Chevy's electric pickup truck achieves an astounding range of 1,705 kilometers on a single battery charge.
In a groundbreaking achievement, engineers at General Motors (GM) have pushed the boundaries of electric vehicle (EV) technology with the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado EV Max Range Work Truck. The vehicle recently set a new world record by traveling an astonishing 1,059.2 miles (1,705 km) on a single battery charge [1][2].
The record-breaking test was conducted near GM's test facility in Milford, Michigan, and on Detroit's Belle Isle. The truck was driven on public roads, mimicking real-world driving conditions. The test served not only to set a record but also to collect valuable data for the engineers' development work [1].
The Silverado EV's impressive range was achieved using an unmodified production vehicle with only minor, efficiency-focused adjustments. These modifications included lowering the windshield wiper blade position to reduce aerodynamic drag, inflating the tires to their highest acceptable pressure to reduce rolling resistance, removing the spare tire for weight optimization, optimizing wheel alignment for better efficiency, adding a tonneau cover to smooth airflow over the truck bed, and turning off the climate control system for the duration of the test [2].
The test was conducted during the summer for optimal ambient temperature to enhance battery performance [2]. The team also employed optimized driver behaviour within the truck’s standard operating guidelines, using a team approach with rotating drivers over several days to maximize efficiency without altering the vehicle’s hardware or software [1][3].
These relatively simple "everyday hacks" helped the Silverado EV exceed its EPA-estimated range of 493 miles by more than double, setting a new world record for EV range and demonstrating the potential for electric pickups in real-world conditions [1][3].
The Silverado EV's large battery, with a storage capacity of 200 kWh, played a significant role in its impressive range. The truck is nearly production-ready and, once available in this region, is rated at up to 493 miles (793 km) of range according to the EPA [1].
This record surpassed the previous record of 749 miles (1,205 km) set by U.S. electric vehicle manufacturer Lucid [1]. The Lucid Air's record-breaking test was conducted under more realistic scenarios, driving in July without stopping for a charge between St. Moritz, Switzerland, and Munich, covering alpine passes, highways, and country roads [1].
With this record-breaking achievement, the Chevrolet Silverado EV Max Range Work Truck has undoubtedly cemented its place as a pioneer in the electric pickup truck market, demonstrating the potential for electric vehicles to revolutionize the automotive industry.
[1] https://www.cnbc.com/2023/05/25/chevy-silverado-ev-sets-new-world-record-for-electric-vehicle-range.html [2] https://www.autoblog.com/2023/05/25/chevy-silverado-ev-sets-new-world-record-for-electric-vehicle-range/ [3] https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1135320_2026-chevrolet-silverado-ev-sets-new-world-record-for-electric-vehicle-range/
- The groundbreaking feat by GM's engineers with the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado EV Max Range Work Truck has marked a significant milestone in the automotive industry, pushing the boundaries of electric-vehicle technology.
- The record-setting test of the Silverado EV was not just about breaking records, but also about collecting valuable data for the refinement of electric-vehicle technology within the broader context of the transportation industry.
- The impressive range of the Silverado EV, though achieved using simple modifications, highlights the untapped potential of electric-vehicles in the lifestyle sector, offering a glimpse into the future where electric-vehicles become a staple in daily life.
- This world record set by the Chevrolet Silverado EV has necessitated the finance industry to revisit their calculations for the viability of electric vehicles in relation to their traditional fossil fuel counterparts, potentially reshaping future funding decisions and investments within the industry.
