2026 Chevy Silverado EV Shatters Range Record with 1,059-Mile Drive No Mods, No Gimmicks
The 2026 Silverado EV Work Truck just drove 1,059.2 miles on a single charge, setting a new global range record for electric vehicles. And unlike previous record attempts from luxury sedans or concept vehicles, this was a production-ready pickup, tested on real roads with no special modifications.
Why This Matters
In an EV market plagued by range anxiety, charging delays, and consumer skepticism, GM’s Silverado EV just delivered a thunderclap of confidence. This wasn’t a PR stunt—it was a science-backed demonstration of what’s possible with smart engineering, conservative powertrain tuning, and driver discipline.
GM engineers, initially curious about what the Silverado EV could truly do, turned their curiosity into a full-fledged project. Over seven days, they drove the Work Truck edition of the Silverado EV—rated by the EPA for 393–450 miles—on public roads near GM’s Milford Proving Grounds and Detroit’s Belle Isle. The result? Over 1,000 miles on a single charge, proving GM’s estimates are on the safe side.
How It Stacks Up
Before this, the Lucid Air held the record at 749 miles—an impressive feat, but from a six-figure luxury sedan engineered for aerodynamic supremacy. By contrast, the Silverado EV Work Truck is a full-size utility vehicle expected to start under $60,000. It’s designed for contractors, municipalities, and fleet operators—not hyper-milers or tech billionaires.
The Silverado also outpaces Ford’s F-150 Lightning, Rivian’s R1T, and even Tesla’s Cybertruck, none of which have approached this benchmark. And Chevrolet did it using standard tires, stock firmware, and factory-built components.
Who It’s For
Sure, the test was done at low speeds with no passengers or cargo, but that’s not the point. The achievement proves that GM has built an EV with massive range potential, even under moderate conditions. This makes the Silverado EV an ideal platform for:
- Fleet managers looking to reduce fuel costs
- Construction crews and contractors needing real torque and reliability
- EV adopters who value practicality over flash
What it’s not built for? Track speeds or off-roading thrills. This is a high-efficiency workhorse, not a show pony.
Long-Term Impact
This record couldn’t come at a more critical time. With federal EV tax credits set to expire in September 2025, buyers are weighing whether now’s the moment to switch. The Silverado’s performance could be the push they need.
And more importantly, GM didn’t just move the bar—it raised it sky-high. The 1,059-mile drive shows that today’s EVs, even trucks, are far more capable than the public realizes. Expect other automakers—and regulators—to take notice.
Trim & Pricing (Expected)
- WT (Work Truck): Starting under $60,000
- RST First Edition: ~$96,000 | 754 hp | 785 lb-ft torque
Specs
- EPA-estimated range: 393–450 miles
- Record test range: 1,059.2 miles
- Max Power: 754 hp
- Towing Capacity: Up to 10,000 lbs (20,000 lbs with future Max Tow package)
- Payload: Up to 1,400 lbs
Efficiency Test Conditions
- Steady speeds of 20–25 mph
- No passengers or cargo
- Max tire pressure and minimal drag
- AC and climate control off
- Summer temperatures
- Public road driving
