The second GM electric truck to hit the market will be the Chevrolet Silverado EV, the first being the GMG Hummer EV. These two electric trucks clearly have a lot in common with their features and specifications as we’ll discuss below. However, many want to know how the Silverado EV stacks up against the Ford F-150 Lighting which we’ll also look at. When it comes to the Silverado EV there are still many unknowns. However, Chevy has stated a towing capacity of up to 20,000 lbs, but that appears to be only for a fleet model.
Chevrolet Silverado EV Specs
- Official Towing Capacity – 8,000 lbs up to 20,000 lbs
- Availability – Spring 2023 (WT), late 2023 for RST
- Price – Starting $39,000 (WT) up to $105,000 (RST)
- EPA Range Estimates – ? (WT) up 400 miles for RST
- Estimated Towing Range (50%) – 200 miles for RST
- Maximum Charge Rate – up to 350 kW (DC rapid charger)
Chevrolet Silverado EV HP & Torque
- AWD with 510HP and 612 lb-ft of torque
- AWD with 664 HP and 780 lb-ft of torque
Chevrolet Silverado EV Towing Capabilties
There is still a lot of specific detail for Chevrolet to confirm about the Silverado EV. For instance, while we know the price/range of the top of the range RST which will be launched in late 2023 for other consumer versions of the truck we know little on range/pricing.
What we do know is the top of the range RST is fitted with a 200kWh battery pack which will produce the estimated EPA range of 400 miles (likely around 200 miles towing). It will also offer a towing capacity of 8,000 lbs as standard which can be upgraded to 10,000 lbs.
We don’t as yet know what size the smaller battery pack is or what range that will provide. With regards to the work truck versions (WT) it appears at ‘some point in the future’ they will be offered with a towing capacity of up to 20,000 lbs.
However, Chevrolet has clearly stated that the top of the range public consumer model (the RST) can only be spec’d up with a towing capacity of up 10,000 lbs. Why can’t a consumer truck costing $100,000+ not also be spec’d up to the same 20,000 lb towing capacity is currently unknown.
Then again, a 10,000 lb towing capacity is much better than GM’s ‘Super Truck’ the Hummer EV which can only tow up to 7,500lbs?! Therefore, when it comes to towing in the coming years if you only buy GM, the cheaper Silverado will by far be the better option over the Hummer EV.
Chevrolet Silverado EV vs Ford F-150 Lighting
It’s highly likely anyone who is going to consider a Silverado EV unless they are a die-hard GM fan may also be considering the Ford F-150 Lightning. Therefore, let’s talk about how these two electric trucks compare in general, but first, let’s discuss towing capacity.
When it comes to consumer trucks the towing capacities are very similar. The F-150 Lightning can tow between 7,700 and 10,000 lbs and the Silverado EV can tow between 8,000 and 10,000 lbs. Unless Chevy decides to offer that 20,000 lb towing capacity outside of their fleet customers on towing capacity its pretty much a draw.
When it comes to range though the top of the range options from both brands differ with a max of 300 miles on the Ford and 400 miles on the Chevy. When it comes to towing that could result in roughly a 50 mile additional towing range for the Silverado EV.
While the top of the range Silverado EV (RST) may offer a larger range it will also demand a higher price point by around $15,000 more. Furthermore, the Silverado EV RST will launch roughly around a year after the top of the range F-150 Lighting, hence pricing could change further.
Besides the range increase, I will say that I think there are two areas where the Silverado EV is notably superior to the F-150 Lightning. First, is the removable mid-gate in the Silverado EV enabling a much more flexible/practical storage solution.
The second is the maximum DC rapid charging speed. While the F-150 Lighting is limited to a maximum of 150kW the Silverado EV will apparently support up to 350kW. That’s a significant increase in charge rates and when you’re towing and rapidly depleting range, that could make a big difference.
My Thoughts On The Chevrolet Silverado EV…
We are still likely a least a year away from motoring journalists getting their hands on the final production Silverado EV to see what its really capable of. Furthermore as stated above we still don’t know the range of the lower specification Silverado EV variants or their prices.
In the highest trim spec though it does appear that Chevy will have the edge over Ford for the 1/2 ton electric truck segment when it comes to range, while their towing capacities are more or less similar.
Besides the range advantage, its the DC rapid charging speed advantage which I think is significant. However, bear in mind the Silverado EV would have to be plugged into a 350kW capable charger for the full benefit to be realised.
Once the Chevrolet Silverado EV is in the hands of the motoring press and there are some video reviews I can reference I’ll update this article with more details. Later on, once we have some video of the vehicle DC rapid charging and hopefully towing I’ll add them as well.
