Silverado EV Is Chevy Carefully Reaching for the Stars
With up to 400 miles of range, 50 percent battery charge in 20 minutes and up to 20,000 pounds of towing capacity, the Silverado EV may be the truck to beat.
The age of electric vehicle prominence is here–whether we accept it or not. The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV is a shining example of GM’s electric vision going forward, and with enough coaxing of the general public, the best choice among the slew of contenders right now.
But let’s face it; people who are die-hard Chevy truck fans find EV to be one hard pill to swallow, and we can’t exactly blame them for that. However, Chevrolet Forum got a chance to speak with Chevrolet Communications Director Shad Balch at L.A. Auto Show 2022 to gain a little more insight.
Fortunately for them, the Silverado EV is not just some electric plush toy, but rather an incredibly capable, superfast charging truck that is an excellent foray for truck enthusiasts to parlay with, and here’s a few reasons why.
Silverado EV Charging & Battery Capacity
“From a practical perspective, the Silverado is larger, we are able to fit more,” said Balch. “The entire floor provides structure for the battery.”
He also reveals that is also for more truck-work capabilities, like towing long distance, being able to load the bed up and still have range, etc. Essentially, the batteries on the Silverado EV are the same as on the Equinox and Blazer EV. However, because they are modular, there are simply more modules on the truck.
“We use up as much space as we can between the wheels to accommodate as many modules as we can,” said Balch.
Fast charging is a necessity for EVs these days, especially in densely-populated areas and, of course, for large vehicles. Chevy offers DC Fast Charging across the entire lineup for this precise reason.
“The most important things people ask now is ‘what is the range,’ and ‘how fast does it charge?’ said Balch. “DC Fast Charging adds about 100 miles of range in 10 minutes.”
Essentially, you’d have half of your Silverado EV’s battery charged from empty in 20 mins. That’s impressive, and with the truck’s 400 miles of range and 10,000-pound towing capacity, it’s a likely a smart move on Chevy’s part to make the batteries modular. Much easier to replace after a great deal of cycling than a monolithic battery (and likely much cheaper).
Fast charging is great, but it’s definitely pretty hard on the energy cell health-wise.
Wide-Open-Watts
Of course, Chevrolet is also joining the movement to make EVs appealing to the enthusiasts, Which is why they give the customer a fun button. “Wide-Open-Watts” is a setting that allows you to access more power from the battery.
Similar to the “Freedom Mode” offered on the battery-electric GMC Hummer EV, this mode will unlock the full amount of horsepower, and take you from zero-to-60 in under approximately four seconds. “It’s basically access to more power,” said Balch.
GM Performance Future
Balch, for obvious reasons, couldn’t disclose info on future products. However, he did give us insight on the overall vision for the Silverado EV’s future in performance. “We have confirmed an ‘electrified’ and an ‘electric’ Corvette, and you know performance is in Chevy’s blood. So I think it’s a safe bet to see some performance variants, presumably for the whole line.”
Photos: Derin Richardson
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