More than 1,000 miles without recharging!
Did you think that it took an ultra-light and profiled vehicle to break autonomy records? Admittedly, this is not false, but a big battery and suitable driving can also do wonders. In any case, this is what Chevrolet demonstrates with its Silverado EV, an electric pick-up with a imposing template, which has traveled no less than 1,704.6 km without having to recharge its 205 kWh battery! What beat the previous record kept by the Lucid Airwhich had reached 749 miles (1.205 km)!
Fully standard! Finally, almost …
The Silverado EV is not available from us, but it is marketed in the United States with several batteries. For this record attempt, it is obviously the version with the largest battery that has been used: the “Max Range WT”. With a capacity of 205 kWh, this model officially displays autonomy (according to EPA standards) of 493 miles (793 km). Consequently, how did Chevrolet double this theoretical autonomy? No, the manufacturer did not change his vehicle, because the copy used was a perfectly standard version. They simply lowered the frequency of the wipers at the minimum level, inflated the tires to the maximum authorized pressure, removed the spare wheel and installed an optional cache on the bucket to improve aerodynamics.
On open road
The journey did not take place on a closed track, but of course on the road open, in the vicinity of the Milford Proving Ground, the General Motors test circuit (GM, owner of Chevrolet) located in the state of Michigan in the United States. Note that, unlike the autonomy tests organized by NAF in Norway, drivers did not adopt normal driving: they had to maintain, when possible, an average speed between 30 and 40 km/h, braking as little as possible and avoiding brutal accelerations. The test took place in ideal weather, with disabled air conditioning and a single occupant on board in most cases. A not very realistic test therefore, but an impressive performance despite everything: more than 1,700 km with a mastodon like the Silverado, this remains a feat! In Belgium, this vehicle would not be authorized with a B license, due to its empty weight of approximately 4 tonnes.
A 3D printed trophy
Officially, this attempt was not a project initiated by Chevrolet: according to the manufacturer, the idea was born from a bet between GM engineers! They participated in the experience by taking turns every hour during their working hours. Their reward? First the personal satisfaction of the record, undoubtedly also a tap in the back on the part of GM … and a trophy printed in 3D, created from a printer supplied by the energy taken from the battery of Silverado.
Hi! I’m Renato Lopes, an electric vehicle enthusiast and the creator of this blog dedicated to the future of clean, smart, and sustainable mobility. My mission is to share accurate information, honest reviews, and practical tips about electric cars—from new EV releases and battery innovations to charging solutions and green driving habits. Whether you’re an EV owner, a curious reader, or someone planning to make the switch, this space was made for you.
Post Comment