Owner Review | Everything I Love & Hate About My Silverado EV After 7 Months & 8,000 Miles

After nearly seven months and 8,000 miles behind the wheel of the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV RST First Edition, I’m excited to share a comprehensive and honest review of this groundbreaking electric truck. From its impressive range and towing capabilities to its infotainment quirks and price considerations, I’ll walk you through everything I love and the challenges I’ve encountered with the Silverado EV. Whether you’re considering this truck or just curious about electric pickups, this deep dive will give you a clear picture of what to expect.

Impressive Driving Range That Makes Towing Practical

One of the most critical factors for any electric truck owner is range, especially when towing. The Silverado EV comes with a max battery option — a massive 24-module pack rated at 460 miles from the factory. After software updates and real-world driving, my truck’s predicted range at a full charge is actually 475 miles, which is remarkable for an EV of this size.

Why does range matter so much? When towing, your range typically gets cut in half, so having a baseline of nearly 475 miles means more peace of mind and fewer charging stops on long trips. My wife and I recently picked up a travel trailer, and this truck’s range and towing capacity make it an ideal match for our outdoor adventures.

Maneuverability and Handling: Surprisingly Nimble for Its Size

Despite its full-size stature and hefty weight (around 8,500 pounds), the Silverado EV handles exceptionally well. The four-wheel steering system is a game changer, making tight U-turns and backing up trailers much easier. Even the work truck version without four-wheel steering performs admirably, but the added agility of the RST’s four wheel steering system truly shines in tight spots and on winding back roads.

While it’s not a sports truck by any means, the Silverado EV strikes a good balance between smoothness and road feel, delivering a driving experience that I often compare to a Cadillac — refined yet engaging. Just don’t expect to throw it around like a smaller, lighter electric truck such as the Rivian R1T.

Next-Level Infotainment Screens with Some Caveats

The Silverado EV features a dual-screen setup with a landscape-oriented central infotainment display and a customizable driver’s display. Powered by Google’s Android Automotive OS, the system is packed with features and a Google Play Store for apps. However, there are some notable drawbacks:

• No Android Auto or Apple CarPlay support (and at the time of this writing GM is phasing these out without a fully comparable replacement).
• No video apps available yet, which limits entertainment options during charging stops.
• The driver’s display can’t cycle through information as intuitively as I’d like—you have to dig into the main screen menus to change what’s shown on the driver's display.

On the plus side, the camera system is excellent, with multiple views including overhead, side, front, rear, and even a hitch camera to help with towing. The infotainment’s connectivity and configurability are solid, but I’m eagerly awaiting software updates to fill in the gaps.

Smart Storage Solutions: Front Trunk, Midgate, and Flex Tailgate

Storage is a perennial challenge for truck owners, especially in ICE trucks where the engine placement can limit options. GM tackles this with a spacious front trunk (“frunk”) offering 10.8 cubic feet of storage, complete with a drain for easy cleaning and a power outlet—perfect for tools, gear, or wet items.

The midgate system is another standout feature. It allows the rear seats and glass panel to fold down, extending the bed length from 5 feet 11 inches to a full 10 feet of usable space. This flexibility is fantastic for hauling longer items.

The flex gate tailgate adds even more convenience. When lowered, it provides an easier step into the bed and better access to power outlets, which is especially handy when using the truck’s onboard 7.2 kW generator for tools or camping gear.

Quiet, Smooth Ride with Strong Regenerative Braking

The Silverado EV isn’t bank vault silent, but it’s incredibly quiet and smooth for a truck of its size. The fully independent suspension absorbs bumps well, making highway cruising and in-town jaunts comfortable and composed.

Regenerative braking is a highlight for me. The max regen setting is powerful enough to bring the truck to a complete stop without touching the brake pedal, recovering energy efficiently and extending driving range. While some drivers might prefer less aggressive regen or one-pedal driving off, I recommend embracing it to maximize efficiency and driving range.

Fast Charging Makes Road Trips More Feasible

Charging speed is another strong suit. The max battery supports up to 350 kW fast charging at compatible stations, allowing a recharge from 10% to 80% in just 38 minutes under ideal conditions. This rapid charging capability is a big advantage for long-distance travel and towing scenarios.  When you have a huge battery like what's in the Silverado and Sierra EV the fast charging is even more important because you have a lot more energy to add back in between charging stops.

However, there are caveats:

• To utilize the max charging speed, you need access to 800-volt chargers, which aren’t yet widespread.
• Many public chargers, like Tesla Superchargers, currently operate at 400 volts and limit charging speeds to around 180 kW on Silverado & Sierra EV.

Still, the charging infrastructure is improving, and as more 800-volt stations come online, charging times will only get better.

