The incredible buzz around the upcoming Chevy Silverado EV would tell you that it’s going to be a huge success, or stud, in the truck market.  Hold your horses, partner; there are a few reasons we can think of that might change that tune and cause this Chevy to be much more of a dud.  If you’re a little confused by the dichotomy of this situation and are sure the electric Silverado should only fall into one of these categories, you might want to consider the following.

Build and Power Done Right by Chevrolet

When the electric Silverado arrives in the market, it will give us a truck that looks more like a traditional truck than the GMC Hummer EV.  The build will remind you of the former Avalanche, and Chevy has included one of the most popular items from this discontinued model.  The new Chey will include a midgate which allows you to fold down the wall between the bed and the cab to store longer items in the rear. 

Not only will the build remind you of something you’ve enjoyed before, but the power of the Chevrolet Silverado EV offers the capability you’re after.  You’ll find 664 horsepower coming from a pair of electric motors.  According to Car and Driver, the Silverado can tow up to 10,000 pounds and carry as much as 1300 pounds of payload.  The large battery pack gives you up to 400 miles of driving range on a single charge. 

With a versatile build, the towing you need, and excellent driving range, the Silverado EV is certainly a stud.

What could make it a dud?

Could the Silverado EV Be at a Disadvantage When Launched?

Is Chevy running late for the electric truck market?  By the time the Silverado EV shows up for the 2024 model year, Ford will have a head start with the F-150 Lightning.  The Ford truck is part of the 2022 model year, which gives that truck two full years in the market before the Chevy will ever arrive.  This delay could be a huge challenge for GM to overcome.

Another troubling factor for the new Chevy EV truck is the price and trim lineup release.  Ford is starting with the base model and working up, which means fleet owners can add an electric truck to their mix without spending the high price the RST trim of the Chevrolet Silverado EV calls for.  For comparison, the Ford F-150 Lightning will start at just over $40,000 in 2022, while the RST trim of the Silverado will ask for more than $100,000.

A Slight Change Could Help

Thankfully, the initial announcement by GM to offer the RST trim for a full year before the more affordable WT trim has been altered recently.  Both trims will be offered for the 2024 model year, and the WT version of the Silverado EV will call for a more reasonable price of $39,900, which is just enough to undercut the Ford.

A Stud on the Roads and Trails

Once all versions of the Chevy Silverado EV are offered, we will see a lineup of electric trucks that’s just as dynamic as what we see with the gasoline models.  The RST trim will be the top version with excellent power, comfort, and off-road features, while the WT trim will bring you the right price to make it an electric work truck you can drive and trust every day.

Eventually, we will also see the Trail Boss version made to take on the challenges of your off-road adventures with massive wheels and locking differentials (we hope), offering you the right truck for some fun in the wilderness. 

Will The Chevy Silverado EV Take the Market by Storm?

We already admire what GM has given the new Silverado EV, and we’re looking forward to what this truck has to offer when it arrives for the 2024 model year.  The fact that it’s a couple of years behind Ford in being part of the market could impact how well it’s received and make it a bit of a dud, but the overall build, amazing truck following of the Chevy brand, and variety of qualities this truck will bring make it a stud.

Next, check out the Ford Explorer Timberline, or watch the Chevy Silverado EV video below:

This article was updated on 8/29/2022.