Chevrolet Silverado EV RST First Edition Tested: Power, Range, and Innovation
- Alain Kuhn Von Kuhnenfeld
- 2 minutes ago
- 6 min read
The electric pickup truck market is more competitive than ever, with American automakers driving the action. We've already covered the Ford F-150 Lightning, and buyers also have the Rivian R1T as a standout option, not to mention the unconventional Tesla Cybertruck. Now, Chevrolet, a proven player in the EV space, is stepping into the ring with its latest contender: the Chevrolet Silverado EV. Let's jump into it: our Chevrolet Silverado EV RST First Edition test model had an MSRP of $120,447 and was built at the Factory Zero plant in Detroit, MI.
The Chevrolet Silverado EV shares little more than a name with its gas-powered sibling. Built on GM's flexible Ultium platform, this electric pickup opens up a world of possibilities. The differences from the ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) Silverado are clear at first glance: while the classic model is already imposing, the EV version takes it to another level. Up front, a sleek light bar and illuminated bow tie set the tone, along with a closed-off upper grille panel that secretly hides the front trunk (or "eTrunk"). When you get close to the vehicle, the lights do a little dance, which is a neat party trick. The lower grille sports a honeycomb pattern, blending style with functionality. The profile echoes the rugged charm of the old Chevrolet Avalanche. Like the Avalanche, it inherits the clever midgate system, extending cargo space when needed. Massive 24-inch wheels reinforce the truck's commanding presence, while the blue "E" in the Silverado badge signals its electric pedigree. Out back, the tailgate and brake lights stay fairly traditional, but the blacked-out Chevrolet logo adds a stealthy, modern edge, giving a look we can't help but love.
Chevrolet's engineers worked magic with the Silverado EV's shorter front end, transforming the saved space into an incredibly roomy cabin that outdoes its rivals. Getting in is made easier by the power running boards, a welcome feature given the truck's commanding 78.7-inch (1,999mm) height. The premium front seats combine plush comfort with bold style, their blue and red accents flowing seamlessly into the center console. But the real shock is the limo-like space between occupants - at 5'5" (165cm), you can practically stretch out between the seats! This truck provides the driver and passenger with more personal space than most luxury sedans.
The back seat offers minivan-rivalling legroom that you have to see to believe. Three adults can sit comfortably, and while the ISOFIX ports and rear child seat anchors are present (though tucked behind the seatback, as is common in modern trucks), the real story is the incredible space. With the innovative Multi-Flex Tailgate and Midgate deployed, you can haul objects up to 10'10" (330cm) long. The standard 5'11" bed offers 1,634L (57.7 cu. ft.) of capacity. At the same time, the clever eTrunk provides a generous 303L (10.7 cu. ft.) - enough to swallow nearly three times what a Mazda MX-5's trunk can hold.
Tech-wise, the Chevrolet Silverado EV features the latest technology from GM, including a state-of-the-art gauge cluster and an advanced entertainment screen. It's a setup that we've seen in the Equinox EV and Blazer EV; you'll find an 11-inch driver's instrument display coupled with a 17-inch central infotainment screen. You will find essential vehicle features on the center screen, such as the on/off button and the light controls. This trim includes GM's Super Cruise with next-gen driver assistance; like all vision-based systems, its performance degrades when snow covers road markings—a notable consideration for winter climates. Our vehicle also features a large heads-up display and a rearview camera. Chevrolet continues to use physical climate controls except for the heated and ventilated front seats, which are accessible only through the main display. There are also plenty of USB-C ports and other outlets to plug in your devices. You can even find a household-style outlet in the back row and a wireless charging pad. Bose also has its hand in the vehicle; you can find a subwoofer tucked under the rear passenger seat; it is part of the Bose Premium Sound System. This vehicle has almost any feature you could think of; however, the glaring absence of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is notable.
While competitors chase headline-grabbing acceleration figures, GM took a different approach with the Silverado EV, prioritizing real-world range and towing capability. This explains the truck's massive battery capacity. The Chevrolet Silverado EV comes with three distinct powertrain configurations, all featuring a dual-motor setup that provides standard all-wheel drive, a key advantage over competitors that don't offer AWD across all trims. The main differences lie in the battery pack sizes and resulting range:
The Standard Range is equipped with a 119 kWh battery, delivering an estimated 458 km (286 miles) of range. The Extended Range features a larger 170 kWh battery, offering a range of between 628–679 km (390–422 miles) depending on the configuration. Topping the lineup, the Max Range version boasts a massive 205 kWh battery, the largest in the segment, achieving an impressive 792 km (495 miles).
Our RST First Edition test vehicle provides an estimated 740 km (460 miles) of range. Power output varies significantly by trim, ranging from 510 to 760 horsepower and 580 to 785 lb-ft of torque, appropriate numbers for a vehicle weighing in at 8,800 lbs (3,990 kg). When properly equipped, the Silverado EV delivers serious work capability with a maximum towing capacity of 12,000 lbs and a payload capacity of 1,800 lbs, making it one of the most capable electric trucks on the market.
The driving experience pleasantly surprised us. Our test model delivered ample power, never leaving us wanting for more acceleration. The four-wheel steering system works minor miracles in tight spaces, and we found parking this behemoth unexpectedly manageable. The adaptive air suspension delivers a composed ride, smoothing out most bumps with ease. However, the massive 24-inch wheels transmit more road imperfections than we'd like, creating occasional wobbliness on rough surfaces. A clever touch: the suspension automatically lowers when doors open for easier entry/exit. For a four-ton vehicle, body roll is well-controlled thanks to the air suspension's weight management. The braking system combines massive 17-inch discs with regenerative braking; however, we noticed that the pedal could feel slightly abrupt during hard stops as the truck's weight shifts forward. The available one-pedal driving mode adds another layer of drivability.
We put the Chevrolet Silverado EV through its paces during January's frigid temperatures, the coldest month of the year. Charging this electric behemoth requires patience. While capable of accepting up to 19.2 kW on an 80-amp home charger, our 7.2 kW test setup meant that a full 0-100% charge would take approximately 24 hours. DC fast charging shows more promise, with a theoretical maximum of 350kW. In real-world conditions similar to what we experienced with the Equinox EV (about 81kW on a 100kW charger), expect approximately 100 minutes for a 10-80% charge. The silver lining? That's enough to add about 600 km of range, thanks to the truck's enormous 205-kWh battery pack. During our winter testing in sub-zero Canadian temperatures (Occalating between -15 °C and -25 °C), energy consumption averaged between 1.8-2.3 km/kWh (43.5-55.5 kWh/100km), translating to a real-world range of around 450 km (281 miles). This shows how extreme cold affects EV performance.
The Chevrolet Silverado EV left us with plenty to discuss—so much so that we could've gone into even more detail, but the key takeaway is clear: this is a truly impressive electric truck. It leads its class in range, boasts exceptional towing capacity, and features a highly functional bed with the cleverly integrated Midgate, a standout advantage over rivals. Admittedly, pricing is steep at over $120,000 for the top trim we tested. Still, the Work Truck version offers the same massive battery at a more accessible $85,825, with all the essentials. For those seeking a middle ground, the LT trim with Extended Range strikes a smart balance. After a week behind the wheel, it's clear the Silverado EV is a well-rounded pickup that redefines expectations in the electric truck segment.
Disclaimer: Chevrolet has lent us this vehicle for a one-week press loan. We have no affiliation with Chevrolet Canada. The above reflects our personal opinion of the cars referred to above.
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