The Ford F-150 Lighting is about to get a new rival, the 2024 Chevy Silverado EV, which has debuted at CES 2022. The big difference between the two is that the Silverado EV is not built on the same platform as the internal-combustion version, like the F-150 Lightning is. Instead the Silverado EV is based on the same new platform as the GMC Hummer EV.
Since it’s based on a different platform than the standard Silverado, the proportions are quite different between the two trucks. For starters since the Silverado EV doesn’t need the same space for a powertrain at the front, so its cab has been moved forward to give it more interior space. It also features a lower hood to improve aerodynamics and visibility. The Silverado EV’s bed measures 71 inches, which is just a tad longer than the short bed on the quad-cab Silverado.
If you want more space, the Silverado EV gets the Midgate from the old Avalanche. With the Midgate you can fold down the rear glass and body to give you more space to haul longer items. The lower section is also split 60/40, which means that you can still fit passengers in the back seat, by only folding down one side.
At the front there’s a front trunk with an available power opening function. According to Chevy, the frunk can fit up to three suitcases. Inside the spacious interior looks quite different from the internal-combustion model. The Silverado EV will initially be offered in two versions, RST and Work Truck (WT). The RST version gets a 17-inch touchscreen with a unique shape, while the WT version gets a more simple rectangular screen.
The Silverado EV WT is powered by dual electric motors, giving it four-wheel drive. The WT has 510 horsepower and 615 pound-feet of torque. The RST will only be offered in one configuration for 2024, which has two motors that generate a combined 664 horsepower and 780 pound-feet. The WT can town up to 8,000 pounds and a payload of 1,200 pounds, while the RST can tow up to 10,000 pounds and a payload of 1,300 pounds. More powertrain options will be added for the 2025 model year.
Both versions get the same battery pack, which gives the Silverado EV an estimated 400 miles of range. The battery pack support up to 350-kW DC fast charging and there’s a 240-volt outlet to power tools and appliances.
The Silverado EV RST also gets an air suspension with 2 inches of ride height adjustment, while both models get four-wheel steering. Super Cruise with automatic lane-changing will also be available. And one cool feature is that the Silverado EV doesn’t have a start button. Instead you can use your phone as the key or use a keycard, which automatically turns the truck on.
The Silverado EV RST starts at $105,000, before destination, while the base WT will start at $39,900. With the arrival of more trims and powertrain options in 2025, the price of the Silverado EV will be more affordable.
The 2024 Chevy Silverado EV will enter production in spring 2023, with the first models being the WT version. The RST models will enter production in fall 2023. Chevy is now taking reservations for the Silverado EV.
