Chevrolet Silverado EV Max Range WT completes 1,059-mile range test

The 2026 Chevrolet Silverado EV Max Range Work Truck has completed a 1,059.2-mile drive on a single charge during a range test conducted by General Motors engineers. This exceeds the previous reported EV range record of 749 miles, which was set by Lucid earlier in the summer.

The test was performed using a production Silverado EV Max Range WT, with no changes made to hardware or software systems. It was conducted on public roads near GM’s Milford Proving Ground and concluded on Detroit’s Belle Isle. The purpose of the test was to determine the maximum achievable driving range under real-world conditions, using driving practices and vehicle settings that fall within the parameters outlined in the truck’s owner’s manual.

To improve efficiency, engineers maintained driving speeds between 20 and 25 mph, avoided hard braking and rapid acceleration, and removed the spare tire to reduce weight. The truck’s tires were inflated to the highest acceptable pressure, wheel alignment was optimized, and an accessory tonneau cover was installed to improve aerodynamics. Climate control systems were turned off during the test, and testing was conducted in summer conditions to take advantage of warmer ambient temperatures, which are favorable for battery performance.

The team driving the vehicle rotated in one-hour shifts while continuing their normal work schedules. The vehicle was typically driven without passengers, and efforts were made to reduce any unnecessary energy consumption. According to GM, the goal was to maximize the efficiency of the existing production vehicle while adhering to reasonable, real-world driving parameters.

The Silverado EV Max Range WT is currently EPA-estimated for up to 493 miles on a full charge. GM states that driving range is a top purchase consideration among potential Silverado EV customers. The extended range test was designed to gather data that could inform future product development and electric vehicle efficiency strategies.

The Silverado EV that completed the test was later used to power a 3D printer that produced a commemorative trophy recognizing the engineering team’s accomplishment.