Electric cars were having a moment. And then they weren’t, through no fault of their own, of course. But when you start to consider the benefits, how an electric pickup truck might change your life for the good, it’s something to think about. And with so many good deals out there right now — deals that may disappear if our electric car tax rules change in 2025—we had to look again at this one: the GMC Sierra EV pickup truck.
Here’s what we like about the first electric pickup truck from GMC, and why it could be a game changer for the right driver.
Video: Our Jana Askeland spent the day with the GMC Sierra EV and this is what she learned
This story is 100% human researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks.
1. The First GMC Sierra EV Models are All Denali
We love GMC’s Denali trim for its posh feel but resilient construction. The GMC Sierra EV is offered only in Denali to start, and in two models: An Extended Range that delivers 390 miles of electric range, and a Max Range that offers 460 miles. And with the top of the line Denali trim buyers will also find quilted leather seating, a panoramic sunroof and advanced features like head up display and premium sound.
Read: GMC Hummer EV SUV: A Kitschy-Cool EV with Functional Space, Utilitarian Interior
2. No Gas Station Stops for Hundreds of Miles
Probably the biggest benefit of an EV is not getting gas. In a pickup truck, all the better. Consider that each fill-up can cost $65 or more—and $100+ in states with pricey gas such as California.
With 390 miles of electric range and up to 460 in the Max Range model the opportunity is to charge off solar panels, in the wee hours of the night when rates are low or at free charge stations. And, the one pedal driving setting allows for for max energy recuperation while you’re driving.
Keep in mind that public charging can cost almost as much as gas, so an EV’s advantages are really better for those who can charge at home.
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Read: Chevrolet Silverado Review: The Truth About Trucks
3. Charging Options are a Game-Changer, Too
Here’s the best news: The GMC Sierra is equipped with Tesla’s NACS charge port, meaning you can charge at Tesla Superchargers that allow non-Tesla cars, and there are 17,000 of them.
Then, the GMC Sierra EV’s 800 volt charge system, one of the fastest on the market, means it can charge on the fastest DC fast chargers— those that deliver 350 kW charging. It’ll also charge quickly on slower chargers; 250kW chargers are pretty common, as are 125 kW and 150 kW chargers. At a 350 kW charger it should recoup 100 miles in 10 minutes.
Read: Why So Many People Are Happily Waiting for a Rivian R1T Electric Pickup Truck
4. Truck Is ALL Pickup Truck
We love pickup trucks for their space and muscle, and one thing you won’t compromise in the GMC Sierra EV is space. The cabin is comfortable and roomy; there’s tons of headroom, legroom and space for 5 passengers to sit comfortably. For families who need kids car seats, there are 2 full sets of LATCHes to install them, and running boards will help them climb into the cabin easily.
5. The Power Is Powerful in the GMC Sierra EV
This is what we love about EVs: Lots and lots of power. The GMC Sierra delivers 769 HP and 785 torque, meaning power is instant when you tap the accelerator. And all that power can tow a lot: Up to 10,500 pounds.
6. This Truck’s Space is Crazy Flexible
GMC sibling truck maker Chevrolet rolled out a very cool feature in the Chevrolet Silverado EV, and GMC decided to include it in the Sierra EV, too: the mid-gate with a fully-removable rear wall.
You can fold down the rear seats and open the mid gate, remove the rear window, or once the window is removed, fully fold the rear wall down. Now, the rear seats have to be folded up, so you can’t do this with the seats down, but if you want that full convertible feel or want to extend the truck bed to 10’10”, just put the mid gate down and voila, you have the most flexible pickup truck on the road (other than the Silverado EV).
7. The GMC Sierra EV Can Crab Walk
Think about how a crab moves across the sand, sort of sideways while also moving forward or back. The GMC Sierra can do a similar maneuver using the steering of all four wheels, allowing it to point all four wheels the same direction at low speeds and move slightly sideways. It’s really pretty cool.
8. Launch Control Is a Thing, Too
This drive mode setting is something you don’t usually see on pickup trucks— though you’ll find it on the Ram 1500 TRX: launch control. A drag-strip favorite, this setting allows you to front load all the truck’s power and ‘launch’ down a drag strip.
GMC calls this function “Max Power”—the Hummer EV calls it WFT Mode, or Watts to Power and the Silverado EV calls it Wide Open Watts, or WOW mode. No matter what you call it, it is fun and powerful, and it takes a little process to set it up, so you can’t just launch all 769 HP on the highway.
9. Easily Charge At Home— Or Actually Charge Your Home
There are a couple of ways to quickly charge at home: install a basic level 2, 240 V outlet, which is essentially the same as the one a clothes dryer uses. Or buy a charge wall.
The GM Energy home system can increase the power delivery to 11.5 kW or 19.2 kW, and the top of the line system allows you to use the truck to power your house if you’d like. The systems can be integrated with solar panels and can be used to sell power back to the grid.
10. Three Years of Super Cruise is Included
We love this smart hands-free highway driving system. GM has mapped nearly half a million miles of road (and a full 750K miles are on the way), adding that intelligence to road signs, markings, cars and other data points to allow a great hands-free driving experience.
We’ve tried it out and it’s really good, and something we can easily get used to. The system is included for the first three years, and it’s offered by subscription afterward.
11. And Then, All the GMC Things to Love
GMC was one to deliver electric first trucks to the market with the Hummer EV. In the Hummer the goal was to show all the possibilities of an electric truck. In the GMC Sierra EV, however, the goal is to show how much utility is possible. Yes, there are fun things, and then, there are the GMC things we love, such as
Google built in with “hey Google” voice assistance
A large vertical touch screen with smart graphics and an HD surround view camera
A wide digital driver display that can be custom configured
Digital rear view mirror that shows both a video and reflective view
A multi-function tail gate with a fold down step
A configurable truck bed with lots of power outlets
A frunk that’s great for tailgating or can be configured for storage
Head up display with turn by turn navigation
One Thing Is Missing, But Is It a Deal Breaker?
While we love all the GMC things, such as the smart tail gate and lots of power, There’s one thing that you won’t find in the GMC Sierra EV: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. We don’t think this is a deal-breaker since the native system allows most of the function of a smart phone and you can still use Apple Siri via the USB port.
If you’re an Android/Google user you can log into your Google account to use messaging. But if you’re a CarPlay fan, you’ll have to adjust the way you connect while you’re in the car. Or, just get used to asking Google to do it all for you, which is what I do, and I’m fine with it.
For the great features in the GMC Sierra pickup truck, plus 390 miles of range and amazing HP, that is one small concession that should only be a quick speed bump in the shift to the EV life.
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