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The all-electric Chevrolet Silverado – EBMag June 2022

June 24, 2022 | By Anthony Capkun



June 24, 2022 – Developed from the ground up as a fully-electric truck on GM’s Ultium EV Platform, the Silverado EV promises a combination of capability, performance and versatility, along with technologies that can evolve with the vehicle over time.

“Chevrolet has constantly revolutionized the Silverado franchise to make it the powerhouse it is today,” said Steve Hill, 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.”

At launch, the Silverado EV will be available in two configurations: an RST (Rally Sport Truck) First Edition and a fleet-oriented WT (Work Truck) model. Each will offer a suite of standard and available safety technologies.

Built to work

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The WT will launch first for fleet customers, offering 510 hp and 615 lb-ft of torque, 8000 pounds of towing, and 1200 pounds of payload. After initial launch, Chevrolet will introduce a fleet model with up to 20,000 lb max trailering with the max tow package.

“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,” said Ed Peper, GM Fleet.

The chassis is designed with independent front and rear suspensions, with power transferred to the available 24-in. 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 in.

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.

The RST and WT feature public DC fast charging capabilities of up to 350 kW, enabling about 100 miles of range to be added in 10 minutes.

Energy storage asset

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 10.2 kW of power, including powering your home. The Silverado EV is also capable of charging another electric vehicle using the available accessory charge cord.

With the growing North American network of chargers and the Energy Assist feature in the 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 Canada and the U.S.

WT customers have access to Ultium Charge 360 Fleet Service, which offers charging solutions for businesses, whether drivers take their vehicles home or return to a central depot.

“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, Chevrolet Design.

Some more facts

The front-end design has been sculpted to direct air down the body side to reduce drag and turbulence. The Silverado EV will be offered exclusively in Crew Cab models, with a shorter front overhang. The second row is pushed rearward to provide more passenger room.

A 40/60 second-row seat offers four configurations that allow users to haul gear or equipment while still accommodating a passenger in the second row. With the addition of the available Multi-Flex Tailgate, the Silverado EV RST enables up to 10 ft, 10 in. of load floor and storage capability. An available tonneau cover allows items such as lumber or a kayak to be loaded into a fully lockable, weatherproof storage compartment.

Developed in-house at GM, Ultifi separates the vehicle’s software from the hardware to enable rapid and frequent software updates. This will give drivers the opportunity to evolve their vehicles over time, enhancing both the capabilities and accessing cloud services in a flexible and fast way.

Customers will have the ability to “content the truck across various price ranges”, with MSRPs around $50K to $80K and higher, allowing them to choose the truck that meets their capability and pricing needs. Reservations are being accepted now for Fall 2023.

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