A Truck for the Ages

Chevrolet's Silverado EV is an all-American electric pickup truck that has been gaining attention for its impressive features and capabilities. Despite its promising potential, however, the truck has been struggling to find buyers.

A Drive in the Silverado EV

I had the opportunity to take the Silverado EV for a spin, and I was impressed by its smooth ride and quiet cabin. The truck's massive bed and frunk offer ample storage space, and the back seat is surprisingly roomy. The cabin is also equipped with a Google-powered infotainment system that is crisp and clear, with commendably responsive voice commands.

• The Silverado EV's 205 kilowatt-hour battery pack provides a range of over 400 miles on a single charge, making it ideal for daily driving.
• The truck's rear-wheel steering system makes it easy to maneuver in tight spaces, and its adaptive cruise control system helps to reduce driver fatigue.

However, the Silverado EV is not without its drawbacks. Its high price point, which is around $5,000 shy of the average price of a full-size pickup truck, may be a barrier for some potential buyers. Additionally, the truck's towing range is significantly shorter than that of its gas-powered counterpart, which may be a concern for those who rely on their trucks for heavy hauling.

The Silverado EV's Price and Range

While the Silverado EV's price may be a concern for some, it's worth noting that GM is working to address this issue. The company has hinted that it will introduce a new battery chemistry that will slash costs by around $6,000 while preserving the range, which should bring the EV to price parity with the gas-powered version.

In the meantime, the Silverado EV remains a solid first draft of an electric pickup truck. With a bit more engineering, it has the potential to become a best-seller. But for now, its high price and mediocre towing range are holding it back from achieving success.

As trucks go, the Silverado EV is smooth.

Some observers have blamed the Silverado EV's high price for its slow sales, but I'm doubtful. Full-size pickup buyers shell out an average of $66,000, just $5,000 shy of the list price of a Silverado EV LT Extended Range.

• The Silverado EV's efficiency is impressive, with a rating of 2.1 miles per kilowatt-hour, which is about 10% to 20% less than I average in my Audi e-tron, a smaller vehicle with much less frontal area pushing against the wind.

People also blame the EV's mediocre towing range, which is 60% shorter. Again, that shouldn't be a dealbreaker. The vast majority of full-size truck owners, about 75%, tow at most once per year, according to Strategic Vision. There should be 400,000 fossil fuel-powered Silverado buyers ready to make the switch. And yet those sales figures!

It appears that GM and other automakers misjudged the truck market, which tends to suffer from inertia, and not the kind that comes from piloting a 4.5 ton vehicle. Potential buyers fret about range, about charging, and probably a few other things I’m not aware of. It has held back EVs generally — and EV pickups especially.