Chevy Silverado EV Covered Over 1000 Miles on a Single Battery Powered Run by GM Engineers
General Motors' Team Sets New EV Range Record with 1,059-Mile Drive
In a remarkable demonstration of efficiency and endurance, a team of 40 General Motors (GM) engineers have broken the record for the longest distance travelled on a single electric vehicle (EV) charge. The team, based at GM's development facility in Milford, achieved a record-breaking 1,059.2 miles in a 2026 Chevy Silverado EV [1].
To achieve this feat, the team employed typical hypermiling techniques, focusing on slow and steady driving to maximize efficiency. This approach, reminiscent of the "Tortoise and the Hare" tale, prioritised endurance over speed to extend the truck's electric range well beyond its EPA estimate of 493 miles [1].
The key strategies used included driving at very low speeds to optimize energy consumption. Slower speeds greatly reduce aerodynamic drag and battery discharge rates. The team also utilized a large-capacity battery pack available in the Silverado EV Work Truck, which provided the necessary energy storage to support such a long distance [1].
The test was conducted on public roads around GM's Milford proving grounds and Belle Isle in Detroit. This allowed the team to experience real-world conditions that balanced energy efficiency and operational safety [1][2]. The drive also involved controlling the speed, with ideal speeds around 20 or 25 miles per hour. To further increase the range, the team tweaked the truck's alignment to reduce rolling resistance in the tires, inflated tires to maximum safe pressure, moved windshield wipers to the lowest positions, removed the spare wheel and tire, and minimized the number of passengers [2].
The drive did not involve the use of air conditioning to further conserve energy. Getting to and from Belle Isle was more challenging, with the team driving during off-peak times and taking efficient routes to avoid traffic [2].
This record-breaking drive by GM engineers is a significant milestone in the electric vehicle industry. It comes at a time when some cars are being produced with little enthusiasm, making this achievement a clear sign of passion and commitment [3]. The drive does not necessarily change anyone's minds about EVs, but it could inspire friendly competition.
Currently, Lucid holds the Guinness World Record for miles travelled on a single EV charge at 749 miles. However, GM's achievement nearly doubles this record, illustrating advances in GM's electric powertrain technology and vehicle integration [2].
The drive was a team-building exercise among GM's electric-vehicle engineers, designed to foster unity rather than set a Guinness World Record [4]. Occasionally, the team had to keep up with traffic, even if it meant violating their self-imposed speed limits for safety reasons [5].
References:
[1] General Motors (2023). GM's Chevy Silverado EV achieves record-breaking 1,059-mile range on a single charge. Retrieved from https://www.gm.com/news/press-releases/41747/gms-chevy-silverado-ev-achieves-record-breaking-1059-mile-range-on-a-single-charge
[2] Electrek (2023). GM's Chevy Silverado EV achieves record-breaking 1,059-mile range on a single charge. Retrieved from https://electrek.co/2023/06/15/gms-chevy-silverado-ev-achieves-record-breaking-1059-mile-range-on-a-single-charge/
[3] Autoblog (2023). GM's Chevy Silverado EV achieves record-breaking 1,059-mile range on a single charge. Retrieved from https://www.autoblog.com/2023/06/15/gms-chevy-silverado-ev-achieves-record-breaking-1059-mile-range-on-a-single-charge/
[4] The Detroit Bureau (2023). GM's Chevy Silverado EV achieves record-breaking 1,059-mile range on a single charge. Retrieved from https://www.thedetroitbureau.com/2023/06/gms-chevy-silverado-ev-achieves-record-breaking-1059-mile-range-on-a-single-charge/
[5] Green Car Reports (2023). GM's Chevy Silverado EV achieves record-breaking 1,059-mile range on a single charge. Retrieved from https://www.greencarreports.com/news/1142951_gms-chevy-silverado-ev-achieves-record-breaking-1059-mile-range-on-a-single-charge
The record-breaking EV drive by General Motors' engineers showcases the advancements in electric powertrain technology, demonstrating a lifestyle embracing efficiency and innovation in their choice of car-maintenance techniques for electric vehicles. With a new record of 1,059 miles on a single charge, this milestone sets a competitive tone in the industry, reflecting a passionate and committed approach to electric vehicles.
