CES continues to be a destination for all of the usual tech categories like computers, phones, wearables, and TVs, but in recent years, it has also turned into quite the exhibition of automotive advancements. One of the big car keynotes this year is coming from GM, where it just unveiled the new Chevy Silverado EV pickup truck and likely much more.
GM’s “Exhibit Zero” announcements will come from its CEO Mary Barra, at her keynote today (January 5) at noon ET (9 a.m. PT). GM is streaming the keynote live on its Exhibit Zero website. And according to the Chevrolet website, pre-orders for the Silverado EV will open up shortly thereafter — and given the hype, I’d expect there to be a long line of people ready to reserve.
What to expect from the Silverado EV
The Silverado EV, much like the new Ford F-150 Lightning, is expected to look more-or-less similar to the latest Silverado models — but, with a completely new platform under the skin. The truck is expected to share much of its platform with the new Hummer EV — that means an “Ultium” battery pack with one, two, or three motors combining for up to 1000 horsepower or 400 miles of range, depending on several variables. Beyond those basics, the Silverado EV should incorporate some of the new interior design elements that debuted in the new Hummer EV — plus, Chevrolet has already teased a very cool-looking panoramic glass roof.
What we don’t yet have any idea about is details like towing and payload capacities, or trim levels and pricing options. Considering the Hummer EV is a $100,000 (or more) truck, something has to be cut in the translation over to a Silverado EV to keep it more affordable. That’ll all come with this announcement and subsequent information rollouts. The Silverado EV should be available as a 2023 model year vehicle, which will certainly temper some people’s excitement.
GM’s EV future
The fact that GM is focusing on electric vehicles isn’t anything new for the company. The automaker leaned heavily into EVs and its latest technological advancements at CES 2021, and over the past couple of years has expanded its use of PHEVs, EVs, and advanced driver-assist technologies. Its higher-end Cadillac brand has been at the forefront of these advancements with Super Cruise, and the affordable Bolt EV and Bolt EUV have aimed to bring EVs to the mass market with affordable prices. But nothing will propel GM into the EV world quite like a Silverado EV truck.
GM sells well over half a million Silverado trucks per year in the U.S. alone, and that’s before you add in the various models of trucks and full-size SUVs sold across the Chevrolet, GMC, and Cadillac brands using a similar platform. GM has already teased a forthcoming GMC Sierra Denali EV pickup. (And oh yeah, that Hummer EV, too.) GM is following closely in Ford’s footsteps, which is set to deliver the first all-electric F-150 Lightning EV pickups to customers this year.
The combination of all-electric Silverados and F-150s alone could accelerate EV adoption in the U.S. considerably, as the car market in wide swaths of the country is dominated by trucks. Add in the considerable hype behind Rivian’s R1T, which will arrive for some lucky customers this year as well, and we’re starting to see some serious EV truck competition.
