GM just set a new world record, driving 1,059 miles on a single charge with its 2026 Chevrolet Silverado EV Max Range Work Truck.
The company introduced the all-electric pickup truck in 2024, boasting more standard range than any competitor and a 10,000-pound towing capacity. The optimized 2026 model used by GM engineers for the record-breaking test has an EPA-estimated range of 493 miles.
Equipment World contributing editor Tom Quimby was impressed with the truck’s performance at its debut, calling it “the best case yet for an electric pickup.” To read about his 54-mile test drive, click here.
GM says the tweaks made to the production Silverado EV Max Range WT used for the test were “all within the acceptable limits established in the truck’s owner’s manual.” The truck’s hardware and software were untouched.
Over seven days, a team of 40 engineers drove the truck in one-hour shifts on public roads near GM’s Milford Proving Ground in southeastern Michigan, wrapping up the route on Detroit’s Belle Isle.
To ensure that as much battery energy as possible was going toward moving the truck forward, modifications to the truck and the driver’s operating habits were made. Adjustments included:
- When the speed limit and conditions allowed, drivers were advised to maintain an average speed of 20-25 mph and to minimize any hard braking or quick accelerating.
- For most of the test, there were no passengers in the truck.
- The windshield wiper arms were set to the lowest acceptable position to reduce drag.
- Tires were inflated to their highest acceptable pressure for lower rolling resistance.
- To lighten the vehicle, the spare tire was removed.
- The wheel alignment was optimized.
- An accessory tonneau cover was added for smooth airflow.
- Climate control was turned off for the duration of the test.
- The test was performed in summer to ensure the optimum ambient temperature for battery efficiency.
GM
Jon Doremus, propulsion calibration engineering manager, said, “If we drove it downhill the whole time, sure, we’d get insane mileage. But that’s not what this was about. We wanted this to be real, on public roads.”
The feat broke the world record of 749 miles set by the Lucid Air Grand Touring earlier this summer. According to GM, range is its number one purchase driver for the Silverado EV.
“Getting this kind of range on a full charge doesn’t happen by accident,” said Kurt Kelty, VP, battery, propulsion, and sustainability. “It takes deep integration across battery chemistry, drive unit efficiency, software and vehicle engineering—and that’s exactly what the team delivered. This achievement is a great example of how far our EV technology has come, and the kind of innovation we’re building on every day at GM.”
To top it off, the Silverado EV that set the record was recharged and powered up a 3D printer that printed a trophy to honor the team’s accomplishment.
