An Unexpected Journey in Electric Trucking: Adventures with the Chevy Silverado EV

The Chevy Silverado EV is not just another electric vehicle; it’s a truck that blends the ruggedness of traditional pickups with the quiet hum of electrification. A recent forum post on the Rivian Forums detailed one driver’s six-day adventure with a Silverado EV rental while their Rivian R1S was in for service. The post highlighted surprises, quirks, and amusing encounters that show how Chevy is carving its own path in the EV world.  

First Impressions: A Blend of Familiarity and Peculiarity

The adventure began at an Enterprise rental lot, where two brand-new electric Silverados were available. The staff didn’t know much about them—beyond the fact that they were electric—so the driver was left to figure things out on their own. Right away, they noticed that the truck seemed designed to make you forget it’s an EV. For example, regenerative braking (or “regen”) was completely turned off by default. Coming from a Rivian R1S with aggressive regen settings, this was a surprise. After some menu digging, they managed to enable one-pedal driving, though they noted it wasn’t as strong as Rivian’s implementation.  

Driving impressions revealed more quirks: the steering wheel was thick and had about two inches of play before actually moving the wheels—a feature reminiscent of traditional trucks. The ride quality was described as “floaty,” leaning more toward comfort than sportiness. Parking, however, proved to be a challenge due to the truck’s sheer size and low-quality backup cameras that felt like relics from 2004.  

For those interested in a broader comparison of the Silverado EV and Rivian R1T, an article on Torque News titled “I Traded My Rivian R1T for a Chevy Silverado LT EV and Don’t Regret It” offers valuable insights into why some drivers are making the switch. The article highlights key differences in utility, range, and overall driving experience. You can explore the full story here.

A Truck That Turns Heads (And Confuses People) 

The Silverado EV’s next stop was an Electrify America charging station, where it became an unintentional prankster. As the driver sat waiting for the massive battery to charge, they overheard a couple approaching their VW ID.4, clearly irritated by what they assumed was a gas-powered truck hogging the charger. “What kind of [jerk] blocks a charger in this giant parking… woah! That thing’s electric?!?” The Silverado EV’s design had fooled them completely. Its rugged, traditional truck appearance made it blend seamlessly into the world of internal combustion vehicles—a deliberate choice by Chevy to appeal to long-time truck owners.  

This moment encapsulates Chevy’s strategy: make an electric truck that doesn’t scream “EV” but instead feels like a natural evolution of their iconic pickups. It’s aimed squarely at buyers who are on their second, third, or even seventh Chevy truck—not those cross-shopping with a Tesla Model Y or Hyundai Ioniq 5.  

Utility Tested: A True Workhorse  

On Day 2, the driver decided to test the Silverado EV’s capabilities by loading up heavy bags of soil and cement planters into the bed, pushing the truck closer to its payload limits. Despite being fully loaded, the truck drove no differently than when it was empty—a testament to its impressive engineering and robust design. The electric motors provided smooth and consistent power delivery, while the suspension system effectively managed the added weight, ensuring a stable and comfortable ride. Even better, the impact on range was minimal over short distances, demonstrating the efficiency of Chevrolet’s Ultium battery platform.

This practical utility aligns with Chevrolet’s broader strategy of targeting both commercial and personal users who demand reliability and performance from their trucks. As noted in a Torque News article, the Silverado EV has already gained significant traction among commercial customers, thanks to its ability to handle demanding tasks without compromising range or capability. With a maximum payload capacity of up to 1,800 pounds and towing capabilities reaching 12,500 pounds in certain trims, the Silverado EV is proving itself as a versatile workhorse for both fleet operators and everyday drivers. This combination of utility and innovation signals a bright future for Chevrolet’s electric truck lineup.

Charging Woes: A Mixed Bag

Charging the Silverado EV proved to be an adventure in itself. At one ChargePoint DC fast charger, multiple dispensers failed to recognize the vehicle or abruptly ended charging sessions after just seconds. Eventually, they found success at an Electrify America station—but not without some hiccups. While sitting in the truck during charging, shutting the door triggered a loud horn blast (possibly a warning not to drive off while plugged in). Additionally, the infotainment system shut off every five minutes to conserve power unless the brake pedal was tapped—an annoyance for anyone trying to listen to podcasts or music during long charging sessions.

These quirks highlighted how Chevy still has room for improvement when it comes to user experience at charging stations—a critical area where competitors like Tesla and Rivian excel.

A Truck That Feels Like Home 

 Despite its quirks, what stood out most about the Silverado EV was how familiar it felt. From its traditional steering feel to its utilitarian design and capabilities, it stayed true to Chevy’s truck heritage while quietly embracing electrification. This balance makes it an appealing option for long-time Chevy owners who want an EV without losing what they love about their trucks. Adding to its appeal, the 2025 Silverado EV now offers an expanded lineup with more options, including new trim levels like the LT and additional range configurations. These updates, as reported by Torque News, make the Silverado EV more accessible and versatile for a wider range of buyers. The LT trim, for example, provides up to 408 miles of range and includes features like Super Cruise and a Multi-Flex Midgate, further solidifying Chevrolet's commitment to innovation and practicality.

Final Thoughts  

The Chevy Silverado EV is more than just an electric truck—it’s a bridge between tradition and innovation. For those who love classic pickups but are ready to embrace electrification, it offers the best of both worlds. Whether you’re hauling soil or surprising fellow drivers at a charging station, this truck proves that going electric doesn’t mean losing your identity as a truck owner.

The Silverado EV is proving to be a strong contender in the electric truck market, but like all EVs, it has its unique challenges. One particularly interesting discussion revolves around the placement of its rear charging port, which can complicate charging when towing a trailer. Unlike competitors such as the Ford F-150 Lightning, which features a more convenient front-mounted charge port, the Silverado EV requires pull-through charging stations—a feature not yet widely available. This design choice highlights the growing need for infrastructure that accommodates electric trucks with trailers.

Photos provides courtesy of Chevrolet Pressroom.

Mikey Garcia has been passionate about cars and alternative fuels long before they were mainstream, from closely following the GM EV1 to running biodiesel in his Volkswagen Beetle TDI and Mercedes 300SD. As an early EV adopter, he drove a 2015 Fiat 500e and now owns a 2017 Chevy Bolt, showcasing his commitment to accessible electric mobility. With nearly a decade of tech experience at Apple, Mikey brings a unique perspective to the intersection of automotive innovation, sustainability, and technology. You can reach him on X and LinkedIn to follow him, or to send him news tips.