Once considered as something out of the futuristic cartoon “The Jetsons” or the 1980s cult film “Back to the Future,” electric vehicles now command an ever-increasing share of the automobile market. Automakers are starting to think big about applying the technology, including building electric vehicle engines into pickup trucks, such as the 2023 Chevrolet Silverado EV.
Electric engines operate differently in pickup trucks than in SUVs or sedans. Understanding those differences can be helpful as you shop for your next vehicle, especially if you are a pickup truck lover who has grown curious about electric cars’ benefits and economies of scale.
The team at Huffines Chevrolet Lewisville explains how the EV engine is different and outlines the expected specifications of the 2023 Chevy Silverado EV.
What Makes a Pickup Truck EV Engine Different
Pickup trucks make up some of the nation’s best-selling vehicles. Consumers have long-awaited a pickup with an electric engine, as it offers several benefits.
First, the truck can produce instant torque as soon as the driver hits the gas pedal. In traditional legacy gas or diesel vehicles, drivers have to wait for revolutions per minute to get to the right level before torque power hits its peak. One indirect benefit of the electric engine is additional storage space. The space under the trunk that once housed the motor and other components is now free for hauling.
Another plus is that an electric engine has fewer moving parts, which means fewer things go wrong. Drivers of electric pickups will want to follow routine maintenance schedules as always, but these will be far less frequent than for gas engines.
Finally, electric engines in pickup trucks are large enough to serve as backup generators at home should you ever lose power. Many automakers include “bidirectional charging” in vehicles to allow electricity to flow outward when needed.
2023 Chevy Silverado EV Range
The full range of the Silverado EV’s unique aspects has yet to be fully disclosed given the fall 2023 release date. Chevy estimates up to 400 miles of electric battery range for both the WT and RST trims on a full charge, up to 664 horsepower, and 780 lb-ft of torque. You can expect about 1,300 pounds of payload capacity.
The growing availability of charging stations has prompted Chevrolet to invest in an innovative electric vehicle app to help get you the information you need to manage your vehicle. To help you smartly plan your routes, the myChevrolet mobile app with Energy Assist enables you to navigate to and identify compatible public charging stations and see if they are available in real time. You can also check your battery status, set plug-in reminders, or even make payments, all from one spot on your smartphone.
The Chevrolet Silverado EV can also take up a charge at home. Your primary option should be a home Level 2 charging station with 240-volt charging capability. You can also use Level 1 charging as a fail-safe.
Other 2023 Chevy Silverado EV Details
The 2023 Chevy Silverado EV seats up to five passengers and comes in three trims: the WT, Trail Boss, and RST. Drivers will initially be limited to the crew cab, with other options coming later. The trim levels offer a new Chevrolet technology known as the E-4WD, which synchronizes equal torque to each of the four wheels simultaneously. Innovations such as Chevy Four-Wheel Steer and an available Four-Corner Air Ride Adaptive Suspension can help make your driving experience a delight. The four-wheel turn allows you to create a tighter turning radius in those small spaces.
Additional technology in certain Silverado EV trims may include a semi-autonomous driving system known as GM Super Cruise, allowing drivers to go hands-free on the wheel under certain circumstances. Chevrolet indicates the WT trim fulfills the needs of the enterprise-wide fleet, while the Trail Boss and RST serve individual consumers.
The Silverado EV comes with up to 14 camera views of the exterior environment, providing drivers with the help they need to park, change lanes, and tow. The truck also offers up to 10,000 pounds of maximum towing, with 20,000 pounds available on the future commercial WT model.
Digital Technology in the Chevrolet Silverado EV
According to Car and Driver , the Silverado will take on a space-age feel with a mostly digital dashboard centered on an 11-inch diagonal touch-screen display for infotainment and an 8-inch digital gauge display. To keep things simple, GM built the vehicle with analog knobs to adjust the heat and air-conditioning settings.
Upgrading to the RST Silverado EV will get you even more. That truck includes a 17-inch diagonal computer touch screen for infotainment and an 11-inch screen for instruments and other car-related data. The Silverado EV comes with built-in Google virtual assistance technology.
Accessing the screens will also be easier because the Silverado is an electric vehicle. With no mechanical transmission, the pickup offers more space for storing valuables and other belongings in the center console.
Exterior Features of the Silverado EV
The look of the Silverado EV helps identify the vehicle as something entirely different. The truck features a panoramic fixed-glass roof that makes the interior feel open, bright, and roomy, while still blocking the harmful rays of the sun.
You will appreciate the flexibility provided by a flexible mid-gate with pass-through capability, which allows you to accommodate oversized items up to 10 feet and 10 inches long. The multi-flex tailgate offers several different settings to enable easy loading and unloading.
Shopping the Chevrolet Lineup
Since 1924, Huffines Chevrolet has been serving the needs of auto buyers in Lewisville, Dallas, and surrounding areas in Texas. We are a full-service Chevrolet auto dealer, offering the best and the newest models of Chevrolet trucks, SUVs, and sedans, as well as a giant selection of pre-owned vehicles from other manufacturers. Huffines also assists with financing and offers high-quality auto service for preventive maintenance and repairs. Call us or contact us online to discuss your auto needs.