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FIRST LOOK AT CHEVROLET SILVERADO EV PICKUP TRUCK
The vehicle will utilize GM’s Ultium platform to produce an anticipated range of 400 miles on a full charge.
The 2024 Silverado EV is taking aim at impressive performance numbers, including 10,000 lbs. of maximum trailering capacity, 1,500 lbs. of payload and the ability to provide up to 10.2 kW of off-board power. The pickup, which made its commercial vehicle trade show debut at Work
Truck Week 2022, will provide an estimated range of 400 miles on a full charge, and be offered in variants starting with the fleetoriented Work Truck (WT) and the fully loaded RST model.
The WT will launch first for fleet customers and offer 510 hp and 615 lbs.-ft. of torque, as well as 8,000 lbs. of towing and 1,200 lbs. of payload. After initial launch, Chevrolet plans to introduce a fleet model with up to 20,000 lbs. max trailering with the max tow package.
The RST and WT models will come with Tow/Haul mode, trailer hitch provisions and an integrated trailer brake controller and Hitch Guidance. The RST also includes the Advanced Trailering System.
THE ULTIUM PERFORMANCE
The Silverado EV harnesses the power of the fast-charging Ultium Platform. The foundation of GM’s EV strategy, this platform features modular battery and drive unit combinations
that adapt to a range of the company’s trucks and vehicles.
“Standard DC fast-charging capabilities of up to 350 kW enable the Silverado EV to add approximately 100 miles of range in only 10 minutes on public DC fast chargers,” says Nichole Kraatz, chief engineer, Chevrolet Battery Electric Trucks. “Two motors provide power to the available 24-in. wheels on the RST, improving vehicle responsiveness and control. At the push of a button on the RST, Wide Open Watts mode delivers at least 664 hp and... 780 ft.-lbs. of torque at the driver’s disposal, boasting a 0- to 60-mph time of under 4.5 seconds.”
Because engineers didn’t have to work around a traditional propulsion system, a clean slate approach was taken, allowing a new body architecture to be created that efficiently leverages the available 24-module Ultium battery pack as part of the fundamental structure. “This structural design integrates the capabilities Silverado customers have come to expect from a fullsize pickup in terms of strength, durability and performance while also providing a more comfortable, confident ride both on and off road,” Kraatz states.
“Our goal as the design team was to leverage the flexibility of the Ultium platform to deliver a truck that conveys capability and athletic performance,” adds Ryan Vaughan, director of design, Chevrolet full-size truck exteriors. “The front end is sculpted to direct front air down the body side, significantly reducing drag and turbulence. The Silverado EV Work Truck is estimated to have one of the lowest drag coefficients of any available production full-size pickup truck, which helps enable our impressive available range.”
ABOVE: Chevrolet will offer several variants of the Silverado EV, starting with the Work Truck and followed by the higher-end RST model in late 2023. LEFT: Silverado’s eTrunck is a lockable, weatherproof compartment in the front of the vehicle. It is available with a multitude of accessory options based on the unique needs of the customer.
DESIGN FREEDOM MEANS NEW POSSIBILITIES
All images courtesy Chevrolet The RST and WT models will come with Tow/Haul mode, trailer hitch provisions and an integrated trailer brake controller and Hitch Guidance. The RST (shown) also includes the Advanced Trailering System.
tailgate with six functional positions, there is up to 10-ft. 10-in. load floor and storage capability.” The Silverado EV will be offered exclusively in Crew Cab models. On the RST, information will be provided by a large 17-in.-diagonal LCD infotainment screen paired with an 11-in. 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 all-electric power for worksite or recreational needs, including powering your home, with the required equipment.
“The Silverado EV is capable of charging another EV using the available accessory charge cord,” Kraatz adds.
MORE CAPABILITIES BUILT IN
The vehicle’s chassis is designed with independent rear suspension. “Add to that adaptive automatic air suspension system and the Silverado EV can raise and lower up to nearly 2 in. in each direction,” says Kraatz. “Four-wheel steering offers a tighter turning radius at slow speeds and improved handling and stability at higher speeds, including great trailering dynamics.”
In addition, available Super Cruise with trailering provides hands-free driver assistance technology for compatible roads.
“The Silverado EV will offer a comprehensive suite of standard and available safety features,”
— Nichole Kraatz
utility possibilities that come with a new EV-centric design,” says Vaughan. “Silverado’s eTrunck, a lockable, weatherproof compartment in the front of the vehicle, provides enough space for a large suitcase and has a multitude of accessory options based on the unique needs of the customer.”
Storage capacity of the 5-ft. 11-in. bed is maximized via an available Multi-Flex Midgate, which provides more than 9 ft. of storage between the cab to the tailgate when open. “A 40/60 second row split offers four configurations that create the ability to haul gear or equipment while still accommodating a passenger in the second row,” Vaughan points out. “An optional tonneau cover adds lockable weatherproof storage to keep cargo protected from the elements. When you add in the available Multi-Flex diagonal reconfigurable driver instrument display and a multicolor driver heads-up display with a field of view of over 14 in.
Design engineers took advantage of the Ultium structure to shorten the front overhang for a more aggressive stance and enhanced forward/down vision. The front seats have also been pushed forward to enable spacious rear seat legroom, Vaughan notes.
When combined with the Kraatz states. “Together, these features give drivers more confidence behind the wheel.”
Chevrolet plans to make the WT model available in Spring 2023, with the fully loaded RST First Edition model debuting in fall 2023. Once production ramps up, the company will offer a full Silverado EV portfolio, which will include the WT, RST, Trail Boss and other model variants. ET Storage capacity of the 5-ft. 11-in. bed is maximized via an available Multi-Flex Midgate, which provides more than 9 ft. of storage between the cab to the tailgate when open.
