The Chevrolet Silverado EV is an all-electric pickup truck coming to the market

General Motors announced the Chevrolet Silverado EV as a fully electric version of its bestselling pickup truck. The vehicle is built on GM's Ultium battery platform, the same foundation used in other electric vehicles like the Chevrolet Blazer EV and Cadillac Lyriq. Chevrolet has stated that the Silverado EV will arrive in dealerships, though the exact timing and pricing have shifted as GM refines production plans.

Unlike the Silverado RST EV, which is a plug-in hybrid (meaning it has both a gas engine and a battery), the Silverado EV runs entirely on electricity. This distinction matters because it changes how you charge, how far you can drive on one charge, and what maintenance the truck requires over time.

Key Takeaways

  • The Silverado EV is a fully electric pickup truck built on GM's Ultium platform, separate from the plug-in hybrid Silverado RST EV.
  • Expected range, pricing, and exact availability dates have not been finalized and may change as production timelines shift.
  • Electric pickups require access to charging at home or at public stations, which affects how you plan daily driving differently than gas trucks.
  • The truck will compete with other electric pickups like the Ford F-150 Lightning and Rivian R1T, each with different range, towing, and price points.

What the Silverado EV's specs are expected to be

Chevrolet has not released final specifications, but GM has indicated the Silverado EV will use the Ultium battery system in multiple configurations. This means different battery sizes will likely be offered, similar to how other Ultium vehicles come in standard and extended-range versions. Larger batteries typically deliver longer range but add weight and cost.

The truck is expected to offer significant towing and payload capacity compared to other electric pickups, though exact numbers depend on which battery configuration you choose. GM has emphasized that the Silverado EV will be competitive with gas-powered Silverados in terms of capability, not just as a smaller electric alternative.

How charging works with an electric pickup

An electric Silverado requires charging, which is fundamentally different from filling a gas tank. Home charging uses either a standard 120-volt outlet (very slow, adding only a few miles of range per hour) or a dedicated 240-volt charger installed by an electrician (much faster, typically adding 25 to 30 miles of range per hour depending on the charger's power level). Installing a 240-volt charger at home costs between $500 and $2,500 depending on your electrical panel and distance from the garage.

Public charging networks like Electrify America, EVgo, and ChargePoint offer faster DC fast charging at highway rest stops and shopping centers. A DC fast charger can add 150 to 200 miles of range in 20 to 30 minutes, though charging speed slows as the battery fills. If you do not have home charging or a reliable public network nearby, owning an electric pickup becomes less practical for daily use.

Range and real-world driving distance

GM has not announced the Silverado EV's range, but industry patterns suggest it will fall between 300 and 400 miles on a full charge depending on battery size. Real-world range is always lower than the EPA estimate because of driving habits, weather, and terrain. Cold weather reduces range by 20 to 40 percent, and towing or hauling a full payload will reduce it further.

If you regularly drive more than 300 miles in a day without access to charging, an electric pickup may not fit your routine. However, if most of your driving is local or regional with charging available overnight, the Silverado EV's range is sufficient for typical use.

How the Silverado EV compares to other electric pickups

The Ford F-150 Lightning is already in dealerships and offers up to 320 miles of range with the extended battery, plus established dealer service networks. The Rivian R1T is a premium electric truck with up to 400 miles of range but costs significantly more. GMC is also developing the Sierra EV, which will share the Ultium platform with the Silverado EV but target a different market segment.

The Silverado EV's advantage is that Chevrolet has decades of pickup truck manufacturing experience and an established dealer network. The disadvantage is that it is not yet available, so you cannot test drive one or see real-world owner feedback. If you need a truck now, the F-150 Lightning is the only fully electric option currently in production at scale.

Cost and what affects the final price

Chevrolet has not announced pricing for the Silverado EV. Based on comparable Ultium vehicles and the F-150 Lightning's price range, an electric Silverado will likely start between $55,000 and $75,000 before incentives, though this is an estimate and the actual price may differ significantly.

Federal tax credits of up to $7,500 may be available if the truck meets domestic content and price requirements under current law, though these rules change. Some states offer additional rebates for electric vehicle purchases. You should verify current incentive may be able to access with Chevrolet and your state's energy office closer to the truck's release date, as programs and requirements shift year to year.

When the Silverado EV might arrive and how to stay informed

GM has not announced a firm launch date. The company has indicated production could begin in the mid-to-late 2020s, but timelines have shifted before. Automakers often delay electric vehicle launches due to supply chain issues, battery production constraints, or changes in market demand.

To stay informed, check Chevrolet's official website or contact a local Chevrolet dealer to ask about pre-order or reservation programs. Some dealers maintain waitlists for upcoming vehicles, though this does not may provide availability or pricing. Following GM's investor announcements and Chevrolet's press releases will give you the most accurate information as plans solidify.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Silverado EV the same as the Silverado RST EV?

No. The Silverado RST EV is a plug-in hybrid with both a gas engine and a battery, so it can run on gas alone. The Silverado EV is fully electric with no gas engine. They are different vehicles with different driving ranges and charging needs.

Can I tow a trailer with the Silverado EV?

Yes, electric pickups can tow, but towing reduces range significantly because it requires more power. Exact towing capacity has not been announced for the Silverado EV, but you should expect to lose 20 to 40 percent of your range when towing a loaded trailer.

What if I do not have a garage or driveway for a home charger?

You can still own an electric pickup, but you will rely on public charging networks and workplace charging if available. This works for local driving but makes long road trips more complicated. Check whether your area has adequate public DC fast charging before purchasing.

Will the Silverado EV work in cold climates?

Electric vehicles work in cold weather, but range drops significantly—typically 20 to 40 percent in freezing temperatures. If you live in a very cold region and drive long distances daily, this is an important factor to consider before purchasing.

Can I reserve or pre-order the Silverado EV now?

Chevrolet has not opened official reservations. Contact your local Chevrolet dealer to ask whether they maintain a waitlist for the Silverado EV. Some dealers do track customer interest, though this does not may provide a vehicle or lock in pricing.