A new electric car claims the world record of autonomy and is a pick-up of almost 4 tons of weight

When talking about electric cars, one of the aspects that special attention is still paid to is autonomy. Gone are the times in which a battery vehicle, by definition, had a very fair reach and more and more models offer margin in this field. However, within the industry we always seek to go more and from time to time a new record of autonomy is achieved. The unexpected thing is that, on this occasion, an aerodynamic and efficient vehicle has not achieved it, if not a huge pick-up that weighs almost 4 tons.

It has been a Chevrolet Silverado EV Max Range Work Truck who has achieved a historical milestone: he has managed to travel 1,059.2 miles, that is, 1,704.6 km, with only a battery charge.

A 7 -day record at very low speeds

General Motors boasts of having broken the previous record, achieved by a lucid air Grand Touring this summer, which managed to travel 1,205 km without recharging, which in turn had supposed an improvement of 160 km with respect to the previous one, which established a Mercedes EQS. However, the truly striking thing is that the figure reached is more than double than the official autonomy approved by the model, which is 493 miles, that is, 793 km.

Now, to get something like that, the situation must be thrown as much as possible. Jon DoremusPropulsion Calibration Engineering Manager, he explains: “If we drove it downhill, of course, we would reach an incredible mileage. But it was not about that. We wanted it to be real, on public roads.” However, to achieve this, a series of previous preparations had to be done.

The first thing was to choose the date on which the challenge was going to be tried, which has been in summer because the warm temperatures make the battery operation optimal, while having done so in winter the autonomy available would have been harmed. The second was inflate the wheels to the maximum within the recommended margins, since thus reducing rolling resistance with the asphalt and the scope is maximized. In addition, to improve the aerodynamics, the windshield wiper and a roof was installed in the load box, while the elimination of the spare wheel helped reduce the weight, something they already had in favor of the base, since the Work Truck version dispenses with a lot of equipment.

Not only that, during the 7 days that was driving until the battery exhausted, the drivers had the air conditioner off. Finally, the speed at which it was circulated, always between 32 and 40 km/h was key, looking for a rhythm that does not demand much of the propulsion system and that barely generates resistance against air.

A milestone for a vehicle of these characteristics

It is common for autonomy records to use ‘hypermiling’ techniques to go further, but it is normal to try with Berlins, due to its most aerodynamic form and its lowest height. Opting for a pick-up is striking and, even if it is in conducive conditions for this, to achieve such autonomy with an armed truck with a 517 hp engine and 834 nm, with that weight and volume, it is very remarkable.

CourtVice President of Batteries, Propulsion and Sustainability of General Motors, has stated: “Getting this autonomy with a complete load is no accident. It requires a deep integration between the chemistry of the battery, the efficiency of the motor unit, the software and engineering of the vehicle, and that is precisely what the equipment achieved. This achievement is a great example of how far our technology of electric vehicles has come Day in GM ”.