GM just set a new world record, driving 1,059 miles on a single charge with its 2026 Chevrolet Silverado EV Max Range Work Truck.
The company introduced the all-electric pickup truck in 2024, boasting more standard range than any competitor and a 10,000-pound towing capacity. The optimized 2026 model used by GM engineers for the record-breaking test has an EPA-estimated range of 493 miles.
GM says the tweaks made to the production Silverado EV Max Range WT used for the test were “all within the acceptable limits established in the truck’s owner’s manual.” The truck’s hardware and software were untouched.
Over seven days, a team of 40 engineers drove the truck in one-hour shifts on public roads near GM’s Milford Proving Ground in southeastern Michigan, wrapping up the route on Detroit’s Belle Isle.
To ensure that as much battery energy as possible was going toward moving the truck forward, modifications to the truck and the driver’s operating habits were made. Adjustments included:
- When the speed limit and conditions allowed, drivers were advised to maintain an average speed of 20-25 mph and to minimize any hard braking or quick accelerating.
- For most of the test, there were no passengers in the truck.
- The windshield wiper arms were set to the lowest acceptable position to reduce drag.
- Tires were inflated to their highest acceptable pressure for lower rolling resistance.
- To lighten the vehicle, the spare tire was removed.
- The wheel alignment was optimized.
- An accessory tonneau cover was added for smooth airflow.
- Climate control was turned off for the duration of the test.
- The test was performed in summer to ensure the optimum ambient temperature for battery efficiency.
The GM team found the Silverado EV’s most efficient cruising speed to be 20-25 mph. At that speed, the truck used nearly all of its battery power to move down the road, with minimal energy going to other uses.
Jon Doremus, propulsion calibration engineering manager, said, “If we drove it downhill the whole time, sure, we’d get insane mileage. But that’s not what this was about. We wanted this to be real, on public roads.”
The feat broke the world record of 749 miles set by the Lucid Air Grand Touring earlier this summer. According to GM, range is its number one purchase driver for the Silverado EV.
“Getting this kind of range on a full charge doesn’t happen by accident,” said Kurt Kelty, VP, battery, propulsion, and sustainability. “It takes deep integration across battery chemistry, drive unit efficiency, software, and vehicle engineering—and that is exactly what the team delivered. This achievement is a notable example of how far our EV technology has come, and the kind of innovation we’re building on every day at GM.”
EDITOR’S TAKE:
The record of 1,059 miles on a single charge is pretty amazing. But there are certainly some things that stand out when we examine it a bit closer. Considering all the tweaks they made to maximize performance suggests that this was not representative of how most people drive. I can attest to the fact living where I do – you would not have the climate control off for very long during summer months! Anyway, point made, but still pretty impressive. Longer distance is certainly going to be more attractive than the current 200-to-300-mile experience. There are a number of other issues that will have to be addressed before this type of vehicle will find much footage in agriculture.
All that said, EV vehicles could be a popular option for the family truck that transports the kids to football or soccer. That is why you should have all your inventory on AgTruckTrader.com®. Farmers/ranchers rely on that website to determine where they can find a CAD member and take an initial look at what they have to offer.
