How does the EV Silverado drive?
The commercial-market oriented WT is the first variant of this platform we’ve been able to drive, and while it’s a lot simpler than the top-of-the-line First Edition RST that debuted Chevy’s first consumer electric truck, it’s still very well equipped.
The Silverado EV WT’s quick acceleration defies most of its continent, accelerating from a standstill to 60 mph in less than 6 seconds according to a company representative. Seriesmotor’ own unofficial stopwatch tests at driving events suggest the automaker’s estimates are accurate. M claims this truck weighs around 8,500 pounds without options — that’s about 1,600 pounds more than Seriesmotor’ long-term Ford F-150 Lightning.
At the WT launch event in Michigan, GM let us try our hand at towing a flatbed trailer loaded with a John Deere tractor. Total weight for our payload was around 8,900 pounds, taking up most of the truck’s 10,000-pound towing maximum. Once the trailer wiring harness is installed, the total available range shown in the cluster is halved. GM engineers explain that this slightly conservative remaining distance calculation can move up or down as you travel, depending on conditions and observed accelerator usage.
Regardless, this Detroit-built WT tows well, accelerates smartly and brakes confidently, even in single-pedal mode. In fact, using the latter in its high regen setting was better in our tests because it produced smoother stops while also saving wear and tear on brake components on both the truck and trailer.
How comfortable is the EV Silverado?
The WT’s independent coil-spring suspension runs well — almost a little soft — despite the fact that it rides on 18-inch heavy-duty truck tires inflated to 61 psi. Pitch and roll are well controlled and GM has done a good job of tuning noise, vibration and harshness, even on bumpy gravel roads. Steering is light and precise, with minimal play in the center.
Outward visibility isn’t great thanks to the thick roof pillars and large rear headrests, although the low hood height improves your view from the front a bit.
The Silverado EV benefits from an intelligently calibrated, user-selectable one-pedal drive mode. This energy restoring setting is available in two strengths. We found it easy to get used to its higher setting, which offers a predictable and pleasing rate of deceleration, so touching the brake pedal is rarely necessary — even while on hold. This brake wear saving function can also be turned off completely.