First Look Review: Pricey Chevrolet Silverado EV WT revolutionizes trucks

  • Chevrolet Silverado EV WT impresses on performance, capability, and ease of driving
  • Has a payload capacity of 1,440 pounds and a towing capacity of 10,000 pounds
  • Delivers 450 miles of EPA-est. range
  • Now available to fleet customers

The Chevrolet Silverado EV, America’s longest-range electric pickup truck, has arrived on the market. It boasts bold claims in terms of capabilities, utility, comfort, and convenience. I’ve long waited to find out if the all-electric Chevrolet Silverado truly reimagines the pickup truck as GM claims, and I finally got a chance to explore it and answer that in January 2024. I saw it in the configuration that delivers the maximum range – 4WT. Here are my observations of the electric work truck:

Design

The Chevrolet Silverado EV WT closely resembles a gas or diesel-powered pickup truck. If not for the smooth panel replacing the typical radiator grille, it would be challenging to identify it as an EV. I feel that this subtle approach to its electric nature is a positive aspect of its design, as it makes the vehicle more approachable for first-time EV adopters.

The Silverado EV WT’s high-set hood, split headlamps with striking DRLs, and robust bumper contribute to its confident and purposeful stance. The faux grille at the top, which does not match the body color, makes it instantly recognizable as the work truck model. I find the utilitarian bumpers and grille on the Silverado EV WT to be a smart choice. As a driver, I wouldn’t have to be overly concerned about scratching or chipping the paint while using the truck on a job site, which adds a practical aspect to its design.

On the sides, the squarish wheel arches, and the flattish roof accentuate the Silverado EV WT’s robustness. I think the svelte beltline gives the electric pickup truck a subtle touch of elegance. The L-shaped tail lamps give a little technical look to what’s otherwise a rather simplistic rear. Overall, for a fleet-oriented model, I think the Silverado EV WT looks quite handsome!

My favorite feature of the Silverado EV WT’s exterior is the eTrunk, which offers 10.7 cu. ft. of secured storage space along with a 120 V power outlet, four bag hooks, and four cargo tie-downs, which should keep my toolbox and pouch from bouncing around on the move. The bed, which measures 5 ft. 11 in. in length, features four 120 V power outlets and a 240 V power outlet as well, providing ample power supply options for tools on a job site.

Interior & Utility

Once inside the Chevrolet Silverado EV WT, I liked the modern layout of its dashboard as well as the ribbed steering wheel. However, signs of cost-cutting were evident in the cabin’s dull ‘Jet Black’ color scheme, the absence of some switches on the steering wheel, and the large bezels around the central display, which gave away its smaller (11.3-inch) size compared to higher trims.

The Silverado EV WT has soft-touch material only on the center armrest. However, the quality of plastics GM has used here is better than the usual standards of a work truck. The Evotex faux leather-like upholstery on the seats felt better than they looked! I’m six foot tall, and I had ample legroom and headroom in the front. As for under-thigh support, I’d say it was alright. The steering wheel was perfectly sized and felt sold to hold.

The center console has plenty of storage space. There are two open storage spaces in the front, a smaller one on the top (with two USB Type-C ports) and a bigger one right below it.

2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV WT steering wheel
The steering wheel is ribbed, and feels solid to grip. The digital instrument cluster offers a wealth of information, and I found it having a neat layout with legible graphics.

Entering the rear of the cabin was not a task for me, but if you are on the shorter side, you may need to stretch a little and use the sidestep while exiting. The width available here seemed enough to accommodate three adults like me. Sitting behind the driver seat, which was still in the most optimal position for me, I had fantastic leg space and no complaints about the under-thigh support. The headroom was also excellent, while the sitting posture felt a bit upright.

Less complex than the Silverado gas truck

The Ultium platform, though not immediately visible, brings numerous benefits that significantly impact the customer experience. For instance, in the case of the Chevrolet Silverado, the electric version utilizes about 45% fewer part numbers compared to its gas-powered counterpart. This insight was revealed by Doug Parks, GM’s former Executive Vice President of Global Product Development, Purchasing & Supply Chain, during the company’s Investor Day event on November 17, 2022.

By designing, validating, tooling, and building fewer components, GM can not only reduce costs but also expedite the process from vehicle development to market launch. This streamlined approach also enables the production of EV configurations that would typically be complex and expensive in combustion engine models. Take the Chevrolet Blazer EV, for example, which is available in both front- and rear-wheel drive layouts.

Driving impressions

The Chevrolet Silverado EV WT is a dual-motor AWD electric pickup truck with 510 hp and 615 lb.-ft. of torque. It comes with a 20-module battery pack in the 3WT grade and a 24-module battery in the 4WT grade (featured in this story).

While GM has not revealed the figure, I understand that the 4WT grade’s battery pack has an energy storage capacity of 208 kWh (gross). On a full charge, it allows 450 miles of EPA-est. range. The electric pickup truck can carry loads of up to 1,440 pounds and haul up to 10,000 pounds. A future configuration will allow towing up to 20,000 pounds with an optional package, which sounds quite impressive.

The Chevrolet Silverado EV WT is as futuristic as its underlying technology suggests despite its traditional exterior design. One notable feature is the absence of a start/stop button – the vehicle powers on simply by pressing the brake pedal, adding an extra layer of convenience for the driver.

The Silverado EV WT dispels any notion that a work truck might lack driving performance, offering superb acceleration. The steering feels nicely weighted, inspiring confidence, and allows for precise maneuvering, going by what reviewers generally felt. Its effortless and lively handling almost resembles driving an SUV. In every scenario—whether it’s everyday driving, climbing a hill, or performing heavyweight towing—the Silverado EV WT consistently demonstrates ample power and capability.

Even without the four-wheel steering feature of the Silverado EV RST, the Silverado EV WT is remarkably easy to turn. Going by other media reviews, its regenerative braking system is so effective that, with careful planning of acceleration and turns, there’s often no need to use the friction brakes in typical driving scenarios.

Aspect2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV WT Specification
Length233.1 in.
Width81.6 in.
Height78.0 in.
Wheelbase145.7 in.
Max Headroom41.9 in. (front)/39.7 in. (rear)
Max Legroom44.8 in. (front)/44.3 in. (rear)
Shoulder Room64.9 in. (front)/63.8 in. (rear)
Hip Room62.0 in. (front)/61.5 in. (rear)
Frunk Volume10.7 cu. ft.
Drivetrain LayoutAWD
Power510 hp
Torque615 lb.-ft.
Payload Capacity1,440 pounds
Towing Capacity10,000 pounds
Range (EPA-est.)450 miles
2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV WT Specifications (Source: GM)

Price

The Chevrolet Silverado EV WT retails at USD 79,800 in the 4WT trim. A 3WT trim, priced at USD 74,800, will follow in 2024.

Also See: First Look Review: Chevy Silverado EV RST is a ‘typical’ alternative to the Cybertruck

Chevrolet Silverado EV WT FAQs

What is the Chevrolet Silverado EV WT release date?

The Chevrolet Silverado EV WT is now available at Chevy dealers in the U.S.

What is the Chevrolet Silverado EV WT price?

The Chevrolet Silverado EV WT has been priced at USD 79,800.

Which models are the Silverado EV WT’s rivals?

The Chevrolet Silverado EV WT competes with the Ford F-150 Lightning Pro.