Chevrolet and GMC's electric full-size trucks are coming, but they're not here yet

General Motors announced two electric versions of its full-size pickup trucks: the Chevrolet Silverado EV and the GMC Sierra Denali Edition One. Both are built on GM's Ultium platform and will use large battery packs to power full-size truck capabilities. As of now, neither truck is in production or available for purchase. Chevrolet has stated the Silverado EV will arrive sometime after 2024, and GMC has given a similar timeline for the Sierra Denali Edition One.

These trucks represent GM's answer to the Ford F-150 Lightning and the Ram 1500 Revolution (which Ram has delayed indefinitely). They're designed to compete in the segment where most American truck buyers shop—the full-size, work-capable category—rather than in the smaller electric truck market where startups like Rivian and Tesla operate.

Key Takeaways

  • The Silverado EV and Sierra Denali Edition One are not yet in production; GM has not announced a firm release date beyond "after 2024."
  • Both trucks will use GM's Ultium battery platform, which also powers the Chevrolet Blazer EV, Equinox EV, and other GM electric vehicles.
  • The Silverado EV is expected to be priced lower than the Sierra Denali Edition One, following the traditional Chevy-to-GMC price hierarchy.
  • Towing and payload capacity figures have not been officially released, so comparisons to gas trucks or the F-150 Lightning are not yet possible.
  • Charging speed and real-world range will depend on battery size and the charger used, details GM has not yet disclosed.

What the Ultium platform means for these trucks

The Ultium platform is GM's modular battery and electric drivetrain architecture. It allows GM to build vehicles of different sizes and purposes—from the compact Equinox EV to the large Silverado EV—using the same core electrical components. This approach reduces manufacturing cost and lets GM scale production faster than building unique platforms for each vehicle.

For the Silverado EV and Sierra Denali Edition One, Ultium means both trucks will likely share the same electric motor technology and battery chemistry, even if they differ in body style, interior trim, and pricing. The platform is designed to handle the weight and power demands of a full-size truck, which is why GM chose it for these vehicles rather than adapting a smaller platform.

Ultium batteries come in different sizes. The larger the battery pack, the longer the range and the heavier the truck becomes. GM has not yet stated which battery sizes will be available in the Silverado EV or Sierra Denali Edition One, so real-world range estimates are not yet possible.

Expected pricing and trim levels

GM has not released official pricing for either truck. However, the pattern across GM's lineup suggests the Silverado EV will start lower than the Sierra Denali Edition One. The Silverado is Chevrolet's mainstream truck, while the Sierra is GMC's premium brand, and that price gap typically holds across electric models as well.

For context, the Ford F-150 Lightning (the only full-size electric truck currently in production) starts around $55,000 to $60,000 before incentives, depending on the model year and trim. The Silverado EV will likely compete in a similar range, though GM has not confirmed this. The Sierra Denali Edition One, being a premium variant, would be priced higher.

Both trucks may be may be able to access for the federal tax credit of up to $7,500 if they meet domestic content and price cap requirements set by the Inflation Reduction Act. Those rules change annually, so the actual credit available when these trucks launch may differ from current rules.

Towing, payload, and real-world capability

One of the biggest questions about any electric truck is whether it can do what gas trucks do: tow heavy trailers and carry heavy loads. The F-150 Lightning can tow up to 14,000 pounds and carry up to 1,800 pounds of payload, depending on the model. GM has not yet released towing or payload figures for the Silverado EV or Sierra Denali Edition One.

Electric motors deliver maximum torque when ready, which is an advantage for pulling. However, the weight of the battery pack reduces the payload capacity compared to a gas truck of the same size. The larger the battery, the more range you get—but the less payload you can carry. GM will have to balance these tradeoffs when it finalizes the truck's specifications.

Towing also reduces range significantly. If you tow a heavy trailer, you may lose 20 to 40 percent of your stated range, depending on the trailer weight, road grade, and driving speed. This is true for all electric vehicles, not just trucks. Until GM releases real-world towing range data, it's impossible to know how practical these trucks will be for serious work.

Charging infrastructure and home charging options

Both trucks will use the North American Charging Standard (NACS), which is now the standard connector for most new electric vehicles sold in the United States. This means you can charge at Tesla Superchargers and at other public networks that have adopted NACS. Older networks that use the Combined Charging System (CCS) connector are being retrofitted with NACS adapters, but the transition is ongoing.

At home, you can charge using a standard 120-volt outlet (very slow, adding only 2 to 3 miles of range per hour) or a dedicated 240-volt Level 2 charger (much faster, adding 25 to 30 miles of range per hour, depending on the charger and vehicle). Installing a Level 2 charger at home typically costs $500 to $2,500 in equipment and installation, though some states and utilities offer rebates.

