2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV Ultium platform and four-wheel steering shown off

UPDATE, April 29: Chevrolet Silverado EV Ultium platform, four-wheel steering shown off

The upcoming Chevrolet Silverado EV has been showcased in a video from its American manufacturer, debuting the capability of its Ultium platform.

Set to enter production next year, the all-electric Silverado pick-up features four-wheel steering in its range-topping RST guise, allowing it to boast a turning radius of 12.9 metres – not bad for a full-size dual-cab truck.

The unique 'Multi-Flex Midgate' is also on show – an innovative design by Chevrolet which lets the front of the pick-up's bed fold down (similar to dropping the rear seats in a passenger car), demonstrated in this case with a canoe.

A number of accessories will also be made for the Silverado, including canopies – helping to protect the 10 outlets in the bed which provide up to 10.2kW of power.

Chevrolet expects to put its truck on sale next year – a few months after the launch of Ford's F-150 Lightning, but before Ram introduces its 1500 EV to the market.

January 2: Chevrolet Silverado EV revealed – Electric pick-up with 644km driving range

The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV was unveiled overnight at the Consumer Electronics Show in the US, with first deliveries expected to begin in the second quarter of 2023.

Chevrolet hasn’t provided details on the Ultium battery, but says the all-electric Silverado has a driving range of up to 644 kilometres from a single charge, with the most powerful version offering 495kW and 1065Nm from dual electric motors mounted at each axle.

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While Ford detailed four versions of its pure-electric F-150 Lightning earlier this week, just two variants of the Silverado EV will be available initially: an entry-level Work Truck (WT) for tradies and fleet buyers, and an RST First Edition model targeting retail customers with greater comfort and more features, both of which will be solely available as dual-cabs.

The carmaker has confirmed a Silverado EV Trail Boss will be added at a later date, expected as a mid-range model.

The Silverado EV WT starts from US$39,900 (AU$55,250), sneaking in under the Ford F-150 Lightning Pro by US$74, while the RST has a price tag of US$105,000 (AU$145,400) – 15 per cent more expensive than the flagship F-150 Lightning Platinum.

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Chevrolet Silverado EV Trail Boss

The Chev’s 644km driving range claim is a big jump over the F-150 Pro’s 386km, and is still more than the 483km from the optional long-range battery available from Ford. Both versions of the Silverado EV have 350kW DC fast charging capability, allowing up to 161km to be added in around 10 minutes of charging.

Those wanting the range-topping RST will get four-wheel steering, automatic adaptive air suspension, and the company’s ‘Multi-Flex Midgate’, which acts just like 60:40 fold-down seats in a sedan, expanding the usable area by almost double its typical size.

When used in combination with Chevy’s ‘Multi-Flex’ tailgate, the ute can carry items up to 3.3 metres long. If that isn’t enough, the Silverado EV also has an eTrunk – a lockable boot under the bonnet.

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Inside the RST, the driver is greeted with a 11.0-inch digital instrument cluster and 14.0-inch colour head-up display, while passengers get a 17.0-inch infotainment screen. Seats are trimmed in two-tone leather, with a fixed glass roof overhead.

The dual electric motors offer four-wheel drive on the RST, but the WT is only available with a single rear-mounted electric motor, producing 380kW and 833Nm.

Few details were offered on the Silverado EV WT, but it appears to get steel wheels rather than the RST’s 24-inch alloys, and an unpainted front plastic bumper.

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“At GMSV we're focusing on bringing to market the Silverado LT Trail Boss, LTZ Premium and HD LTZ Premium – as well as the first-ever right-hand-drive Corvette,” a spokesperson for GMSV told Wheels last month.

“The Silverado EV is another vehicle in the General Motors line-up that demonstrates our vision of an all-electric future. However, with specific regard to GMSV, we don't have any product-related announcements to make about the new model.”

Reservations for the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV have opened on the company’s website, with deliveries scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2023 (April to June inclusive).