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The Chevy Silverado EV has sparked significant interest in the electric vehicle world, offering a blend of utility, innovation, and range. But beyond the marketing materials and spec sheets, what do real owners and enthusiasts think about this truck? By diving into Reddit discussions and exploring real world use, we uncover both the highlights and challenges of owning and driving Chevyβs electric pickup.
The Silverado EVβs Strengths: Range, Features, and Utility
One of the Silverado EVβs standout features is its impressive range. The RST First Edition boasts an estimated 400 miles on a full charge, making it one of the longest-range electric trucks on the market. The Original Poster of a Reddit thread noted:
It has an epic 213.7 kWh (gross) battery. In car and driver, real-world 75-mph testing, the Silverado EV was bested only by the Lucid Air (410 miles), and equaled by the EQS at 400 miles. If you want a long-range EV with a lot of cargo space, this is the one to pick.
This sentiment aligns with Torque Newsβ article βAn Unexpected Journey in Electric Trucking,β which highlighted how reliable the Silverado EVβs range estimates were during a six-day adventure. Even under heavy loads, the truck delivered consistent performance.
Interior Impressions: Mixed Reactions
While many appreciate the Silverado EVβs range and utility, opinions on its interior design are more divided. One commenter noted:
“Truck is impressive; interior is gorgeous. Just can’t get over that ugly front end. I know it’s for aerodynamics but I think it would sell a lot better if it had similar styling to the 1500 like the Lightning did.”
Another commenter shared frustration over compatibility issues with older models:
“Makes me mad those are 8 lugs; canβt quite fit those on my 2000 Silverado 1500 without adapters.”
Torque Newsβ article β2025 Chevrolet Silverado EV Offers More Trim and Range Optionsβ noted that Chevy is addressing some concerns by offering mid-range trims like the LT model, which balances affordability with improved interior quality.
Charging Challenges: A Common Pain Point
Charging remains a challenge for many EV owners, and Silverado EV drivers are no exception. One commenter shared their frustration with Hertzβs rental policy for EVs:
“Hertz’s policy for returning an EV to them was/maybe still is that you have to fill it just like you do with ICE. I’d be happy to rent an EV on a work trip, but not if I have a 7am return flight and need to get to a charger in the vicinity of the rental return at 4:30am.”
Another commenter from r/F150Lightning described issues with DC fast chargers failing to recognize their truck or abruptly ending charging sessions. They eventually succeeded at an Electrify America station but noted quirks like loud horn blasts when shutting the door while plugged in.
Torque Newsβ article βI Traded My Rivian R1T for a Chevy Silverado LT EVβ acknowledged these growing pains but emphasized that Chevyβs (formerly known as Ultium) platform provides a solid foundation for improving charging reliability over time.
Utility and Practicality: A True Workhorse
For those who prioritize towing capacity and cargo space, the Silverado EV shines. One commenter summed it up well: Β “I am not the target audience, but I think if you want an EV and want to tow a bunch of (stuff), Silverado EV is the car you want. If youβre not in that category though, yeahβno reason I can see to pick it over other options.”
Torque News also highlighted this strength in their article βAn Unexpected Journey in Electric Truckingβ noting how effectively the truck handled heavy payloads while maintaining stability and comfort.
Aesthetic Appeal: Divisive Opinions
The design of the Silverado EV has sparked debate among enthusiasts. While some love its bold look, others find it polarizing. One commenter humorously described it as:
“Itβs like an Avalanche and a Silverado had a baby that was fed a ton of McDonaldβs and Arbyβs and didnβt ever go outside to play or exercise.”
In contrast, another commenter praised its modern aesthetic:
“I personally love the aesthetic. Itβs the primary reason I waited for the Silverado instead of buying the F-150 Lightning.”
Conclusion: A Promising Start with Room for Growth
The Chevy Silverado EV represents an exciting step forward in electric trucking. Its range, utility, and innovative features make it a strong contender in its segment. However, as real-world testimonials show, there are still areas for improvementβparticularly in charging infrastructure compatibility and interior refinement.
By addressing these challenges head-on while continuing to innovate, Chevy has positioned itself as a key player in shaping the future of electric trucks. For now, vehicles like the Silverado EV demonstrate that sustainable transportation can be practical without sacrificing performance.
Photos courtesy of Chevrolet Newsroom
Mikey GarciaΒ has been passionate about cars and alternative fuels long before they were mainstream, from closely following the GM EV1 to running biodiesel in his Volkswagen Beetle TDI and Mercedes 300SD. As an early EV adopter, he drove a 2015 Fiat 500e and now owns a 2017 Chevy Bolt, showcasing his commitment to accessible electric mobility. With nearly a decade of tech experience at Apple, Mikey brings a unique perspective to the intersection of automotive innovation, sustainability, and technology.Β You canΒ reach him on XΒ andΒ LinkedInΒ to follow him, or to send him news tips.
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