Why would someone swap the cutting-edge Rivian R1T for a Chevy Silverado LT EV, and walk away without a hint of regret?
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Some decisions are tougher than a six-lug bolt frozen solid, but Brian Steinfeldt faced one of those choices head-on and lived to tell the tale. Posting in the Rivian R1T Trucks group, he shared his recent switch from a 2022 Adventure R1T to the all-new Chevy Silverado LT EV, a move that sparked a lot of curiosity (and maybe a little envy). His post said:
"Guys, just traded in my 22 Adventure R1T on the new Chevy Silverado LT EV. Was very impressed. Range of 440 miles. A couple YouTube videos where test runs were made at 70 MPH and the testers hit MORE than advertised (460 miles). Got a great deal on the vehicle as well as a trade-in price on my R1T. By the way…loved and still love my R1T. Very difficult decision."
The Silverado LT EV’s 440-mile range was a major selling point, and when YouTubers started clocking more than that at highway speeds, the truck’s appeal became undeniable.
Add in a great deal on the Silverado and a strong trade-in value for his R1T, and the math started making sense. But let’s not ignore the elephant in the garage: parting with an R1T isn’t like trading in an old beater, it’s an emotional decision. Steinfeldt still loves the Rivian, calling the choice "very difficult," he said, reflecting how attached people can become to groundbreaking products like Rivian’s first electric truck.
Chevrolet, however, has strategically positioned the 2025 Silverado LT EV to appeal to a broader audience compared to other niche electric cars in it's price range. Offering not just impressive range but also versatility and affordability. As detailed in this Torque News article.
Some users on the forum couldn’t wait to chime in when Steinfeldt posted his decision, showcasing the kind of lovable, shoulder-punching humor that makes the Rivian community feel like a family. One user joked,
“That thing almost weighs 10,000 pounds! Let me know how it is in the rain.”
Why Switch to EVs?
- With fewer moving parts and no need for gasoline, EVs offer lower maintenance costs and significantly cheaper "fueling" through electricity.
- The EV market is rapidly expanding, offering everything from luxury sedans to rugged trucks, showcasing advances in battery technology, range, and performance.
The Silverado LT EV is so large that some users even commented that they haven’t considered it because it doesn’t fit in their garage.
“Alas the Silverado wouldn't fit in my garage, so not an option for me. <shrug>”
Chevy has positioned the Silverado LT EV as the everyman’s electric truck, packing in an impressive 440-mile range, with some test runs surpassing even that. This is a direct response to one of the most common criticisms of EV trucks: range anxiety. By providing a bigger battery and leveraging GM’s platform, Chevy aims to prove that going electric doesn’t mean sacrificing practicality or capability.
Range At A Cost
But all that range and capability come at a cost: literally and figuratively. The Silverado’s hefty weight has sparked some lively debates. Critics point out that carrying around a nearly 9,000-pound behemoth daily may not be the most efficient use of energy, especially when most drivers won’t need that extra range except for a handful of long trips per year.
Ultimately, the Silverado LT EV is a bold step for Chevy into the EV space, offering the capability and practicality that truck buyers demand, wrapped up in a package as heavy as it is impressive. It’s not just about moving electrons, it’s about moving the needle on what people expect from an electric vehicle, even if it takes two elephants to make the point.
Chevy’s commitment to versatility is underscored by the expansive lineup of trims available for the Silverado EV. As noted in this Torque News article, the Silverado EV is designed with options for everyone, from the no-nonsense WT trim designed for work to the luxurious RST model. This strategic diversity allows Chevy to cater to a wide range of buyers, ensuring that the Silverado isn’t just a niche offering but a mainstream contender in the EV truck market.
As more automakers dive into the EV market, the competition to showcase the true advantages of electrification heats up. Vehicles like the Silverado LT EV are redefining what an electric truck can be, namely: balancing range, utility, and cutting-edge technology. But Chevy isn’t the only one making waves. Dodge is also stepping up, with the Charger Daytona RT EV providing one of the best showcases of EV potential so far.
As the EV market expands, the Silverado LT EV’s story serves as a reminder that growth, both personal and technological, is about striking the right balance. Whether it's between range and weight, loyalty and logic, or familiarity and future potential, it’s the willingness to move forward that truly drives progress.
What features of the 2025 Silverado LT EV stand out most to you, and how do you think it compares to other EV trucks on the market? If you had to choose between practicality and cutting-edge technology in an EV truck, which would you prioritize?
We’d love to hear your thoughts—share your opinions and experiences in the comments below!
Noah Washington is an automotive journalist based in Atlanta, Georgia. He enjoys covering the latest news in the automotive industry and conducting reviews on the latest cars. He has been in the automotive industry since 15 years old and has been featured in prominent automotive news sites. You can reach him on X and LinkedIn for tips and to follow his automotive coverage.
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