The feat, achieved during a carefully monitored test led by GM’s engineering team, marks a watershed moment not only for the Silverado EV but for the electric truck segment at large. With its EPA-estimated range of 493 miles, the Silverado Max Range Work Truck already led the pack. This latest achievement, however, pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in real-world conditions — and places GM squarely at the forefront of the electric range race.
A Challenge Born in a Conference Room
It began, as many engineering feats do, with an idle conversation in late 2024.
“How far could the truck go,” engineers asked, “if we optimized everything?”
The guesses flew: 800 miles? 900? Could it touch 1,000?
Soon, a challenge was set. What followed was a collaborative, multi-day effort that involved engineers taking turns behind the wheel — often before or after their regular work shifts — in a mission that blurred the line between technical experiment and personal pursuit.
“Getting this kind of range doesn’t happen by accident,” said Kurt Kelty, GM’s vice president of battery, propulsion, and sustainability. “It takes deep integration across battery chemistry, drive unit efficiency, software, and engineering. And that’s what this team delivered.”
No Tricks, Just Tuning
GM was quick to emphasize that the test vehicle was a stock production model — no special tuning, no hardware modifications. Instead, the team relied on minor efficiency optimizations, all within guidelines outlined in the owner’s manual.
Among the adjustments:
- Driving at a consistent 20–25 mph, ideal for maximizing battery efficiency
- Minimizing braking and acceleration
- Removing the spare tire and inflating tires to their highest recommended pressure
- Using a tonneau cover for better aerodynamics
- Turning off climate control
- Performing the test in warm summer weather to take advantage of optimal battery temperature
These small tweaks paid off. Each hour behind the wheel added valuable miles and real-world data — information that will inform future GM electric vehicle programs.
From Belle Isle to Bragging Rights
The test route included public roads near GM’s Milford Proving Ground, with the final leg winding through Detroit’s Belle Isle, a historic island park surrounded by the Detroit River.
“This wasn’t about some hypothetical range on a downhill grade,” said Jon Doremus, GM’s propulsion calibration engineering manager. “We wanted this to be real — public roads, real conditions.”
When the truck finally coasted to a stop after passing the 1,000-mile mark, the team celebrated with fitting symbolism: the same Silverado was used to power a 3D printer, which fabricated a trophy to commemorate the record.
Why Range Still Reigns
While electric vehicle buyers are increasingly savvy about performance and charging infrastructure, range remains the top consideration — particularly among prospective Silverado EV customers, according to GM’s own research.
This test, while not replicable under typical driving speeds or conditions, underscores what’s possible when the boundaries of vehicle efficiency are pushed to their limits.
It also reinforces the Silverado EV’s status as a formidable presence in the EV market, not just as a high-tech pickup but as a practical work truck ready for long-haul duty.
As for the engineers, their achievement is now etched into GM’s EV playbook — and possibly the future of electric trucking.
“We didn’t do this just to say we did it,” said Kelty. “We did it because every mile taught us something. And that knowledge helps us build better vehicles for everyone.”