GM’s Electric Truck Goes the Distance
General Motors just rewrote the electric vehicle record books. A 2026 Chevy Silverado EV Work Truck drove an astonishing 1,059.2 miles on a single charge, far surpassing the previous 749-mile record set by Lucid Motors.
The feat took place over seven days on public roads near GM’s Milford Proving Ground and Detroit’s Belle Isle. Engineers kept speeds low, between 20–25 mph, to squeeze every last mile from the battery.
How They Did It
The Silverado EV Work Truck normally has an EPA-estimated range of 493 miles. But GM’s team used every trick in the book to double that number.
They chose summer for optimal battery efficiency. The windshield wiper blades were lowered to reduce drag. Tires were inflated to the maximum safe pressure, and the spare tire was removed to lighten the load. Engineers also fine-tuned the wheel alignment, added a tonneau cover for better aerodynamics, and switched off climate control entirely.
Every detail mattered. Even small weight savings and airflow improvements added valuable miles.
Built for Efficiency
This Silverado trim was already lighter than its siblings. It lacks the large alloy wheels, plush leather interiors, and folding midgate of higher-end versions. The 2026 model does add a touchscreen, but it still focuses on utility over luxury—making it an ideal platform for efficiency tests.
Earlier, Edmunds had praised the truck’s range, clocking 539 miles in real-world testing with the Max Range battery pack—47 miles more than its official rating. However, it wasn’t the most efficient, averaging 2.2 miles per kWh.
Not Chasing Guinness Glory
Lucid Motors may still hold the official Guinness World Record, but GM isn’t submitting its achievement for recognition. This was a passion project, led by engineers eager to see just how far their truck could go.
With this run, the Silverado EV proves that range records aren’t just for sleek sedans—electric trucks can play the long game too.
