What GM electric trucks are available right now

General Motors makes two electric trucks you can buy today: the Chevrolet Silverado EV and the GMC Sierra Denali Edition 1. Both are full-size pickup trucks built on GM's Ultium battery platform, which means they share the same core electric powertrain technology but come with different styling, trim levels, and price points.

The Silverado EV is Chevrolet's mass-market electric truck, positioned to compete with the Ford F-150 Lightning and Tesla Cybertruck. The GMC Sierra is the luxury version, with higher-end interior materials and more exclusive features. GM also announced the Chevrolet Blazer EV and Equinox EV, which are electric SUVs rather than trucks, but they share the same battery technology.

Both trucks are still ramping up production, so availability varies by region and dealer. If you're interested in one, contact a local Chevrolet or GMC dealer to ask about current inventory and delivery timelines in your area.

Key Takeaways

  • GM's electric trucks use the Ultium battery platform, which powers both the Silverado EV and GMC Sierra with similar range and charging speeds.
  • The Silverado EV starts at a lower price than the GMC Sierra, making it the more affordable entry point into GM's electric truck lineup.
  • Both trucks can tow and carry payload, though their capacity is lower than comparable gas-powered trucks because of battery weight.
  • Charging at home on a Level 2 charger takes 8 to 10 hours for a full battery, while public DC fast chargers can add 200 miles in 30 minutes.
  • Federal tax credits up to $7,500 may reduce the purchase price if you meet income and vehicle assembly requirements.

Range, towing, and payload compared to gas trucks

The Silverado EV offers an estimated range of around 400 miles on a full charge, depending on the battery size and driving conditions. The GMC Sierra delivers similar range. Both trucks can tow up to 8,000 to 10,000 pounds, which is substantially less than a gas-powered Silverado or Sierra (which can tow 13,000 pounds or more). Payload capacity—the weight you can carry in the bed—is also reduced, typically around 1,400 pounds versus 2,000+ pounds on gas models.

The reason for lower towing and payload is battery weight. An electric truck's battery pack weighs 1,000 to 1,500 pounds, and that mass counts against the truck's total capacity. If you regularly tow a heavy trailer or haul loads near the truck's maximum, a gas truck may still be the better choice. But for typical use—light to moderate towing and occasional hauling—the electric truck's capacity is sufficient.

Range also depends on how you drive. Highway driving at high speeds reduces range more than city driving. Cold weather can cut range by 20 to 40 percent. If you tow, expect range to drop by 30 to 50 percent because of the extra weight and aerodynamic drag.

Charging at home and on the road

Charging speed depends on the type of charger. A standard 120-volt household outlet (Level 1) adds only 2 to 3 miles of range per hour—too slow for practical daily use. A Level 2 charger, which runs on 240 volts, adds 25 to 30 miles per hour and is what most owners install at home. A full charge from empty takes 8 to 10 hours on Level 2.

DC fast chargers at public stations are much quicker. They can add 200 miles in 30 minutes, though charging speed slows as the battery approaches full capacity. The last 20 percent of charge takes longer than the first 80 percent. GM's trucks are compatible with most public charging networks, including Electrify America, EVgo, and ChargePoint, though you'll need separate apps or memberships for each network.

If you don't have a garage or driveway where you can install a home charger, public charging becomes more important—and more expensive. Public DC fast charging typically costs $0.25 to $0.50 per kilowatt-hour, which adds up on long trips. Home charging is cheaper, usually $0.12 to $0.18 per kilowatt-hour depending on your local electricity rates.

Purchase price and federal tax credits

The Chevrolet Silverado EV starts around $39,000 to $42,000 before incentives, depending on trim level and battery size. The GMC Sierra Denali Edition 1 starts higher, typically $55,000 to $60,000. These are manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP), and actual prices vary by dealer, location, and current promotions.

A federal tax credit of up to $7,500 may reduce the purchase price if you meet the requirements. The credit applies to vehicles assembled in North America and requires that your household income falls below certain thresholds (around $300,000 for joint filers in 2024, though this varies). The vehicle's final assembly location and the sourcing of battery materials also affect whether you may have access to for the full credit or a reduced amount.

Some states offer additional rebates or tax credits on top of the federal credit. California, for example, has its own incentive program. Check with your state's energy office or environmental agency to see what's available where you live. Dealer incentives and manufacturer promotions also change frequently, so getting quotes from multiple dealers is worth your time.

