Test-Driving The 2025 Chevy Silverado EV

The Silverado EV joined the electric truck market in 2023 and quickly became popular, with sales jumping an incredible 391% in the last quarter of 2024. After a week of testing, it showed all the exciting performance of an electric truck, with very few issues.

What’s New for 2025?

For 2025, the Silverado EV gets new trim levels, better range options, and improved towing power—key features for an electric pickup. It also has software updates and better battery management.

Price

The LT Extended Range model starts at $75,195, which includes a $2,095 destination fee. This version offers an EPA-estimated range of 408 miles on a full charge, which is impressive. The LT Extended Range Premium Package (on my tester) adds upgrades like 22-inch aluminum wheels, GM’s hands-free Super Cruise system, and the Multi-Flex Midgate.

Looks

The Silverado EV doesn’t look like a traditional gas-powered Silverado, especially from the front with its sloped design and lack of a grille. It actually has more in common with the old Avalanche, particularly from the side. The Multi-Flex Midgate lets the bed extend, and the 21-inch wheels on the RST model add a touch of presence. It’s still good-looking, but it’s not as imposing as the gas Silverado. I liked it right away and enjoyed getting in and out of it all week. It looked great in the driveway, even when covered in snow, which was most of the time during my test.

Inside

The 17-inch touch screen blends nicely into the dashboard, giving it an attractive look. There’s a huge console with plenty of room to store whatever you need. The leather seats are comfortable and vegan-friendly. For tech, it has GM’s Ultifi software for over-the-air updates, plus Google built-in with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

It also features Bidirectional charging, meaning the truck can power your home or charge other EVs. Connecting to the system with my Android was easy and quick, and the sound was rich, powerful, and clear.

The best part? When you sit in, the vehicle turns on. When you get out, it turns off. I loved that feature in the first Tesla X I tried in 2016, and I still love it now.

Motor

The Silverado EV has a dual-motor setup with all-wheel drive. My 2025 LT Extended Range model produced 645 hp and 765 lb-ft of torque, which is a lot of power. Higher trims offer even more power.

How Much Range Does It Have?

My tester had an EPA-estimated range of 408 miles on a full charge. I mostly kept it around 80% during the drive and got close to the upper 300s, but it was extremely cold during the test, and electric vehicles tend to lose some range in the cold. The heat worked incredibly well—quick and hot, just how I like it in winter. I drove about 300 miles in the Silverado EV during the 7 days I had it.

The WT model offers about 450 miles per charge, and the RST trim gives around 400 miles, according to press materials. For comparison, the Ford Lightning’s maximum range is 320 miles, giving the Silverado EV an advantage.

What’s the Drive Like?

When you hit the gas, you’re instantly ahead of everyone at the green light, unless someone else is driving an electric vehicle. It takes some getting used to—this large truck that handles like a smaller one—but once you get the hang of it, it’s a lot of fun. It’s smooth, composed, and eerily quiet, like most electric vehicles.

The Adaptive Air Suspension adjusts the ride height for better efficiency or off-road performance, making the ride smoother over bumps. The Four-Wheel Steering helps with tight turns and maneuvering, and it really makes the truck feel smaller than it is.

One-Pedal Driving, where regenerative braking slows the truck and recharges the battery, is useful for some situations, but not all. There’s also plenty of space for larger passengers.

The brakes performed well. I tested them at 30 MPH on a snowy, deserted road, and the truck didn’t skid, even in the snow. After the test, I felt like I had really connected with the vehicle, especially because of the harsh weather. It passed every test I threw at it, though I didn’t tow or haul anything during the week.

Room for Improvement

The interior isn’t as refined as its less expensive competitor, the F-150 Lightning. Also, be cautious when taking your foot off the brake while in Drive or Reverse—if you don’t have the vehicle in Park, it can start moving unexpectedly. Twice, I was startled when I took my foot off the brake and the vehicle moved forward or backward. It was a learning experience.

Safety Features

The Silverado EV comes with a full set of safety features, including Super Cruise for hands-free driving on highways (which I didn’t try, but it’s great to have if you want it), automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. It also has surround-view cameras and trailer assistance tech. The Silverado EV is expected to earn top safety ratings, just like the gas-powered version.