Nice! The Chevrolet Silverado EV is one of the most promising electric trucks for long-distance towing, but it’s important to go into this with realistic expectations. Towing with an electric vehicle is a different game than with a gas or diesel truck—but if you plan right, the Silverado EV can still be a solid performer.
You made a bold and future-forward choice. The Silverado EV is one of the few trucks that can handle long-distance towing with EV power—just know it’s not a plug-and-play replacement for a diesel rig yet. But with careful route planning, tech-savvy charging strategy, and realistic expectations, you can absolutely make it work.
Silverado EV for Long-Distance Towing: What You Need to Know
Why It's a Good Choice
- Big Battery = Long Range
- Up to 450 miles of estimated range (WT trim, no load).
- That’s one of the highest in any EV truck today.
- Massive Torque for Towing
- Dual-motor setup with over 750 hp and 785 lb-ft of torque (RST).
- Feels effortless under load, especially from a dead stop.
- Towing Capacity
- Up to 10,000 lbs on standard trims, with a future model expected to tow up to 20,000 lbs.
- Built-In Trailer Assist Tech
- Trailer-friendly features like Multi-Flex Midgate, Super Cruise with trailering, trailer profiles, and cameras make the experience easier.
- Regenerative Braking
- You get a smooth downhill experience without burning up brake pads—great for mountain towing.
But Here Are the Real-World Caveats
1. Range Drops—A Lot
- Expect 30–50% range loss when towing heavy loads at highway speeds.
- A 450-mile rated range could become 225–300 miles, depending on:
- Trailer weight
- Wind resistance (aerodynamics)
- Terrain (mountain routes are range killers)
- Speed (70 mph+ drains fast)
- A 450-mile rated range could become 225–300 miles, depending on:
- Plan your stops around 150–200 mile intervals to be safe.
2. Charging Challenges
- DC fast charging speed: Up to 350 kW (very good!)
- Can add ~100 miles in 10 minutes under ideal conditions.
- BUT: Not every station supports that speed.
- And pull-through chargers for trailers are rare—often you’ll need to unhitch to charge.
3. Charging Network = Still a Work in Progress
- Chevrolet is part of the NACS (Tesla) connector transition. Eventually, you’ll access Tesla Superchargers, which is huge.
- Until then, you're using CCS fast chargers, which vary in reliability and layout.
Towing Tips for EV Trucks Like the Silverado EV
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Pre-plan charging | Use apps like A Better Routeplanner (ABRP) or PlugShare to map DC fast chargers. |
| Check weather & elevation | Cold temps and climbs = extra range drop. |
| Use Tow Mode | It adjusts throttle, regen, and energy predictions for your load. |
| Keep speeds 60–65 mph | Higher speeds massively reduce range. |
| Try aero trailers | Enclosed trailers with aerodynamic design lose less range than open flatbeds or tall box trailers. |
Bottom Line
You made a bold and future-forward choice. The Silverado EV is one of the few trucks that can handle long-distance towing with EV power—just know it’s not a plug-and-play replacement for a diesel rig yet. But with careful route planning, tech-savvy charging strategy, and realistic expectations, you can absolutely make it work.