In a virtual keynote at CES 2022, General Motors Chair and CEO Mary Barra outlined the waves of change that are coming as society moves toward the mass adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). The “Ultium Effect” she described guided the company’s CES 2022 virtual experience, taking its name from GM’s introduction of the Ultium EV platform in early 2020.
The Ultium platform underpins all of GM’s recently announced EVs including the GMC Hummer EV, BrightDrop EV600, and the Cadillac Lyriq due later this year. During Barra’s keynote, she added to the Ultium story by introducing Chevrolet’s long-awaited electric pickup truck, the 2024 Silverado EV.
Developed from the ground up on the Ultium platform, by the time the Silverado EV reaches customers in a little over a year, it will join a rapidly growing electric pickup truck market that includes major entries from Rivian (R1T), Tesla (Cybertruck), and chief rival Ford (F-150 Lighting). At launch, the truck will be available in two configurations, an RST First Edition for consumers and a fleet-oriented WT work truck for commercial customers.
“The Ultium platform is a critical enabler of next-level pickup truck performance for both fleet and retail customers, whether they are currently driving a Silverado or are considering a pickup for the first time,” said Steve Hill, Vice President of Chevrolet.
New architecture benefits
The Silverado EV will be offered exclusively in Crew Cab models, with a shorter front overhang that gives more of the truck’s length to passengers and enhances their forward visibility. The second row is pushed rearward, so Chevy says that passengers over 6 ft tall will be comfortable no matter where they sit.
The truck leverages the Ultium battery pack (including an available double-stacked 24-module version) as its structure to give customers the expected full-size pickup characteristics of strength, durability, and performance, while also providing a more comfortable ride both on- and off-road.
“The Ultium platform enabled our design and engineering teams to start from a clean slate and create a pickup with impressive performance and capability,” said Nichole Kraatz, Silverado EV Chief Engineer.
To enable the performance and capability, the chassis has independent front and rear suspensions, with power transferred to the available 24-in wheels on the RST via front- and rear-drive motors that make up the e4WD system, and automatic adaptive air suspension that can be raised or lowered by up to 2 in (51 mm).
Four-wheel-steer capability reduces the turning radius at lower speeds for greater maneuverability in parking lots, and enhances handling and stability at higher speeds, particularly when trailering. The RST and WT models come with tow/haul mode, trailer hitch provisions, and an integrated trailer brake controller and hitch guidance. The RST adds Chevy’s advanced trailering system.
The front-end design is shaped to efficiently direct air down the body side to significantly reduce drag. According to Chevy, the WT is estimated to have one of the lowest drag coefficients of any available production full-size pickup truck, which helps enable impressive range.
When designing the Silverado EV, “we didn’t need to work around a traditional propulsion system,” said Phil Zak, Executive Director of Chevrolet Design. “The Ultium platform allowed us to redefine what it means to offer expansive new storage and utility possibilities.”
Storage highlights include a customizable first row and what Chevrolet calls the eTrunk—a lockable, weatherproof compartment in the front of the vehicle called the frunk by others. The front trunk can fit a large hard-sided suitcase or a multitude of accessory options for both fleet and retail customers.
For the RST, a fixed-glass roof for increased headroom and an enhanced experience for front and rear passengers. A modular console features a capacity of just over 7 gal (26 L) to fit a lunch cooler. Storage capacity and flexibility of the 5-ft, 11-in bed are maximized by the multi-flex midgate, which provides just over 9 ft of storage between the cab and the tailgate when open. The available multi-flex tailgate enables up to 10 ft, 10 in of load floor storage capability.
The flagship RST First Edition includes four-wheel steering, automatic adaptive air suspension, multi-flex midgate, and an available multi-flex tailgate with power release. Tech highlights are a 17-in LCD infotainment screen, 11-in reconfigurable driver instrument display, a multi-color driver head-up display with a field of view over 14 in, and trailering-capable Super Cruise hands-free driver-assistance technology on more than 200,000 mi (322,000 km) of compatible roads across the U.S. and Canada.
Ultium propulsion
The RST features up to 664 hp (495 kW) with more than 780 lb·ft (1057 N·m) in Wide Open Watts max-power mode, enabling a GM-estimated 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) acceleration in less than 4.5 s. The range-topping version will have up to 10,000 lb (4535 kg) of maximum trailering with up to 1300 lb (590 kg) of payload.
The WT will launch first for fleet customers prioritizing sustainable transportation goals. That model gets 510 hp (380 kW) and 615 lb·ft (834 N·m) for 8000-lb (3628-kg) towing and 1200-lb (544-kg) payload capacities. After launch, Chevrolet will introduce a fleet model with up to 20,000 lb (9070 kg) of trailering capacity with the max tow package.
“We’re excited to launch the Silverado EV, providing customers with a true work-capable truck to help them begin the transition to an electric fleet and assist them in achieving their own sustainability goals,” said Ed Peper, Vice President of GM Fleet.
The Silverado EVs feature public DC fast charging capabilities of up to 350 kW, enabling about 100 mi (160 km) of range to be added in 10 min based on GM estimates. Combined with the available accessory power bar, the electric trucks’ charging system offers up to 10 outlets and up to 10.2 kW for worksite, recreational, or home electric power needs. They are also capable of charging another EV using an available accessory charge cord.
Drivers can plan energy-efficient routes, especially handy while trailering, with the growing North American network of chargers and the Energy Assist feature in the myChevrolet Mobile App. RST owners have access to Ultium Charge 360, GM’s holistic approach designed to simplify the overall charging experience, which includes access to more than 100,000 public charging points in the U.S. and Canada. WT customers have access to Ultium Charge 360 Fleet Service, which is said to offer one of the industry’s most comprehensive charging solutions for businesses.
Production, availability, and reservations
The Silverado EV will be assembled at GM’s Factory Zero, the Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Center retooled with a $2.2-billion investment devoted to EV production.
In spring 2023, the WT debuts, offering GM’s longest-range battery with an expected range of over 400 mi (643 km) on a charge. In fall 2023, the fully loaded, $105,000 RST First Edition hits the market, also delivering a 400-mi range. After production ramps up, the Silverado EV portfolio will expand with a WT starting at $39,900, an RST, and Trail Boss.
Customers will have the ability to configure their trucks across a wide price range from $50,000 to over $80,000. Reservations can be made at chevrolet.com.
Regardless of how its equipped, once in owners’ hands Chevrolet says that many aspects of the Silverado EV will get better. This is made possible by the brand’s first application of Ultifi, GM’s new Linux-based software platform. Developed in-house, it decouples the vehicle’s software and hardware to enable rapid and frequent software updates. This will give drivers the opportunity to evolve their vehicles over time, enhancing both the capabilities and accessing cloud services.
Equinox and Blazer EVs teased
Chevrolet surprised the CES audience with news on other EVs coming to market soon.
In the fall of 2023, the Equinox EV will be joining the lineup as an affordable compact SUV that will start at an MSRP of around $30,000 in the U.S. It will be launched with both fleet and retail versions, including LT and RS trims, and will leverage GM’s Ultium platform.
“Providing an affordable EV option in the industry’s highest-volume segment proves Chevy is going to make EVs available to everyone,” said Hill.
Chevrolet also confirmed that there will be a Blazer EV SUV, which will be available in spring 2023.