Robust Towing Capacity and Practical Power

Towing is a key reason many choose the Silverado & Sierra EV. The extended range battery version can tow up to 12,500 pounds, while the heavier max battery model can tow 10,000 pounds. This towing capacity, combined with the truck’s range and charging speed—the trifecta of EV towing success—makes it a serious contender for work and play.

Low Maintenance Costs and Fuel Savings

One of the biggest perks of owning an electric truck is dramatically reduced maintenance. The Silverado EV & Sierra EV eliminate the need for oil changes, transmission fluid flushes, and the upkeep of differentials or transfer cases found in traditional 4WD trucks.

Maintenance is mostly limited to tires, windshield wiper blades, washer fluid, brake fluid flushes every few years, and caliper lubrication annually. This simplicity translates into significant time & cost savings.

Fuel savings are equally impressive. The truck achieves the equivalent of 63 miles per gallon (MPGe) in normal driving, and even when towing—where efficiency is roughly halved—it still outperforms internal combustion trucks by a wide margin.

When I Would Recommend Against Buying the Silverado EV

Despite all its strengths, the Silverado EV & Sierra EV aren't for everyone. Here are some scenarios where I’d advise caution:

• No reliable home or workplace charging: Relying solely on public chargers can be costly and inconvenient, as charging away from home is about three times more expensive and requires waiting around for it to charge vs. home or workplace charging where you plug in and forget about it.
• Budget constraints: The RST model we leased starts around $97,000 MSRP, with the Sierra EV Denali Max topping over $100,000. While GM offers lower trims (like the LT with extended range battery) that qualify for tax credits and come in under $80,000, the higher-end trims can get pricey quickly.
• Charging infrastructure limitations: The lack of widespread 350 kW chargers means you may face slower charging times in some locations.
• Learning curve for new EV drivers: Features like regenerative braking and planning road trips with charging stops require adjustment and some upfront learning.

Some Dislikes and Areas for Improvement

Here are the main drawbacks I’ve encountered with the Silverado EV so far:

Price Tag

The Silverado EV & Sierra EV can be expensive, especially the RST and Denali trims. However, GM offers a range of more economical trims to fit different budgets, and tax credits can help reduce the cost for many buyers.  Though as of the time of this writing the tax credits are set to go away in October 2025.

Home Charger Installation Costs

Installing a level 2 home charger capable of delivering the full 80 amps for max charging speed may require costly electrical upgrades, especially if your home has a 200-amp or smaller service panel. For many, a 48-amp charger is sufficient for overnight charging and is usually less expensive to install.

Lack of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay

GM’s decision to remove Android Auto and Apple CarPlay from their electric vehicles is frustrating. The Android Automotive infotainment system currently lacks comparable functionality, especially for texting and app integration, which detracts from the user experience. This is a major sore point for me and many potential buyers.

Interior Materials

Given the near six-figure price tag, I expected more upscale interior materials in the Silverado EV. The materials in the trucks is good, just not what I expect in this price range.  The GMC Sierra EV offers slightly better interior finishes, so if you want a slightly more luxurious interior Sierra EV Denali might be the better choice.

Truck Size and Weight

The Silverado EV’s large size and weight make it less nimble than smaller electric trucks, and parking or navigating tight city streets can be challenging. If you’re used to a full-size truck, this won’t be a huge adjustment, but it’s worth considering if your coming from a smaller vehicle.

Battery Warranty and Long-Term Reliability Concerns

GM offers an 8-year/100,000-mile battery warranty, which is the federal mandated minimum but shorter than competitors like Tesla and Rivian. Given the high cost of battery replacement on a large pack like this, a longer warranty would provide more peace of mind.

Long-term reliability is still unknown since these trucks have only been in customers’ hands for a little more than a year. Repair times and parts availability may be longer initially, as seen with other new EV brands, so patience is required for service and repair.

Final Thoughts

After 7 months and 8,000 miles, my experience with the Chevrolet Silverado EV RST has been overwhelmingly positive. It offers a compelling mix of range, towing capability, fast charging, and low maintenance costs, making it a practical and enjoyable electric truck for outdoor adventures and daily driving alike.

That said, there are areas where GM could improve, especially in infotainment integration, interior refinement, and warranty coverage. The high price and charging infrastructure limitations may also be barriers for some buyers.

If you’re considering an electric pickup and want a truck that can handle serious towing while delivering a smooth, quiet ride and impressive range, the Silverado EV and Sierra EV deserve a closer look. If you don't own an EV currently, be sure you have a reliable charging setup and are ready for the learning curve that comes with any EV before you take the plunge.

What do you think about the Silverado EV and Sierra EV? Are you planning to get one or already own one? Drop your thoughts and questions in the comments below—I’d love to hear from you!