The Chevrolet Silverado EV is a fully electric pickup truck coming to market in 2025
General Motors announced the Chevrolet Silverado EV as a battery-powered version of its full-size pickup truck. Unlike hybrid models that use both a gas engine and electric motor, the Silverado EV runs entirely on electricity stored in a large battery pack. GM has stated the truck will arrive at dealerships in 2025, though exact availability dates and pricing have not been finalized.
The Silverado EV is built on GM's Ultium battery platform, the same foundation used for other electric vehicles like the GMC Sierra Denali Edition 1 and Cadillac Lyriq. This platform allows the truck to carry a substantial battery while maintaining the cargo bed and towing capacity buyers expect from a Silverado.
If you are considering an electric pickup truck, understanding the Silverado EV's specifications, charging requirements, and how it compares to other options will help you decide whether it fits your needs and budget.
Key Takeaways
- The Chevrolet Silverado EV is a fully electric pickup truck scheduled to arrive in 2025, with final pricing and trim details still to be announced by General Motors.
- The truck uses GM's Ultium battery platform and is designed to offer towing and payload capacity similar to gas-powered Silverados, though exact numbers depend on battery size and configuration.
- Charging at home requires a Level 2 charger (240-volt), which takes longer than DC fast charging at public stations but is more convenient for daily use.
- Electric pickup trucks cost more upfront than comparable gas trucks, but lower fuel and maintenance costs may offset the price difference over time.
- The Silverado EV competes directly with the Ford F-150 Lightning and Rivian R1T, each with different battery options, range, and pricing strategies.
Expected range and battery options
GM has not released final specifications for the Silverado EV, but the company has indicated the truck will offer multiple battery sizes to match different driving needs. Larger batteries typically provide longer range but add weight and cost. The Ultium platform supports battery packs that can power vehicles for 200 to 400 miles per charge, depending on the configuration and how the truck is equipped.
Range decreases when towing or carrying heavy loads, similar to how gas trucks use more fuel under the same conditions. Cold weather also reduces range, sometimes by 20 to 40 percent depending on temperature and driving habits. If you plan to tow regularly or live in a cold climate, choosing a larger battery may be necessary to maintain usable range.
GM will likely offer the Silverado EV in multiple trim levels, with higher trims receiving larger batteries and longer range. The company has not confirmed whether all trims will be available at launch or if some will arrive later in the model year.
Charging at home versus public charging stations
Most electric vehicle owners do the majority of their charging at home overnight using a Level 2 charger, which requires a 240-volt outlet. Installing a Level 2 charger typically costs between $500 and $2,500 depending on your home's electrical setup and whether you need new wiring. A full charge from empty using Level 2 charging takes 8 to 12 hours, which works well if you charge overnight and drive during the day.
DC fast charging stations, found at public locations and along highways, can add 200 miles of range in 20 to 30 minutes. However, DC fast charging is slower for the final 20 percent of the battery and can be more expensive per kilowatt-hour than home charging. These stations are useful for long trips but are not practical for daily charging if you have access to home charging.
The availability of public charging stations varies significantly by region. Urban and suburban areas typically have more stations than rural areas. Before purchasing an electric truck, check the location of DC fast chargers along routes you drive frequently, especially if you take long trips regularly.
Towing and payload capacity
GM has stated that the Silverado EV will offer towing capability, but the company has not released specific numbers. The gas-powered Silverado 1500 can tow up to 13,000 pounds depending on configuration, and the Silverado 2500 can tow significantly more. The electric version will likely tow less than the heaviest gas models because the battery adds weight and reduces the truck's total payload capacity.
Towing reduces range substantially—typically by 30 to 50 percent depending on the trailer weight, aerodynamics, and terrain. If you regularly tow heavy loads, you will need to plan charging stops on longer trips or choose a larger battery to maintain usable range while towing.
Payload capacity (the weight the truck bed can carry) is also affected by battery weight. Electric trucks generally have lower payload ratings than comparable gas trucks, though the difference varies by model and battery size. GM will release exact towing and payload numbers closer to the Silverado EV's launch.
