The 2024 Chevy Silverado EV isn’t just a gas truck with a battery stuffed underneath. It’s a clean-sheet, Ultium-based electric pickup that promises up to 450 miles of range, serious towing, and DC fast charging that can embarrass some luxury EVs. But how does it really stack up as a work tool, family truck, and long-term buy, especially if you’re eyeing one on the used market?
Quick take
2024 Chevy Silverado EV overview
Chevrolet launched the 2024 Silverado EV first as a fleet-focused Work Truck (WT), then as a limited First Edition RST for retail buyers. Both ride on GM’s Ultium platform, with a massive battery pack, dual-motor all-wheel drive, and a completely different frame than the gas Silverado. Think of it as a cousin of the Hummer EV with more practicality and fewer party tricks.
Silverado EV trims you’ll actually see in 2024–2025
Early trucks are mostly fleet-spec WTs with a small number of First Edition RSTs for retail shoppers.
WT (4WT / 3WT fleet)
Audience: Contractors, fleets, rural utilities, businesses that rack up highway miles.
- Up to ~450 miles of EPA-estimated range on 4WT.
- Dual-motor e4WD, heavy-duty tow ratings.
- More basic interior, vinyl-friendly finishes, emphasis on durability.
RST First Edition
Audience: Early adopters, executive trucks, lifestyle buyers.
- GM-estimated 440 miles of range.
- Up to 754 hp and 785 lb-ft in Wide Open Watts mode.
- Premium interior, big center screen, four-wheel steering, more tech.
Tip for shoppers
Key specs and what they mean for you
Headline numbers for the 2024 Silverado EV
On paper, those numbers read more like a heavy-duty diesel than an electric. The combination of a roughly 200-kWh battery pack, dual motors, and 800-volt architecture lets the Silverado EV deliver both long legs and real work-truck capability. The tradeoff: this is a very heavy, very large truck, and you’ll feel that in tight cities and when it’s time to squeeze into a garage.
Range: brochure numbers vs real-world results
Range is where the 2024 Silverado EV separates itself from other electric pickups. Chevy quotes up to 450 miles on the 4WT work truck and around 440 miles on the First Edition RST. Independent testing has backed that up, with RST models surpassing 400 miles in high-speed highway range runs and doing it with competitive efficiency for a truck this size.
What you can expect empty
- Highway cruising: Many owners and testers report 380–420 miles of real-world freeway range when you’re not towing and stick near the speed limit.
- Mixed driving: Around-town use with some highway can push you closer to the official numbers if you’re gentle with the throttle.
- Cold weather: Like every EV, expect a noticeable winter hit, plan for 20–30% less in freezing temps depending on your use of heat.
How towing changes the picture
- Trailer connected: The truck’s own estimates drop by roughly 50% once you plug in a trailer harness or engage Tow/Haul mode.
- Light-to-moderate loads: Real-world tests with ~3,500–6,000 lb trailers show range dropping 35–50%, but the onboard algorithm is deliberately conservative.
- Heavy loads near max rating: If you’re pulling close to 10,000–12,500 lb, assume you’ll be stopping often, plan your charging with a wide margin.
Range reality check
Towing and hauling in the Silverado EV
On capability, Chevy clearly aimed the Silverado EV at truck buyers who do real work. WT and RST models offer dual-motor e4WD, stout tow ratings, and a bed designed with power tools and jobsite gear in mind.
2024 Silverado EV towing capacity by trim
Published maximum trailer weights assume proper equipment and configuration.
| Trim | Drivetrain | Max Towing (lb) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3WT (fleet) | Dual-motor e4WD | 12,500 | Highest rating with 20-module battery pack. |
| 3WT w/ 1FL Fleet Package | Dual-motor e4WD | 12,500 | Fleet-focused, heavy tow capability. |
| 4WT | Dual-motor e4WD | 10,000 | Larger 24-module pack, very long range. |
| RST First Edition | Dual-motor e4WD | 10,000 | Retail model with premium features and WOW mode. |
Towing ratings are competitive with gas half-tons, but towing range requires more planning than in a traditional truck.
Behind the wheel, towing is where electric torque shines. Drivers who regularly tow note that the Silverado EV pulls hard at highway speeds but really stands out during low-speed maneuvers, backing a trailer into a tight driveway or navigating a crowded jobsite feels smoother and more controllable than in many gas trucks. The downside is that your energy consumption climbs quickly with trailer weight and speed, so you’ll want to lean on the truck’s built-in trailer profiles and real-time range estimates rather than guessing.
