General Motors’ Bold Move into the Electric Truck Market with the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV RST
DETROIT – General Motors is pushing the boundaries of electric vehicle technology with their latest offering, the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV RST. From the late ’90s EV1 to the plug-in hybrid Chevrolet Bolt, GM’s track record with electric vehicles has been a mixed bag, but with the Silverado EV RST, Chevy aims to claim a leading position in the competitive electric truck market.
A Comparison of Models: 4WT vs RST
The Silverado EV lineup starts with the 4WT (Work Truck), initially launched for fleet users, boasting impressive range and power. The RST, however, takes things to a premium level, targeting truck buyers who seek high-end features. With a range of 440 miles, the RST nearly matches the 450 miles of the WT but stands apart with its high-performance specs – 754 horsepower and 785 pound-feet of torque, making it one of the most powerful electric trucks in its category.
Chevrolet’s Answer to the F-150 Lightning
Ford’s F-150 Lightning may have pioneered this segment, but Chevrolet’s Silverado EV RST counters with superior range and power, rivalling even the GMC Hummer EV. Featuring robust 24-inch wheels and a hefty 9,119-pound weight, the RST achieves an impressive 0-60 mph sprint in just 4.5 seconds, although competitors like Rivian R1T and Tesla Cybertruck are significantly faster.
Price and Availability
The Silverado EV RST’s premium nature comes with a premium price tag – $96,495. This places it above most Corvette and Suburban models, highlighting the cost of cutting-edge electric technology. As of now, the Silverado EV does not qualify for federal tax incentives, although Chevrolet expects changes later this year. The RST First Edition tops the range, above the $77,905 4WT, with LT and 3WT models arriving later in the year, followed by the Trail Boss in 2025.
Charging and Towing: Performance Essentials
Electric vehicles’ capabilities extend beyond just driving. For the Silverado EV, charging and towing are core features:
- Charging Speed: The truck can gain 100 miles of range in just 10 minutes using DC fast charging at a lightning-fast 350 kilowatts.
- Home Charging: With GM’s PowerShift charger, it can achieve 34 miles per hour of charging on a Level 2 charge in 13 hours. However, this is optimal and requires the 19.2 kW charger, with most home setups providing less power.
- Towing Capacity: The Silverado EV RST matches the Lightning’s 10,000-pound towing capacity, while competitors like the Cybertruck and Rivian R1T claim a bit more at 11,000 pounds.
The Silverado EV also doubles as a powerful generator, providing up to 10.2 kW for various uses, paralleling the F-150 Lightning’s capabilities.
Driving Experience and Design
In our first hands-on experience with the Silverado EV RST, we delved into its innovative "Wide Open Watts" (WOW) feature – Chevrolet’s answer to launch control, which delivers peak performance at the touch of a button:
- Driving Dynamics: The truck’s four-wheel steering and adaptive air suspension contribute to a nimble, comfortable drive.
- Super Cruise: The hands-free driving feature works well but can be overly corrective on the highway.
- Visibility and Braking: Enhanced visibility and responsive brakes make for a safer driving experience.
Design Excellence and Practicality
The Silverado EV’s design is both a bold and strategic move by Chevrolet. The RST maintains the essence of the Silverado while incorporating aerodynamic and modern touches:
- Exterior Style: With a sleek, aerodynamically optimized front end, the EV looks cutting-edge and distinctive from its gasoline counterpart.
- Interior Quality: Inside, a large 17.7-inch touchscreen and an 11-inch digital instrument display take center stage, though materials could feel more premium at this price point.
- Innovative Bed: Featuring the Multi-Flex Midgate, the bed can be expanded from 5 feet 11 inches to 9 feet by removing the rear window and lowering the pass-through. This flexibility is a hallmark of modern design ingenuity.
Future Prospects
The Silverado EV RST represents a significant milestone for Chevrolet and the electric vehicle market. At a time when discussions around the future of electric vehicles are intensifying, the Silverado EV RST stands as a testament to American ingenuity and automotive excellence. With competition heating up from the likes of Ford and Ram, Chevrolet’s innovative design and robust performance offer a compelling choice for consumers.
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Jack Carney, Editor of Automotive.fyi
