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Is this pickup better than the Lightning?
As I rolled up to the starting line, I was geared up for takeoff. The individual outside my window signaled me to step on it, so I literally pushed down on the acceleration pedal so hard that I lifted off my seat when given the go-ahead. I immediately sensed a rush as my stomach plummeted. After about 4.5 seconds, I swiftly shifted all my weight (and both feet) to the brake pedal, coming to an abrupt halt with a screech and a chuckle brewing from deep within. Driving a full-sized pickup truck shouldn’t be this entertaining, but the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado Electric Vehicle RST with Wide Open Watts (WOW) mode activated provides up to 754 horsepower and a ton of excitement.
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2024 Chevrolet Silverado Electric Vehicle RST
Chevrolet unveiled the all-electric Silverado EV in 2023, and the initial entry-level WT (Work Truck) models hit the market towards the end of that year. Now, in the middle of 2024, the premium RST variant is hitting the roads packed with advanced technology and a starting price of $96K. Furthermore, this electric pickup boasts greater range than any other electric truck currently available in production – with a minimum of extra 30 miles.
When fully charged under optimal conditions, you can expect a range of 440 miles on the RST trim. Additionally, with the standard 350 kW DC fast charge capability (the swiftest charging speed in its segment), this electric truck can add up to 100 miles of range in just 10 minutes.
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As a truck designed for typical truck tasks, I must say that the Silverado RST EV may not excel in trailering or payload capacity within its segment, but it does hold its ground with a maximum towing capacity of 10,000 pounds and a maximum payload of 1,500 pounds. These figures surpass those of the Ford F-150 Lightning, yet fall short compared to the Tesla Cybertruck or Rivian R1T.
It also features an optional midgate functionality, allowing the second-row seats to fold flat and expanding the bed floor storage to 10 feet, 10 inches. Speaking of the midgate, although it requires a few steps to operate, it becomes quite manageable with practice–I even succeeded in doing it single-handedly while filming a video here!
Apart from experimenting with the WOW mode, we had the chance to cruise around the picturesque Michigan countryside as well as tackle some open highway stretches during our brief trial. Nevertheless, that was ample time to form a solid initial impression of the truck.
The road tests highlighted the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado Electric Vehicle RST as serene and capable. I observed that keeping WOW mode active during regular driving–not just for exhilarating launches–along with full access to all 754 horsepower, results in the suspension remaining lower. Consequently, the handling felt slightly floaty. However, disengaging WOW diminished the acceleration sensation but enhanced the truck’s stability. So, you can have the power, but it seems you can’t fully utilize it.
What piques my interest is Chevrolet’s choice of not disclosing (or refusing to disclose?) the horsepower and torque figures without WOW mode activated. All official documents mention “up to” 754 horsepower, but that includes WOW. When querying Chevrolet representatives and engineers directly about the non-WOW horsepower, they evasively stated that it varies and redirected the conversation.
Regarding the driving position from a petite individual’s perspective, it was somewhat satisfactory. Visibility met expectations, although I felt that raising the driver’s seat by an additional inch or so could enhance sightlines over the hood. A colleague around 5 feet, 8 inches tall mentioned that visibility for them was just right.
While I generally appreciate the appearance and performance of the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado Electric Vehicle RST, there is a contentious issue that I–and presumably many iPhone users–encounter: The absence of Apple CarPlay or any phone mirroring software. Consequently, Android Auto is also unavailable. Interestingly, the initial WT models launched in 2023 included CarPlay and Auto as they featured an older operating system, but all current EVs from Chevrolet come with the new OS, which excludes the popular phone mirroring software. Instead, the Google-based system necessitates logging into your Google account to access services like Waze, Spotify, Audible, and Google Podcasts. While this allows interaction with apps without physically handling your phone, even when paired with the system, accessing voicemail messages or past text messages isn’t straightforward. You can ask Siri to read out your text messages, but it doesn’t offer the convenience of viewing the messages and selecting which to listen to. Additionally, accessing your Apple Music or Apple Podcasts without physically picking up your phone isn’t seamless–Even
if the sound signals will transmit via the Bluetooth connection.
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There are certainly workarounds available, but they are merely alternatives. I found them to be quite bothersome in general.
This could pose a challenge for Chevrolet as there exist individuals (I’ve seen many comments on social media) who refuse to consider a vehicle lacking CarPlay. It will be intriguing to observe whether GM stands firm on this matter or eventually permits the integration of phone mirroring software back into its electric vehicles. The Google system doesn’t necessarily have to clash with Apple CarPlay – many manufacturers currently provide both.
Presently, the Silverado EV is accessible in three different trim variations, with a base price of approximately $75k. The current pricing, inclusive of the $1,895 destination charge, is as follows:
- 3WT: $74,800
- 4WT: $79,800
- RST First Edition: $96,395
If you’re contemplating the significant price disparity between the 4WT and RST, you’re on point. Chevrolet is keeping spaces open for potential LT and TrailBoss models.
Overall, the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV RST stands as an exceptional electric vehicle and an outstanding truck, yet the $96k price label might be a hard pill to swallow for many truck enthusiasts. Furthermore, the absence of Apple CarPlay could pose an even greater hurdle for other potential buyers.
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2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV RST Gallery
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