The impressive autonomy record of an electric truck

A Chevrolet Silverado 2026 toured a distance that never before an electric vehicle had managed to reach: how they did to achieve it

11/08/2025 – 17:30hs

Electric vehicles are ceasing to be a promise to become an increasingly tangible reality in the streets around the world and, slowly, in Argentina too. Its growth is unstoppable and, over the years, its technology is perfected by leaps and bounds. Although one of the main concerns of consumers was always autonomy, the automotive industry has demonstrated impressive advances in this field, breaking records that until recently seemed unattainable.

A clear example of this evolution is what General Motors (GM) achieved with one of its electric trucks. A team of engineers of the company led a Chevrolet Silverado 2026 of the Work Truck version, achieving an unprecedented feat: they toured 1,704 kilometers with a single battery charge. This achievement not only sprayed the previous world record of 1,205 kilometersbut also demonstrated the real potential of battery technology and driving efficiency.

Electric cars: The impressive autonomy record of the Chevrolet Silverado 2026

The idea of this challenge arose from a simple conversation in a group of GM engineers at the end of 2024. They asked: “What would happen if we optimized absolutely everything to see how far our truck could go?” From that question, an ambitious objective was established that exceeded the company’s official estimates, which were already leaders in the segment. The version of greater autonomy of Silverado EV has a range of 793 kilometers, so the objective of reaching 1,000 kilometers was presented as a bold goal.

The vice president of drums, propulsion and sustainability of GM, Kurt Kelty, stressed that such a result “does not happen by accident”, but is the result of a “deep integration between the chemistry of the battery, the efficiency of the propulsion unit, the software and the engineering of the vehicle.”

The test was not carried out in ideal laboratory conditions, but in a real environment. The team used a production truck in Public roads from Mischigan, ending the journey on Belle Isle Island, in Detroit. In order for the challenge not to affect their usual work schedules, engineers turned to driving in periods of one hourinjecting your technical knowledge in each kilometer traveled.

A 2026 electric chevrolet toured more than 1700 kilometers with a single load

The secrets behind the autonomy record of the electricity

To reach such a figure, engineers applied a series of adjustments and driving habits that, although they are not representative of daily use, demonstrated how each small detail can influence the autonomy of an electric vehicle. The most important thing is that the hardware or vehicle software was not modified, but that they focused on optimizing performance within the limits established by the user manual.

The main modifications and techniques used were:

• Constant and low speed: Drivers were advised to maintain an average speed of 32 to 40 km/h, considered the most efficient for the truck. This avoided sharp and braking accelerations, which consume a lot of energy.
• Optimized aerodynamics: A cover for the load box was added in order to improve the air flow, and the arms of the windshield wiper were placed in their lowest position to reduce wind resistance.
• Tire pressure: The tires inflated at the highest recommended pressure, which decreases rolling resistance and causes the vehicle to slide more easily.
• Relieve weight: The aid wheel was removed to reduce the total weight of the truck.
• Alignment: A specialized alignment was carried out to minimize friction on the wheels.
• Turn off the air conditioner: Throughout the test, the air conditioning and heating remained off, since the air conditioning system is one of the largest energy consumers.

The test was carried out during the summer season, taking advantage of the fact that the Ambient temperature is optimal for battery efficiency. As Jon Doremus, GM Propulsion Calibration Engineering Manager himself, explained it, the objective was not to “drive down the time, but also, but Demonstrate the potential of the vehicle in real conditions.

The impressive record of the Chevrolet Silverado EV is a milestone that goes beyond a simple advertising achievement. The data and lessons learned in this test will serve engineers to improve and continue innovating in the development of future electric vehicles, consolidating autonomy as a key factor for the mass adoption of this technology.