DETROIT — General Motors sold roughly 14,000 Chevrolet Silverado EVs across the U.S. and Canada in 2024. In a single quarter, GM sells about ten times that many gasoline-powered Silverados. The disparity is stark, especially after spending a day driving the electric truck around metro Detroit. The Silverado EV is polished, spacious, and genuinely impressive. So why is the American pickup market largely ignoring it?
A Truck That Drives Like a Hatchback
At nearly 20 feet long, the Silverado EV is undeniably large. But rear-wheel steering makes it feel far more maneuverable than its dimensions suggest. In a parking lot, it winds through tight spaces with the agility of a tidy hatchback — until you try to park it. The cabin is quiet, the ride is smooth, and the 205-kilowatt-hour battery pack sitting midships acts as excellent ballast. Press the brake, and the truck springs to life with crisp digital screens and a responsive Google-powered infotainment system.
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The frunk is cavernous, swallowing several roller bags with room to spare. The bed is massive and, like the old Chevy Avalanche, features a mid-gate that extends cargo space into the cabin. For a truck buyer, the utility is undeniable.
Hands-Free Driving That Mostly Works
GM’s Super Cruise, a Level 2 hands-free driver-assistance system, is a highlight. On Detroit’s congested highways during peak commuting hours, it made the drive relatively stress-free. The system navigated smoothly, but it had moments of uncertainty. During my drive, the Silverado EV nearly plowed into a dirty paint mixer trailer — the radar should have caught it, but the paint-splattered taillights may have confused the cameras. It also struggled at times with cars cutting in aggressively from the right. Still, for long highway stretches, Super Cruise is a genuine comfort.
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Efficiency and Range That Impress
I averaged about 2.1 miles per kilowatt-hour during my drive. That’s roughly 10% to 20% less than I average in my smaller Audi e-tron, which has much less frontal area pushing against the wind. For a full-size pickup, that efficiency is commendable. The Extended Range model offers 410 miles of range; the Max Range version, which I tested, adds another 68 miles but costs $20,000 more.
So Why the Slow Sales?
Price is the most common explanation. The Silverado EV LT Extended Range starts at around $71,000. But full-size pickup buyers already spend an average of $66,000, according to industry data. The $5,000 gap is narrower than it appears. Another factor is towing range, which drops by about 60% under load. Yet Strategic Vision reports that roughly 75% of full-size truck owners tow at most once per year.
The deeper issue may be inertia. Potential buyers worry about range, charging infrastructure, and the unfamiliarity of owning an EV. Those concerns tend to fade after a few weeks of ownership, but convincing buyers to take the first step remains a challenge. GM and other automakers appear to have misjudged the truck market’s resistance to change.
What Comes Next
GM has hinted that the Silverado EV will eventually receive a new lithium-manganese-rich (LMR) battery chemistry, which could cut costs by roughly $6,000 while preserving range. If those savings reach consumers, it could bring the EV closer to price parity with its gasoline counterpart. That might be the nudge the market needs. For now, the Silverado EV remains a solid first draft — a capable, comfortable, and genuinely impressive electric truck that the American pickup buyer hasn’t yet embraced.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Chevy Silverado EV cost?
The Silverado EV LT Extended Range starts at around $71,000, while the higher-trim Max Range model costs about $91,000.
What is the range of the Chevy Silverado EV?
The Extended Range model offers an EPA-estimated 410 miles on a full charge, while the Max Range version can go up to 478 miles.
Does the Silverado EV have Super Cruise?
Yes, the Silverado EV is available with GM’s Super Cruise, a Level 2 hands-free advanced driver-assistance system that works on compatible highways.
Why are sales of the Silverado EV low?
Observers cite the high price, concerns about towing range, and general consumer hesitation toward electric pickups as key factors, despite the truck’s positive reviews.
