“No competitor can follow this pick-up”: the record of the Chevrolet Silverado EV panics the industry, 1,705 kilometers on a load put General Motors in the historical strength position

General Motors has taken a new major step in the field of electric vehicles. The company has set a world record for the longest distance traveled by an electric vehicle on a single load. The model used, a 2026 Chevrolet Silverado EV, traveled 1,705 kilometers, exceeding the previous record of 1,205 kilometers detected by Lucid. This performance illustrates the rapid evolution of electric vehicle technologies. GM engineers optimized each possible variable to reach this impressive distance. This record also highlights the potential of the basic models, because the test was carried out with a work truck model, the basic version of the Silverado EV.

Optimization of scope limits

The main objective of the engineers of General Motors was to push the scope limits of the Silverado EV. For this, they have implemented a series of targeted modifications without touching the software, battery or motor components of the vehicle. The modifications included the addition of a tipper coverage to improve aerodynamics and the reduction in rolling resistance by inflating the tires to their maximum secure pressure. These simple adjustments played a crucial role in achieving this new record distance. By minimizing friction and optimizing the air flow, the team has managed to maximize the energy efficiency of the vehicle.

In addition, the choice to remove the emergency wheel made it possible to reduce the total weight of the vehicle, thus accentuating its effectiveness. Particular attention was also paid to the alignment of the wheels to minimize the friction. These strategies show how much it is possible to optimize current electric vehicles without recourse to advanced technologies.

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A disciplined driving strategy

The driving strategy adopted for this test was rigorously planned. The tests were carried out on public roads around the Milford Proving Ground of GM and the Belle à Detroit island in summer. The goal was to take advantage of ambient temperatures ideal for battery performance. The drivers rolled at a constant average speed of 32 to 40 km/h, avoiding any sudden acceleration or braking. The air conditioning remained extinct for the duration of the test, which extended over several days. This methodical approach made it possible to maximize the energy efficiency of the vehicle.

The use of public roads was a deliberate decision, as explained by Jon Doremus, head of the propulsion calibration engineering at GM: “If we had led downhill all the time, obviously, we would have obtained incredible autonomy. But it was not the goal. We wanted it to be real, on public roads. This approach made it possible to quantify the maximum potential of the Silverado EV under conditions close to reality.

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Meaning of the feat for General Motors

This achievement is a turning point for General Motors, illustrating how their EV technology has progressed. Kurt Kelty, vice-president of battery, propulsion and sustainability at GM, stressed that this feat is an example of the type of innovation on which the company is based every day. This advance shows not only GM’s commitment to electric vehicles, but also the growing importance of energy efficiency in the automotive industry.

The Silverado EV basic model, used for this feat, begins at a price of 55,745 euros, which shows that technological optimization is not reserved for high -end models. This test serves as a precious study case to understand how to maximize the efficiency of electric vehicles without using costly changes.

Potential impact on the automotive industry

The impact of this feat could be felt throughout the automotive industry. By demonstrating the capacity of a basic model to reach such autonomy, General Motors sends a strong message on the potential of electric vehicles. This could encourage other manufacturers to explore ways to optimize their own models to maximize autonomy. In addition, this opens the way to a greater adoption of electric vehicles by consumers concerned for autonomy.

Although the test conditions are specific and do not necessarily reflect typical daily use, they offer a precious overview of future possibilities. The industry could see an increase in investments in research and development to improve the energy efficiency of electric vehicles. Could GM’s success stimulate a new wave of innovations in the electric vehicle sector?

This article is based on verified sources and the assistance of editorial technologies.

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