2026 Chevrolet Silverado EV: Ready for Year Three
Back for its third year, the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado EV continues to make waves as a fully electric, full-size pickup. This truck isn’t just a novelty; it delivers real-world capability with impressive range, fast charging, and payload and towing figures that rival its gasoline-powered counterpart.
Performance and Capability
The Silverado EV boasts a maximum towing capacity of 12,500 pounds and an 1800-pound payload capacity. While the weight of the battery pack slightly impacts these figures compared to a standard Silverado, the extended-range models help compensate with an EPA-estimated range of up to 492 miles. Acceleration is also a strong suit, with the Silverado EV capable of reaching 60 mph in a swift 4.1 seconds.
Interior and Practicality
The modern, tech-focused cabin offers seating for five, and the front trunk provides 10.7 feet of cargo space—room previously occupied by an engine. The bed is 5-foot, 11-inches long, and the “Multi-Flex Midgate” feature extends the length to over 9 feet.
New for 2026: The Trail Boss Joins the Lineup
Fans of the Silverado EV have been anticipating this: the Trail Boss version is finally hitting dealerships for the 2026 model year. This rugged trim will feature a factory-installed lift, model-specific 18-inch wheels wrapped in 35-inch all-terrain tires, red tow hooks, a redesigned front bumper, and a dedicated Terrain mode to tackle off-road adventures.
Pricing and Trim Levels
Expect the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado EV to have a starting price of around $59,500, with higher trims and options reaching up to $98,500. Pricing specifics are still pending, but the Trail Boss model is expected to slot between the LT and RST trims.
Potential 2026 Silverado EV Trims and Estimated Pricing:
- Work Truck Standard Range: $59,500 (est)
- Work Truck Extended Range: $70,000 (est)
- Work Truck Max Range: $78,500 (est)
- LT Extended Range: $80,000 (est)
- Trail Boss: $90,000 (est)
- RST Extended Range: $94,000 (est)
- RST Max Range: $98,500 (est)
For buyers who don’t need the ultimate off-road capability, the LT trim is a compelling choice, including power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats; heated rear seats; a larger center touchscreen; and a seven-speaker Bose stereo.
Powertrain and Performance Features
Unlike some competitors, the Silverado EV utilizes a dual-motor setup. This configuration enables robust acceleration, with the top-spec trim delivering up to 754 horsepower. Base Work Truck models offer 510 horsepower, while the mid-range LT provides 645. All-wheel drive is standard. Rear-wheel steering and an adaptive air suspension are optional, as are eye-catching 24-inch wheels. According to testing, the ride is smooth, and handling is respectable for a vehicle of its size. However, some testing did reveal brake fade during repeated stops in the RST model.
Range and Charging Capabilities
The Silverado EV employs General Motors’ Ultium battery technology, with battery packs up to 205 kWh in capacity. Impressive driving range is a key selling point. The Work Truck trim with the Max Range battery achieves an EPA-estimated range of up to 492 miles. The RST with the Max Range battery is rated for 460 miles, and the LT with the Extended Range battery is capable of 408 miles. Fast charging is also a strength. The RST model achieved an average charging rate of 198 kilowatts during testing, adding significant range in a short amount of time. Chevrolet estimates that just 10 minutes at a DC fast-charging station can add 100 miles of range.
Interior Design and Tech
The interior of the Silverado EV is modern and functional. The loaded RST model features a fixed glass roof, and upscale two-tone leather upholstery. Work Truck models offer a more practical and easy-to-clean cabin, while all models feature a mostly digital dashboard, an 11.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, and an 8.0-inch digital gauge display (or a larger 17.7-inch screen on the LT). Both systems are Google-based, but only the smaller screen unit offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Physical climate controls and standard features like SiriusXM satellite radio and an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot enhance the user experience.
Safety Features and Warranty
The Silverado EV includes a long list of safety features, such as automated emergency braking and the Safety Alert seat. Adaptive cruise control is standard, while GM’s hands-free Super Cruise system is available on the LT and standard on RST trims.
The warranty mirrors that of other General Motors products: three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper coverage and five-year/60,000-mile powertrain coverage and battery components are covered for eight years or 100,000 miles. Complimentary maintenance is included for the first visit.
