Photo Source/Copyright: Chevrolet Media
Yet another major vehicle is slated to join the electric vehicle fray, as the race to gain a significant share of the EV market pie roars on.
This time, it’s one of America’s most popular pickup trucks—the Chevy Silverado.
General Motors (GM) recently announced a move that will shake up the Chevrolet division by adding the first-ever electric Silverado truck to the lineup.
The EV space is no longer reserved for smaller sedans and SUVs as truck makers are looking to break into the market and continue their dominance in sales across the automotive market in the United States.
The EV iteration from Chevrolet will be pieced together at the automaker’s Factory Zero assembly plants in Detroit and Hamtramck, Michigan.
General Motors President Mark Reuss confirmed the Silverado would share the same assembly location as the newly unveiled GMC Hummer electric SUV. Insiders believe the EV Hummer pickup will also be introduced sometime this year and likely share the space with the EV Silverado, Hummer SUV, and Cruise Origin.
GM’s goal is to have over one million electric vehicles distributed to dealerships worldwide by 2025 and become the majority EV market leader in North America. Using the “company’s Ultium Platform, virtual development tools, and technology, GM has reduced vehicle development times by nearly 50 percent to just 26 months.”
EV Silverado
The automaker has assured that the upcoming electric Silverado has been carefully thought out and developed to be a fully electric vehicle. They are also estimating the truck will provide drivers with over 400 miles worth of range on a full charge and will be available for both fleet and retail buyers.
“Everything Chevy’s loyal truck buyers love about Silverado—and more—and puts it into an electric pickup that will delight retail and commercial customers alike,” Reuss added.
In January 2020, the automaker pledged it would invest $2.2 billion in its Detroit-Hamtramck plant for the purpose of making several electric vehicles, namely in the trucks and SUV sector. GM changed the plant name to “Factory Zero” in an emblematic move signaling its vision of a future without emissions, crashes, and congestion.
The company believes Factory Zero is the “launchpad for GM’s multi-brand EV strategy. The facility has advanced technology and tooling and was designed with a focus on sustainable manufacturing.” The plant is also expected to receive a slew of upgrades such as new machines, controls, conveyors, and more.
Planning for the Future
Since the pandemic began, GM has made it a priority to emphasize its plans to pivot to a more eco-friendly future. These plans include the use of proprietary Ultium batteries for an adaptive EV platform and a modular propulsion system.
GM has also committed over $27 billion to develop autonomous and electric vehicles, with $7 billion alone being used in 2021.
Plans also include the expansion plan of at least 30 EVs worldwide by 2025, with at least two-third being available to the public in the U.S. Considering the portfolio managed by GM, it is expected that EVs will be available for purchase at roughly every price point across Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC.
The automaker says it plans to spend $2 billion on its Spring Hill, Tennessee, plant to help with the shift to become the company’s third EV plant.
Exploring Chevrolet’s Lineup
While we wait for the electrified Silverado to arrive, drivers can still explore the Chevrolet lineup at a local Florida Chevrolet dealer. Chevrolet models, including the current Silverado model, are available. Interested parties in any of the vehicles can simply view the online new car inventory and chat with a representative for further assistance.
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Terry is an avid Nascar fan who grew up attending races at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina, just down the road from his hometown of China Grove, NC. Terry currently resides in Wellington and has been writing for 15 years. He also enjoys watching the Road Runner Looney Tunes cartoon with his two sons in his spare time.