Maintenance and operating costs

Electric trucks have fewer moving parts than gas trucks, which means lower maintenance costs over time. There's no oil to change, no transmission fluid, no spark plugs, and no timing belts. Regenerative braking means brake pads last longer because the electric motor does much of the slowing. Most owners report maintenance costs that are 40 to 50 percent lower than comparable gas trucks.

The main maintenance items are tire rotations, cabin air filter replacements, and battery health monitoring. Tires wear faster on electric vehicles because of the vehicle's weight, so budget for replacement every 30,000 to 40,000 miles instead of 40,000 to 50,000. The battery itself is warrantied for 8 years or 100,000 miles (whichever comes first) and is designed to retain 70 to 80 percent of its capacity over that period.

Electricity is cheaper than gasoline per mile. At current rates, charging an electric truck costs roughly one-third to one-half what you'd spend on gas for the same distance. If you drive 15,000 miles per year and charge at home, expect annual electricity costs around $500 to $800, versus $1,500 to $2,000 for a gas truck at current fuel prices.

Dealer availability and delivery times

GM electric trucks are still ramping up production, so availability is limited compared to gas models. Some dealers have inventory on the lot; others take orders and deliver within weeks to months. Delivery times depend on the specific trim level, battery size, and color you want. Popular configurations may have longer wait times.

Prices can vary significantly between dealers. Some charge MSRP; others add dealer markups of $5,000 to $15,000 or more. Shopping around and comparing quotes from multiple dealers in your region is important. Some dealers also offer better financing rates or lease terms than others.

If you're considering a lease instead of a purchase, GM offers lease programs on both the Silverado EV and GMC Sierra. Leasing can be attractive if you want to avoid battery degradation concerns or prefer driving a new vehicle every few years, though monthly payments are typically higher than financing.

Comparing GM trucks to other electric truck options

The Ford F-150 Lightning is GM's main competitor in the electric truck market. It offers similar range and towing capacity, starts at a comparable price, and has been in production longer, so inventory is more available. The Tesla Cybertruck is more expensive and has a distinctive design, but offers higher performance and longer range on certain models.

Rivian's R1T is a luxury electric truck with higher towing capacity (14,000 pounds) but costs significantly more, starting around $70,000. The Hummer EV is another GM option, but it's positioned as a high-performance vehicle and costs $110,000 or more. For most buyers, the choice comes down to Silverado EV versus F-150 Lightning, as they're the most affordable and practical options.

Consider your actual towing and hauling needs, your access to home charging, and how often you take long road trips. If you rarely tow and charge at home most nights, an electric truck makes strong financial sense. If you regularly tow heavy loads or live somewhere with limited charging infrastructure, a gas truck or hybrid may still be more practical.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to charge a GM electric truck from empty to full?

On a Level 2 home charger, expect 8 to 10 hours. On a DC fast charger at a public station, you can add 200 miles in about 30 minutes, though the final 20 percent of charge takes longer. Charging speed also depends on outside temperature and the charger's power output.

Can I tow a trailer with a GM electric truck?

Yes, both the Silverado EV and GMC Sierra can tow 8,000 to 10,000 pounds, depending on the model and battery size. This is lower than gas trucks, which can tow 13,000 pounds or more. Towing reduces range by 30 to 50 percent, so plan charging stops on long trips.

What happens to the battery after 10 years?

The battery is warrantied for 8 years or 100,000 miles and is designed to retain 70 to 80 percent of its capacity over that time. After the warranty expires, battery replacement costs $5,000 to $15,000 depending on the size, though most owners don't need replacement for 10 to 15 years of ownership.

Do I need to install a home charger, or can I use a regular outlet?

A regular 120-volt outlet is too slow for practical daily use—it adds only 2 to 3 miles per hour. Most owners install a 240-volt Level 2 charger at home, which costs $500 to $2,500 for equipment and installation. If you don't have a garage or driveway, you'll rely on public charging, which is more expensive and less convenient.

Will I get the full $7,500 federal tax credit?

It depends on your household income, the vehicle's assembly location, and battery material sourcing. Most Silverado EV and GMC Sierra buyers may have access to for the full $7,500, but some may receive a reduced credit or none at all. Check the IRS website or ask your dealer to confirm your may be able to access before purchase.