2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV WT Review Video: Workhorse or EV Gamechanger?

Let’s get real for a second. If someone told you ten years ago that electric trucks would be a thing, you’d probably laugh and picture a glorified golf cart struggling to tow a lawn chair. Fast forward to today, and here we are with the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV WT which is a fully electric pickup truck that promises to revolutionize the segment. Does it deliver, or is it just a lame attempt to slap an EV badge on a vehicle for marketing buzz?

Silverado, But Make It Electric

At first glance, the Silverado EV WT (short for Work Truck) looks pretty familiar but distinctly ultramodern. Chevy didn’t just take their gas-powered Silverado and plop a battery in it. Instead, this EV is purpose built on GM’s Ultium platform, which is the same foundation as the GMC Hummer EV.  This gives it a unique silhouette that’s both aerodynamic and futuristic.

The front fascia ditches the traditional grille for a sleek, closed-off design, while the body maintains the tough-ish, angular aesthetic Silverado fans expect. It’s a truck, no doubt, but it’s also a statement piece for the EV era (or virtue signaling instrument, depending on who’s driving and why).

Under the Hood (Well, Figuratively Speaking)

You’re not popping the hood to find a roaring V8 here. Instead, the Silverado EV WT packs some impressive electric firepower:

• Powertrain: Dual electric motors (all-wheel drive)
• Horsepower: 510 hp
• Torque: 615 lb-ft
• Towing Capacity: Up to 10,000 lbs
• Payload Capacity: 1,200 lbs
• Range: Estimated 400 miles on a full charge
• Charging: DC fast charging capable of adding 100 miles of range in 10 minutes

These specs make it clear: the Silverado EV WT isn’t just for show. It’s built to work, and it does so without spewing emissions or guzzling gas. That 400-mile range? It’s a serious flex, outclassing many competitors and easing the dreaded range anxiety that comes with EV ownership.

On the Road: Silent but Mighty

Driving the Silverado EV WT is an entirely different experience from its gas-guzzling siblings. For starters, it’s eerily quiet. No rumbling engine or exhaust growl here.  Jst a smooth and almost meditative hum. Don’t mistake that silence for lack of power though. The neck snapping instant torque from the electric motors means this truck leaps off the line with surprising agility.

The ride quality is equally impressive. The Ultium platform gives the truck a low center of gravity, improving stability and handling. It’s not an agile sports car or anything, but it’s more composed than you’d expect from a big pickup truck this size.

On the Inside: Work Truck with a Tech Upgrade

Chevy’s “Work Truck” trim might suggest a no-frills interior, but the Silverado EV WT balances utility with just enough modern tech to keep you happy. Here’s what you get:

• Infotainment: 11-inch touchscreen with basic connectivity features
• Driver Display: 8-inch digital instrument cluster
• Seating: Durable vinyl seats for easy cleaning
• Space: Crew cab design with ample room for five adults
• Extras: Optional fleet management tools for business users

While the WT trim doesn’t have the bells and whistles of the more luxurious higher trims (no leather upholstery or fancy ambient lighting here), it’s functional, straightforward, and designed to get the job done.

Charging and Cost: The Million-Dollar Question (Well, Not Literally)

Electric vehicles come with their own exclusive set of considerations, and charging is at the top of the list. The Silverado EV WT supports DC fast charging, which means you can top up quickly on road trips. For daily use, most owners will likely rely on Level 2 home chargers, which take around 8-10 hours for a full charge.

As for pricing, the Silverado EV WT starts at approximately $41,000 (before incentives). Considering its capabilities and range, it’s fairly competitively priced when federal and state tax credits come into play.

The Electric Pickup Showdown

Here are some of the Silverado EV WT closest rivals:

1. Ford F-150 Lightning

   • Price: Starting at $49,995
   • Range: Up to 320 miles
   • Towing Capacity: 10,000 lbs
   • Why Consider It? Ford’s take on the electric truck combines familiarity with innovation, but it falls short in range compared to the Silverado EV.

2. Rivian R1T

   • Price: Starting at $73,000
   • Range: Up to 314 miles
   • Towing Capacity: 11,000 lbs
   • Why Consider It? The R1T is tech-savvy, beautiful inside and out and luxurious, but it’s more of an adventure vehicle than a workhorse.

3. Tesla Cybertruck

   • Price: Estimated $50,000 (if/when it arrives)
   • Range: Over 500 miles (claimed)
   • Towing Capacity: 14,000 lbs (claimed)
   • Why Consider It? If you like sci-fi aesthetics and can handle Tesla’s build delays, this could be your truck… eventually.

4. GMC Hummer EV

   • Price: Starting at $79,995
   • Range: 329 miles
   • Towing Capacity: 7,500 lbs
   • Why Consider It? It’s big, bold, and packed with crazy features like CrabWalk, but it’s also significantly pricier.  Although, prob significantly cooler.

The Verdict: Is the Silverado EV WT for You?

The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV WT is a compelling entry into the fully electric pickup market. It combines practicality, performance, and a fairly reasonable price point, making it an attractive option for those ready to embrace the EV lifestyle and can live with some of the drawbacks to EV ownership today.

But let’s address the elephant in the room: Are you ready to go electric? For traditional truck buyers, the shift can feel daunting. Charging infrastructure is improving, but it’s not as convenient as pulling up to a gas station. And while the Silverado EV WT can handle tough jobs, the lack of a roaring engine might leave some old school truck enthusiasts feeling nostalgic.

So, what’s your take? Would you drive an electric pickup like the 2024 Chevy Silverado EV WT or do you think the EV truck revolution still has a few kinks to iron out? Let us know in the comments below!