The Tesla Cybertruck hit the streets, and in the beginning, prices were going for double MSRP. But after a few months, prices have come back to earth. Wait a little longer, and it will probably be half of MSRP for a used example. Besides the cliff-face depreciation, it has become the running joke of influencers commenting on its polarizing looks. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but may we make the case for the Chevrolet Silverado EV? It looks great. The interior amenities and user interface are wonderful. Plus, it looks like a traditional pickup truck that will probably hold its value better compared to the avant-garde (or sketched by a kindergartner) Cybertruck.
Going Far
Electric vehicles can lead to range anxiety, but for 2025, you can up the battery capacity of the Silverado EV. Scott Bell, the VP of Chevrolet, states, “Truck customers tell us range is one of the main barriers to considering an EV. The 2024 Silverado EV already was the range leader, and for this new model year, we’ve set the bar even higher. A second barrier to entry is price, so we are fortifying the Silverado EV lineup by providing more choice. For 2025, we’re introducing an LT trim, offering a more affordable RST package and expanding WT offerings. This increased capability and accessibility is great news for the segment, the industry, and the brand.” My tester was the Extended Range with the LT Premium Package. The display on my tester showed about 390 miles until empty, which seems reasonable with temperate weather and not having anything in tow.
Nimble Around Parking Lots
I picked up my test vehicle in NYC from a parking garage. The vehicle was on the second level, and it is tricky for the valet to negotiate any large vehicle down the ramp to the exit. It is a tight turn. The Silverado EV’s four-wheel steering made it easier. It still can’t shrink itself to fit into tight parking spaces, but the tighter turning radius makes it more convenient to live with. A regular Silverado 1500 has about a 46-foot turning radius, while the EV has about a 42-foot turning radius. Moreover, the power comes on quickly with all that instant torque. This makes maneuvering through traffic easy and allows you to get ahead of taxis and Ubers like a pro. Kathy Gillespie, the Chief Engineer, notes, “Our design and engineering teams started from the ground up to create a pickup with impressive performance and capability. The Silverado EV is a long-range, fast-charging electric truck that does all the ‘truck things’ customers want and more. It can tow, haul, and carry passengers comfortably. With 754 horsepower, it also happens to be the most powerful Silverado we’ve ever built.”
No Engine, More Room
One downside to a pickup truck is that luggage is relegated to the rear seat or in the bed itself, which makes it very inconvenient if it’s raining or snowing and you want to keep your bags and clothing relatively clean without a bed cover. Luggage is also a trigger for people with prying eyes who want to help themselves to your belongings. The Silverado EV has a well-engineered frunk for storing anything you would want to place in the trunk of a conventional sedan. The eTrunk is a lockable, weatherproof compartment in the front of the vehicle. It provides enough space to fit a large hardside suitcase and can be customized with a multitude of accessory options, including rubberized mats or storage organizers. Another cool feature in the rear of the truck is the MultiFlex tailgate, which you can open entirely or just a little section, making it handy for tailgating. That little area also becomes a step in case you need to jump into the bed. Need room for something long? You can also open the front of the bed, making a portal into the cabin so large items can fit. It makes schlepping long lumber a breeze.
Infotaining
I was very impressed with the Silverado EV’s infotainment system. The best feature is native Google Maps. Firing up the navigation is easy, and traffic data is provided by Google, so it is up-to-the-minute and displayed on the large 17.7-inch screen. A small window in the instrument cluster shows the next turns, and even the Heads-Up Display gets involved in the party with arrows to show you where to go. I also loved the newly designed volume knob. It is surrounded by the infotainment display, and the center of it is part of the display. When you give it a twist, a picture of a speaker is illuminated in the center of the knob, while a pictograph around the knob shows you the volume level.
Sum of the Parts
One of the cool things about using the Silverado EV as a work truck is the onboard power with its built-in inverters. There are a total of six 120-volt outlets and a 240-volt outlet in the truck bed. Getting you to the job site is GM’s excellent Super Cruise. Automatic lane-changing controls are easily accessible from the infotainment screen. With Super Cruise onboard, it also means every GM ADAS safety suite is watching your back. Parking is also a breeze with selectable camera views. The Silverado EV starts around $59K, and my LT tester came in around $80K. The fully loaded RST Max Range tops out at $97K. It is right on par with the pricing of the Cybertruck; however, the Tesla is typically selling above MSRP. I would personally opt for the more conventional Chevy, but both vehicles have their merits.
