Chevy Silverado Work Truck Sets New Milestone with Staggering 1059.2 Mile Range on Electric Power
In a groundbreaking achievement, the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado EV Work Truck has set a new electric vehicle (EV) range record, covering an impressive distance of 1,059.2 miles on a single charge. This remarkable feat was accomplished through the use of the largest available battery pack and hypermiling techniques, such as driving slowly and efficiently.
The test route included public roads near General Motors' (GM) Milford Proving Ground, with the final leg winding through Detroit's Belle Isle, a historic island park surrounded by the Detroit River. The test aimed for real-world conditions, not just hypothetical range on a downhill grade, as stated by Jon Doremus, GM's propulsion calibration engineering manager.
The Silverado EV's status as a formidable presence in the EV market is reinforced, not just as a high-tech pickup but as a practical work truck ready for long-haul duty. Range remains the top consideration for electric vehicle buyers, particularly among prospective Silverado EV customers, according to GM's own research.
The Silverado EV Work Truck comes equipped with a 510-horsepower electric motor and a 1-speed automatic transmission optimized for efficiency. The battery is a high-capacity Ultium battery pack, which provides the large energy reserve needed to enable the extended range.
The record-breaking range was achieved through a collaborative, multi-day effort by GM engineers. Adjustments made during the test included driving at consistent speeds, minimizing braking and acceleration, removing the spare tire, using a tonneau cover for better aerodynamics, turning off climate control, and performing the test in warm weather to optimize battery temperature.
Kurt Kelty, GM's vice president of battery, propulsion, and sustainability, reiterated that achieving this range required deep integration across battery chemistry, drive unit efficiency, software, and engineering. The engineers' achievement is now etched into GM's EV playbook, possibly influencing the future of electric trucking.
The Silverado EV was used to power a 3D printer, which fabricated a trophy to commemorate the record. This achievement surpassed the previous electric vehicle range record of 749 miles, set by Lucid Motors earlier in the year.
The test vehicle was a stock production model, with no special tuning or hardware modifications. The engineers' focus was on demonstrating the practical applications of the Silverado EV's impressive range.
This latest achievement by GM marks a significant milestone in the electric truck segment, underscoring what's possible when the boundaries of vehicle efficiency are pushed to their limits. The feat was accomplished during a test led by GM's engineering team, reinforcing the company's commitment to innovation and sustainability.
- The 2026 Chevrolet Silverado EV Work Truck, with its impressive range, is poised to shake up the automotive industry, particularly the electric-vehicles sector.
- The success of the Silverado EV in covering a record distance on a single charge can be attributed to the use of technology, such as hypermiling techniques and a high-capacity Ultium battery pack.
- With a focus on practicality and efficiency, the Silverado EV Work Truck is not only a high-tech pickup but also a vehicle capable of handling long-haul transportation duties.
- The achieved range record serves as a testament to the deep integration of battery chemistry, drive unit efficiency, software, and engineering, furthering GM's position in the finance, lifestyle, and technology sectors.
