If you’re considering a GM electric truck, you’re really looking at two very different animals: the work-focused Chevrolet Silverado EV and the wild, off-road-oriented GMC Hummer EV. Both ride on GM’s Ultium electric platform, but they target very different buyers and use cases. In this guide, we’ll break down how they compare on range, towing, features, charging, costs and what to watch for if you’re thinking about a used electric pickup.
Quick take
The Silverado EV is GM’s practical, everyday electric truck aimed at fleet and mainstream buyers, while the Hummer EV is a high-priced, high-performance “supertruck” designed more for bragging rights and off-road play than for spreadsheet-perfect efficiency.
GM electric truck landscape in 2025
As of late 2025, GM’s electric truck lineup in the U.S. centers on two pickups: the Chevrolet Silverado EV and the GMC Hummer EV Pickup. A GMC Sierra EV is joining the family, but Silverado and Hummer are still the nameplates most shoppers recognize. Both are built on GM’s Ultium battery and motor architecture and assembled at Factory ZERO in Detroit-Hamtramck, though production is being adjusted as GM responds to slower-than-expected EV demand and evolving regulations.
GM electric truck highlights at a glance
Note on availability
Because GM has slowed some EV programs and adjusted production at Factory ZERO, you may find limited trims or longer lead times for specific Silverado EV and Hummer EV configurations. The used market can sometimes be the faster way into a GM electric truck.
Chevrolet Silverado EV: GM’s mainstream electric truck
The Silverado EV is GM’s answer to electric workhorses like the Ford F‑150 Lightning and Rivian R1T. It’s not just a converted gas truck; it uses a dedicated Ultium-based chassis with a long wheelbase, independent rear suspension and a massive battery pack tucked under the floor. That layout gives it a quiet ride, a roomy cabin and serious range.
- Trims and positioning: Work Truck (WT) for fleets and value-focused buyers, LT for mainstream retail customers, and RST for premium, high-output performance.
- Range: Depending on battery pack, GM quotes around 282 miles (standard WT), 400+ miles on many extended-range models, and up to 492 miles on the Max Range Work Truck configuration.
- Power and performance: Dual-motor setups can deliver up to the mid-700 hp range with aggressive modes like Wide Open Watts, giving the RST sports-car acceleration in a full-size truck shell.
- Towing and payload: Properly configured, Silverado EV is rated for up to 12,500 pounds of towing and more than 2,000 pounds of payload, though range drops significantly when you use that capacity.
- Bed and utility: A 5-foot-11-inch bed with Multi-Flex Tailgate and available Multi-Flex Midgate lets you haul longer items by opening into the cabin. Power outlets can turn the truck into a job-site power supply.
Who the Silverado EV fits best
If you actually use a truck bed and tow regularly, but you still want long-range electric driving, the Silverado EV is the more rational GM electric truck choice. Fleet buyers, contractors and long-distance commuters are its natural audience.
GMC Hummer EV: Electric supertruck
Where the Silverado EV is a workhorse, the GMC Hummer EV Pickup is theater. GMC calls it an electric supertruck, and the spec sheet backs up the bravado: up to four figures of horsepower, huge tires, adaptive air suspension and off-road tricks you used to see only on concept vehicles.
Key Hummer EV pickup traits
Big power, big presence, big capability
Extreme power
Off-road hardware
Four-wheel steering
- Range: Depending on trim and battery modules, GM estimates roughly 300–370+ miles on a full charge for the latest 2X and 3X pickups in road-focused configurations.
- Towing: Hummer EV pickups can tow in the 8,000–8,500-pound neighborhood, enough for many toy haulers and smaller travel trailers but below the Silverado EV’s headline number.
- Ride and comfort: The battery weight actually helps give the Hummer EV a planted, comfortable ride on pavement when paired with the adaptive air suspension, though the huge footprint can make narrow city streets and tight parking a challenge.
- Price and positioning: Most Hummer EV pickups transact deep into six-figure territory when new once you add popular packages, limited editions or accessories. This is a lifestyle statement truck first, a rational purchase second.
Reality check on efficiency
The Hummer EV’s size, weight and off-road rubber make it one of the least-efficient EVs on the road. If you care primarily about range per kWh or low running costs, the Hummer EV is the wrong GM electric truck for you.