Price comparison with gas and hybrid trucks
Electric pickup trucks cost more upfront than gas-powered trucks of similar size. The Ford F-150 Lightning, the closest competitor to the Silverado EV, starts around $55,000 to $60,000 before incentives, while a comparable gas F-150 starts around $30,000 to $35,000. GM has not announced Silverado EV pricing, but it will likely fall in a similar range relative to the gas Silverado.
Federal tax credits of up to $7,500 may be available for electric vehicle purchases, though may be able to access depends on vehicle price, battery content, and your income. Some states offer additional incentives. These credits reduce the effective purchase price but do not eliminate the upfront cost difference.
Over time, lower fuel costs and reduced maintenance (electric motors have fewer moving parts than gas engines) can offset the higher purchase price. Electricity typically costs less per mile than gasoline, and electric trucks do not require oil changes, transmission fluid, or spark plugs. The long-term savings depend on how much you drive, local electricity prices, and how long you keep the truck.
How the Silverado EV compares to other electric pickups
The Ford F-150 Lightning is currently the only fully electric full-size pickup truck in production. It offers two battery sizes, with the larger providing up to 320 miles of range and towing up to 14,000 pounds. The F-150 Lightning starts at a lower price than the Rivian R1T but has fewer luxury features.
The Rivian R1T is a premium electric pickup with a starting price around $70,000 and range up to 420 miles with the largest battery. It offers more advanced technology and design features than the F-150 Lightning but costs significantly more. The R1T is positioned as a lifestyle truck rather than a work truck.
The Silverado EV will likely position itself between the F-150 Lightning and Rivian R1T in terms of price and features. GM's strategy is to offer a truck that appeals to traditional Silverado buyers who want an electric option without paying premium prices. The final positioning will depend on pricing, available features, and battery options when the truck launches.
What to expect when the Silverado EV arrives
General Motors has stated that the Silverado EV will begin production in 2025, but the exact month and initial availability are not yet confirmed. Early production typically focuses on higher trim levels and larger battery options, with base models arriving later. Dealer allocation will vary by region, so availability may differ depending on where you live.
Pre-orders or reservations may open before production begins, allowing interested buyers to find a spot in the production queue. GM has not announced whether reservations will be required or how they will be handled. Check with your local Chevrolet dealer or GM's official website for updates as the launch date approaches.
The truck will come with a manufacturer's warranty covering the battery and electric drivetrain for a set period (typically 8 years or 100,000 miles for the battery). Warranty terms will be finalized closer to launch and should be reviewed before purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to charge a Silverado EV from empty to full?
At home with a Level 2 charger, a full charge takes 8 to 12 hours. At a DC fast charging station, you can add 200 miles in 20 to 30 minutes, though charging slows as the battery approaches full capacity. Actual times vary based on battery size, charger power, and temperature.
Can I tow a trailer with the Silverado EV?
Yes, GM has confirmed the Silverado EV will have towing capability, but specific towing capacity has not been released. Towing reduces range by 30 to 50 percent, so you will need to plan charging stops on longer trips or choose a larger battery if you tow regularly.
Will the Silverado EV may have access to for a federal tax credit?
It may, depending on the final price, battery sourcing, and your income. Federal credits of up to $7,500 are available for may have access to electric vehicles, but may be able to access rules change. Check the IRS website or speak with a dealer closer to purchase for current requirements.
How does the Silverado EV's price compare to the F-150 Lightning?
GM has not announced pricing yet, but the F-150 Lightning starts around $55,000 to $60,000. The Silverado EV will likely be priced competitively in that range, though exact pricing depends on trim level and battery size when it launches.
What is the difference between Level 2 and DC fast charging?
Level 2 charging uses a 240-volt outlet and takes 8 to 12 hours for a full charge but is cheaper per kilowatt-hour and convenient for home use. DC fast charging uses high-power stations and adds significant range in 20 to 30 minutes but costs more and is slower for the final battery percentage.