Chevy reveals electric 2024 Silverado

Early last year, we saw Ford reveal what could be its most important electric vehicle (EV) to date, the F-150 Lightning. Aimed to take on the likes of the Tesla Cybertruck, the pick-up features the familiar styling of America's best-selling vehicle, but with the added benefit of zero emissions, generous amounts of torque, and a maximum towing capability of over 4,500 kg.

While Ford may have stolen the spotlight from Tesla last May 2021, Chevrolet is now looking to steal the F-150 Lightning's thunder with an all-new electric pick-up truck. Say hello to the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV.

The Silverado EV will become General Motors' latest electric pick-up after the GMC Hummer EV pick-up and SUV. It combines zero-emissions driving with the practicality and hauling capability of a workhorse pick-up truck.

At the heart of the electric Silverado are dual electric motors that drive all four wheels. Total system output for the most powerful version is rated at a whopping 495 kW or 673 PS, as well as a meaty 1,063 Nm of torque. Compared to the most powerful F-150 Lightning, the Silverado EV makes 102 PS more, and an additional 18 Nm of torque. The result is a claimed towing capacity of 4,535 kg and a maximum payload capacity of 590 kg.

On lesser variants, the Silverado EV still makes impressive figures. Chevrolet says the base model will put out 516 PS and 834 Nm of torque. However, the lower output means it can only tow up to 3,628 kg and have a cargo-carrying capacity of just 544 kg.

Despite the different output figures, all variants of the Silverado EV will have a range of 643 km. This was made possible thanks to the use of the largest Ultium battery pack. While Chevy did not state the battery's total capacity, they did mention that it has 24 modules which allows it to have an impressive range over its competitors. The Silverado EV also comes with a 350kW DC fast-charging capability, which gives the pick-up the ability to have 160 km of range after just a 10-minute recharge.

When it comes to its design, the electric pick-up looks vastly different compared to the standard Silverado. It gets a closed-off grille, LED daytime running lights that run the entire width of the front end, massive 24-inch wheels, distinct LED headlights and taillights, and a two-tone exterior paint on higher-grade variants.

But what could be its most important feature is the foldable midgate. Unlike traditional pick-ups, the Silverado EV's rear seats can be folded which allows users to also drop the midgate. The result is a cargo floor length of 130 inches, making it easier to stow very long items.

Production of the Silverado EV is still a long way away. The first few models will only be arriving in Q2 of 2023. However, Chevy did say that the pricing of its full-size electric pick-up will be somewhere around USD 40,000 to USD 80,000 (PHP 2,042,000 to 4,084,000). At those prices, Chevy is aiming squarely against the retail prices of the F-150 Lightning and the Tesla Cybertruck.

Should the Philippines get more EVs in the future, could the Silverado EV take the fight against the F-150 Lightning locally? Let's hope the country works on charging infrastructure, import duties, as well as making electricity more affordable.