GM electric truck comparison: Silverado EV vs. Hummer EV
GM electric truck comparison snapshot
How the Silverado EV and Hummer EV pickup stack up on the basics.
| Feature | Silverado EV (typical) | Hummer EV Pickup (typical) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary mission | Work, towing, daily driving | Off-road performance, lifestyle, luxury |
| Estimated range | ~280–492 mi depending on battery and trim | ~300–370+ mi depending on trim and tires |
| Max towing | Up to about 12,500 lb | Roughly 8,000–8,500 lb |
| Bed size | 5'11" with available Multi-Flex Midgate | Shorter bed; more focus on cabin and off-road hardware |
| Starting price (new) | High-$50,000s for certain WT models | Around six figures for most 3X-style builds |
| Ride feel | Quieter, more conventional full-size truck | Wide, tall, dramatic; feels like a luxury off-road rig |
Always verify final specs and tow ratings for the exact model year and trim you’re shopping, numbers can change with updates.
Choose Silverado EV if…
- You value range and towing more than theatrical off-road tricks.
- You want a truck that feels familiar coming out of a gas or diesel 1500.
- You’re a fleet manager or small-business owner watching total cost of ownership.
- You’re planning long highway drives where efficiency matters.
Choose Hummer EV if…
- You want a halo truck that turns heads everywhere it goes.
- Off-roading, overlanding or desert trips are a big part of your life.
- You don’t mind trading some efficiency for capability and presence.
- Your budget comfortably covers six-figure trucks plus accessories.
Real-world range, towing and how you’ll actually use these trucks
Official range estimates for every GM electric truck are impressive on paper, but what matters is what you’ll see in your daily routine. Payload, trailer weight, speed, temperature and terrain all play big roles in how far you go on a charge.
How to think about real-world GM truck range
Start with the official estimate, then dial it back
If a Silverado EV WT Max Range is rated around 492 miles, assume something more like 350–400 miles when you mix highway speeds, cargo and real-world conditions. With a heavy trailer, factor in a deeper hit.
Consider your typical load
If you’re pulling a camper or car trailer, both Silverado EV and Hummer EV can lose 30–50% of their headline range. For local towing that’s fine; for cross-country trips you’ll plan around more frequent fast charges.
Account for climate
Cold weather, headwinds and use of cabin heat can trim range noticeably. A truck commuting in Minnesota will behave differently than one cruising in Southern California.
Think in charging stops, not just miles
For long hauls, it’s less about total range and more about how often and how long you’ll stop. Both Ultium trucks can take advantage of high-power DC fast chargers when you plan your route ahead.
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Practical towing strategy
If you regularly tow heavy and far, consider upsizing to the highest-range Silverado EV configuration you can reasonably afford, and pre-plan charging stops near your typical camping, boating or work destinations.
Charging a GM electric truck at home and on the road
Both the Silverado EV and Hummer EV use GM’s Ultium charging architecture, which supports high-voltage DC fast charging on compatible public stations and Level 2 AC charging at home or work. From an ownership perspective, your charging setup will have more impact on day-to-day satisfaction than your 0–60 time.
- Home charging: A 240-volt Level 2 charger is effectively mandatory for living with a GM electric truck. With battery sizes well over 100 kWh, a simple 120-volt outlet will take days, not hours, to refill the pack.
- Charging speed: Ultium trucks can accept very high DC fast-charge rates when the battery is warm and the state of charge is low, letting you add meaningful range in roughly half an hour in ideal conditions.
- Bidirectional power: Many Silverado EV configurations offer significant offboard power capability, letting you run tools, tailgates or even portions of a home during an outage with the right hardware.
- Connector standards: GM is transitioning to the NACS (Tesla-style) connector on future models while supporting CCS on many current trucks. Adapters and charging-network agreements are expanding options, so check which port your specific truck uses before you buy home hardware.
Plan the electrical work
A 48-amp or higher Level 2 charger for a big Ultium truck usually needs a dedicated 60-amp or larger breaker and properly sized wiring. Always use a licensed electrician, especially if your panel is older or already near capacity.
