The electric vehicle revolution reached an incredible new milestone as the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado EV Max Range Work Truck smashed the EV world range record by completing a 1,059.2-mile drive on a single charge. This achievement, verified during a real-world test on public roads near GM’s Milford Proving Ground in Michigan, surpasses the previous record of 749 miles set by Lucid earlier this year. Though the Silverado EV’s default EPA-estimated range sits at an impressive 493 miles, the GM engineering team achieved this groundbreaking feat by optimizing various vehicle settings and focusing on efficiency. This momentous accomplishment not only sets the Silverado apart as a leader in electric truck innovation but also underscores the possibilities of EV technology when paired with creative problem-solving.
This record-setting drive was no mere lab experiment. The Silverado EV was tested in real-world conditions by a passionate team of GM engineers, who took shifts behind the wheel for one-hour drives. To maximize efficiency, they implemented minor adjustments, including inflating tires to their highest acceptable pressure, removing unnecessary weight like the spare tire, and adding a tonneau cover for reduced drag. The team also found that the truck’s “efficiency sweet spot” was cruising between 20 to 25 mph. They drove without passengers, turned off climate control, and conducted the test during Michigan's summer months to optimize battery temperature. Despite these tweaks, the Silverado EV hardware and software remained untouched, proving that the truck was not doctored for the attempt.
Beyond the record-breaking achievement, this test was an invaluable exercise for GM engineers, offering insights that will fuel the next chapter in EV development. Each mile of the test taught the team how to further refine electric powertrain efficiency, battery chemistry, and aerodynamics. The Silverado EV now stands not only as a symbol of triumph but also as a promise of what’s to come from General Motors' electric vehicle lineup. With an emphasis on real-world practicality, GM’s innovation drives home the notion that the electric future is not just achievable—it’s here, and ready to exceed expectations.
📷: GM