Downhill towing caution
Driving experience and performance
The Silverado EV RST in particular does not feel like a typical work truck when you put your foot down. With up to 754 horsepower and 785 lb-ft of torque in Wide Open Watts (WOW) mode, it’s legitimately quick, independent testing has seen 0–60 mph in the low-4-second range. Dial WOW off and it’s still brisk, just tuned more for smoothness and efficiency than fireworks.
How the Silverado EV feels on the road
From work duty to highway commuting, here’s what stands out.
Instant, quiet shove
Four-wheel steering
Ride & handling
If you’re cross-shopping against a Ford F-150 Lightning or Rivian R1T, the Silverado EV feels closer to the Rivian in power delivery but more traditional in layout and mission. It’s less of an adventure toy and more of an electric version of the truck you already know, just much quicker and quieter.
Charging speed and home charging options
GM’s Ultium architecture gives the Silverado EV genuine bragging rights at the plug. On compatible DC fast chargers, it can accept up to 350 kW On a 350-kW DC fast charger, the Silverado EV can add roughly 100 miles of range in about 10 minutes in ideal conditions. Plan your road trips around high-power DC sites and be ready for slower speeds in cold weather or at busy stations. With a powerful 19.2-kW onboard charger available, the truck can refill that huge battery overnight from a 240V, high-amp Level 2 setup. At typical residential amperages, expect a full charge to take many hours, overnight or longer depending on how low you run the pack. Standard 120V outlets will technically charge the truck, but with a battery this large, it’s primarily for emergencies or topping up at a cabin, not daily use. You’ll gain only a handful of miles per hour. With up to about 10.2 kW of offboard power available when properly equipped, the Silverado EV can act as a mobile generator. That’s a huge draw for job sites, tailgates, and home backup in an outage. The Silverado EV’s cabin depends heavily on trim. Work Truck models lean into durability, easy-to-clean materials, practical storage, and controls that are usable with gloves. The RST First Edition layers on large digital screens, nicer materials, and a more premium feel that’s aimed squarely at executives and high-end retail buyers. Early Silverado EVs are not cheap new, especially in RST guise, but their giant battery, long range, and work-ready focus may make them attractive used buys once fleets start cycling trucks out. As with any EV, the big questions are battery health, charging history, and how hard the truck’s been worked. How it pencils out versus a gas or diesel half-ton over time. The Silverado EV is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It shines in several specific use cases and is less ideal in others. Thinking clearly about how you’ll use the truck will tell you quickly if it belongs on your shortlist. If you’re a contractor, field engineer, or rural driver who racks up distance but only tows occasionally, the Silverado EV’s huge range and quiet highway manners are a big win. Regularly pulling 5,000–10,000 lb? The torque and control are outstanding, but you’ll need reliable DC fast charging on your routes and a bit of flexibility in your schedule. The truck’s size and weight are not ideal for cramped cities, tight garages, or short hops where a smaller EV, or a plug-in hybrid, might be more convenient. If you only need a truck occasionally for Home Depot runs and light towing, a smaller EV crossover plus access to a rental truck could be more cost-effective than owning a Silverado EV. If you want an electric pickup that behaves like a real truck, long-range cruising, real towing, and serious onboard power, the 2024 Chevy Silverado EV deserves a spot at the top of your list. It outperforms many rivals on range and fast charging, and its work-focused design makes more sense for fleets and tradespeople than some lifestyle-oriented EV pickups. At the same time, its size, price, and range penalties while towing mean it’s not the perfect daily driver for everyone. City dwellers and occasional truck users may be better served by a smaller EV or a plug-in hybrid, at least until the Silverado EV lineup broadens and used pricing matures. If you’re considering a used Silverado EV, pairing this knowledge with an objective view of battery health is crucial. That’s where Recharged comes in: with a Recharged Score battery report, transparent pricing, and EV-specialist support, you can shop confidently, whether you’re buying your first electric truck or upgrading a fleet.Charging the 2024 Silverado EV: what to know
1. DC fast charging for road trips and fleets
2. Level 2 home or depot charging
3. Level 1 as a last resort
4. Vehicle-to-load power
Home-charging perspective
Cabin comfort, tech, and truck utility
Interior & tech
Bed, frunk, and power features
Utility highlight
Cost of ownership and early used-market outlook
Ownership pros and cons for the Silverado EV
Lower operating costs
Upfront price & depreciation
Battery health & usage
How Recharged can help
Who the 2024 Silverado EV is (and isn’t) right for
Is the Silverado EV a good fit for you?
You drive long highway miles without towing heavy all the time
You tow medium to heavy loads and can plan charging
You need a daily driver in a tight urban environment
You’re primarily a weekend warrior
2024 Chevy Silverado EV FAQ
Frequently asked questions about the 2024 Silverado EV
Bottom line: Should you buy a 2024 Silverado EV?