For road trips, public fast chargers (DC fast chargers) can add significant range in 20 to 40 minutes. However, availability varies by region. Rural areas have fewer chargers than cities and highways. If you live in an area with sparse charging infrastructure, an electric truck may not be practical for your needs, regardless of its range.

How battery degradation affects long-term ownership

Electric vehicle batteries lose capacity over time. After 8 to 10 years or 100,000 to 150,000 miles, most EV batteries retain 85 to 90 percent of their original capacity. This means a truck that could drive 300 miles on a full charge when new might drive 255 to 270 miles after a decade. The loss is gradual, not sudden.

GM covers the battery under warranty for 8 years or 100,000 miles (whichever comes first) on most of its electric vehicles. If the battery fails or drops below 70 percent capacity during that period, GM will repair or replace it at no cost. After the warranty expires, a battery replacement can cost $5,000 to $15,000 or more, depending on the battery size and the truck model.

Battery degradation is slower in moderate climates and with regular charging habits. Repeatedly charging to 100 percent or discharging to near zero, or exposing the battery to extreme heat, accelerates degradation. If you charge to 80 percent most of the time and avoid extreme temperatures, your battery will last longer.

Comparing the Silverado EV to gas trucks and the F-150 Lightning

The main advantage of an electric truck over a gas truck is lower fuel and maintenance costs. Electricity is cheaper than gasoline per mile driven, and electric motors have far fewer moving parts than gas engines, so there's no oil to change, no spark plugs to replace, and no transmission fluid to service. Over the life of the truck, these savings add up.

The main disadvantage is range and refueling time. A gas truck can refuel in 5 minutes and drive 300 to 400 miles on a tank. An electric truck takes 20 to 40 minutes to fast-charge and may have a similar range, but only if you have access to a fast charger. For daily driving, this is rarely a problem. For road trips or work that requires constant driving, it can be.

Compared to the F-150 Lightning, the Silverado EV and Sierra Denali Edition One will likely offer different styling, interior features, and possibly different battery options. The F-150 Lightning has been in production since 2022, so real-world reliability data exists for it. The Silverado EV and Sierra Denali Edition One are unproven until they reach customers.

When to expect these trucks and what to watch for

GM has not announced a specific launch date for either truck. "After 2024" is the only timeline given, which could mean late 2024, 2025, or even 2026. Delays are common in the automotive industry, especially for new platforms and powertrains. If you're considering an electric truck now, the F-150 Lightning is the only full-size option currently available.

When GM does announce a launch date, watch for these details: battery size options, towing and payload capacity, EPA-estimated range, starting price, and warranty terms. These figures will determine whether the truck makes sense for your needs and budget. Also watch for real-world owner reviews once the trucks reach customers—EPA range estimates are often higher than what drivers actually achieve in daily use.

If you're interested in an electric truck but want to avoid being an early adopter, waiting for the Silverado EV or Sierra Denali Edition One to be on the road for a year or two will give you more data about reliability and real-world performance. If you need a truck now, the F-150 Lightning is the proven choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pre-order a Silverado EV or Sierra Denali Edition One right now?

No. GM has not opened pre-orders for either truck. When GM is ready to take orders, it will announce the date and the process on its official website. Be cautious of third-party websites claiming to take pre-orders; they may not be legitimate.

Will the Silverado EV be cheaper than the F-150 Lightning?

That depends on the trim and battery size. GM has not released pricing, so a direct comparison is not possible yet. Historically, Chevrolet trucks are priced lower than Ford trucks of similar capability, but the electric market is still new and pricing strategies may differ.

How long does it take to charge a full-size electric truck at home?

With a Level 2 home charger (240 volts), a full charge typically takes 8 to 12 hours, depending on the battery size and charger output. With a standard 120-volt outlet, it can take 24 to 48 hours or longer. Most owners charge overnight and start each day with a full battery.

Will the Silverado EV work for towing a boat or trailer?

Possibly, but GM has not released towing capacity figures yet. The F-150 Lightning can tow up to 14,000 pounds, but towing reduces range significantly. Once GM releases specifications for the Silverado EV, you'll be able to compare. If you tow regularly, ask GM for real-world range data while towing before you decide.

What happens if I run out of battery on a road trip?

You'll need to find a public charger. On major highways, chargers are becoming more common, but availability varies by region. Plan your route using apps like PlugShare or A Better Route Planner, which show charger locations and availability. In rural areas with few chargers, an electric truck may not be practical for long trips.