that maintains stability. Its low battery placement beneath the cabin floor also contributes to reduced body lean compared to conventional full-size pickups with combustion engines. However, attentive drivers will notice the significant weight supported by those large tires. The rear-wheel steering enhances the truck’s maneuverability, offering a 42-foot turning circle that nearly enables U-turns on two-lane roads with wide shoulders.
2024 Chevy Silverado Electric Vehicle
Chevrolet did not disclose the power or torque figures for standard driving conditions. The only information available is that the vehicle can reach up to 754 horsepower and 785 pound-feet of torque when the driver activates the Wide Open Watts (WOW) mode. This mode is similar to the „Watts To Freedom“ (WTF) mode found in the GMC Hummer EV, a vehicle that shares many components with the electric Silverado.
We put WOW mode to the test with a few acceleration runs from a standstill, and the claimed 0-to-60 mph time of 4.5 seconds appears quite plausible. The truck’s emergency braking performance was also noteworthy; the anti-lock braking system managed to bring the 8,500-pound vehicle to a complete stop in a somewhat shorter distance than anticipated. During our evaluation, the Silverado EV RST First Edition model demonstrated a smooth and quiet ride on most roads. However, like many electric vehicles, the lack of engine noise or vibrations made road and wind noise more noticeable.
The Silverado EV offers a sleek, silent, and spacious ride. Upon entering the cabin via the stationary running boards, the broad console between the front seats stood out—now a standard feature in large pickups. The expansive horizontal instrument panel and central touchscreen also caught our attention. The front seats offer both comfort and extensive adjustability, while the large door mirrors ensure a broad rear view. The rearview mirror can display both traditional and video images, and the center seat headrest in the back row folds down to enhance the mirror’s rear visibility.
2024 Chevy Silverado Electric Vehicle
2024 Chevy Silverado Electric Vehicle
2024 Chevy Silverado Electric Vehicle
The back area of the cabin features a flat floor, allowing three adults of typical U.S. size to sit comfortably in the rear seat. Visibility out the back and sides is generally good, although raising the driver’s seat to its highest position is recommended for the best view over the relatively high hood. The construction quality of the RST First Edition test vehicle we examined seemed outstanding.
The front trunk provides 10.7 cubic feet of secure storage space. During a demonstration, the Silverado EV’s cargo length was compared to other electric pickups, specifically the Tesla Cybertruck, Ford F-150 Lightning, and Rivian R1T. With the midgate open and the Multi-Flex tailgate down (and load restraint up), the Silverado EV offers a maximum cargo length of 10 feet 10 inches. Unsurprisingly, the Chevrolet came out on top.
Chevrolet Silverado EV 2024
Upcoming 2024 Electric Chevrolet Silverado
2024 Chevy Silverado Electric Vehicle
GM and Google dominate the dashboard of the Silverado EV
In line with Chevrolet’s recent electric vehicle releases such as the Chevy Blazer EV and Chevy Equinox EV, the Silverado EV opts out of including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for smartphone integration.
GM employees highlighted that a well-known electric vehicle company, which they did not name but implied to be Tesla, has never included those features in its cars.
Currently, Google Assistant offers navigation through Google Maps that takes into account the truck’s battery level. It plans routes that include fast-charging stations when trips are longer than the vehicle’s impressive range and advises drivers on how long to charge and the expected battery level at the next stop. Essentially, this is similar to what Tesla has been doing for over a decade.
Consumers should meticulously verify if their preferred applications have received approval from Google and GM for installation via the car’s Play Store. The only other navigation app observed was Waze, though it lacks integration with the vehicle’s battery system. For locating EV charging stations, Plugshare was available, but notable alternatives like A Better Routeplanner and Chargeway were absent.
To utilize the in-dash applications, users are required to log in through their vehicle. General Motors (GM) representatives couldn’t clarify who has ownership over the data regarding drivers‘ app interactions, routes, destinations, song selections, and other related information. GM has indicated that it anticipates generating substantial income from digital services offered by the vehicle. However, the navigation system in the Silverado EV will be complimentary for up to eight years, and possibly longer. The representatives did not specify if this free access would continue after this period or what the potential charges might be once the free trial concludes.
Chevrolet covered the costs of flights, accommodation, and food, allowing Green Car Reports to deliver this firsthand driving review.
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