Ownership costs, incentives and GM’s shifting EV plans
The cost story for GM electric trucks is a mix of high purchase prices and potentially lower running costs. Electricity is typically cheaper per mile than gasoline or diesel, and maintenance needs are reduced without oil changes, exhaust systems or traditional transmissions. But sticker prices are still steep, and GM has made several adjustments to its EV roadmap and production volumes as demand has grown more slowly than early forecasts suggested.
- Purchase price: At the time of writing, certain Silverado EV Work Truck models start in the high-$50,000s, with LT and RST trims climbing from there. Hummer EV pickups are largely six-figure propositions when new.
- Fuel savings: If you’re coming from a full-size V8 truck that averages 15–18 mpg, the energy cost savings in an electric Silverado used for high mileage can be significant over a few years.
- Maintenance: Expect fewer routine visits, but remember tires, brakes and coolant for battery thermal management still need attention, especially on heavy vehicles like Hummer EV.
- Incentives: Tax credits and state-level incentives have changed frequently in the last couple of years. Before you sign anything, confirm current federal and state programs, including any commercial-vehicle specific benefits if you’re buying through a business.
Why GM’s production shifts matter to you
GM’s decision to slow or pause some EV production and battery plants doesn’t mean the Silverado EV or Hummer EV are disappearing. It does mean inventory and trim mix may be tight at times, so being flexible on color or options, or looking at lightly used inventory, can pay off.
Buying a used GM electric truck: what to look for
Because these trucks are relatively new to the market, the used GM electric truck segment is still taking shape. Early Hummer EV editions and first-run Silverado EVs are already appearing on the secondary market, often with low miles but very different usage histories, some were pampered weekend toys; others lived hard lives towing or off-roading.
Used Silverado EV & Hummer EV inspection checklist
Verify battery health, not just mileage
Two trucks with the same odometer reading can have very different battery health based on charging habits, storage temperature and towing usage. A detailed battery diagnostic, like the Recharged Score, gives you objective data instead of guesswork.
Review charging history when possible
Frequent DC fast charging isn’t an automatic deal-breaker, but a truck that lived almost exclusively on high-rate chargers may show more long-term battery wear than one charged mainly on Level 2 at home.
Inspect tires, brakes and suspension
These are heavy trucks with instant torque. Look for uneven tire wear, worn suspension bushings or brake components that suggest hard off-road use or chronic overloading.
Check software, recalls and OTA updates
GM has continuously updated Ultium vehicles with new features and fixes. Make sure the truck is current on recalls and that its infotainment and battery-management software are up to date.
Evaluate charging hardware included in the sale
Confirm which mobile charge cords or wall units come with the truck, and whether they match the connector standard on the vehicle. Replacing missing hardware can add hundreds or thousands to your effective price.
How Recharged’s battery health diagnostics help
Every EV on Recharged comes with an in-depth Recharged Score battery health report. For a GM electric truck, that means you see how the pack has held up, how its real-world range compares to original estimates, and whether the price fairly reflects that condition, before you commit.
How Recharged helps you shop GM electric trucks with confidence
Electric pickups blend two high-stakes purchases: a truck and a large-format battery pack. You deserve transparency on both. That’s where Recharged comes in. Whether you’re eyeing a Silverado EV for job-site duty or a Hummer EV as your weekend toy, we make the process simpler and more predictable.
Shopping a GM electric truck with Recharged
What you can expect from our process
Recharged Score battery report
Transparent, fair pricing
EV-specialist support
Financing & trade‑in options
Nationwide delivery
Fully digital experience
GM electric truck FAQ
Frequently asked questions about GM electric trucks
Bottom line: Is a GM electric truck right for you?
A GM electric truck can make a lot of sense if your driving pattern fits what Ultium-powered pickups do best: predictable daily mileage, regular home charging and towing that’s more occasional than constant. The Chevrolet Silverado EV is the rational choice for most buyers who need a real truck bed and care about range and operating cost. The GMC Hummer EV exists for those who want an outrageous, off-road-capable statement vehicle and are comfortable paying for the privilege, both at purchase and at the plug.
If you’re on the fence, start by being brutally honest about how you actually use a truck today, then match that against these vehicles’ strengths and compromises. When you’re ready to explore real inventory, Recharged can help you compare used GM electric trucks with clear battery-health data, fair market pricing and EV-savvy guidance from first click to final signature.