Chevy Silverado EV smashes world record for longest drive on a single charge

The Verge

4 hours ago

General Motors claimed a new world record for EV driving on a single charge, after a Chevy Silverado EV traveled 1,059.2 miles without recharging its battery.
The potentially record-breaking run took place over seven days at GM's Milford Proving Ground and Detroit's Belle Isle 'using smart driving techniques' that included limiting the speed to 20-25 mph. The truck was a 2026 Chevy Silverado EV Work Truck with an EPA-estimated range of 493 miles. But by making a number of adjustments, GM's engineers were able to far surpass the vehicle's estimated range. Like far, far, far surpass.
What kind of adjustments? First of all, the test was conducted in the summer for 'optimum ambient temperature for battery efficiency,' GM says. They also lowered the windshield wiper blades to reduce drag, inflated the tires to the highest acceptable pressure for lower rolling resistance, removed the spare tire to lighten the load, and optimized the wheel alignment. A tonneau cover was added to the truck bed for smoother airflow, and climate control was turned off for the duration of the test.
The test took place over seven days at GM's Milford Proving Ground and Detroit's Belle Isle 'using smart driving techniques'
The Work Truck is also a more stripped down trim, lacking the giant touchscreen, fancy leather interior, folding midgate, and smaller alloy wheels of its sibling trucks. This is also likely a weight saver and helps with achieving a longer range.
The Silverado EV was already impressing reviewers with its unparalleled range before the record-breaking run. Edmunds's test of the Silverado EV Work Truck with the Max Range battery pack drove 539 miles on a single charge, 47 miles past its EPA estimate. But the efficiency was also terrible, clocking in at 45.3 kWh per 100 miles, or 2.2 miles per kWh.
The current Guinness World Record for longest EV drive on a single charge is held by Lucid Motors, for a 749-mile journey made by the company's Air Grand Touring sedan. Lucid grabbed the title from a Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+, which traveled 649 miles.
In confining its driving to a private track, GM notched its milestone under ideal conditions, while other attempts were made in more real-world settings. Lucid's record, for example, was achieved on a journey between Switzerland and Germany on highways, secondary roads, and alpine roads.
Its unclear whether this would meet the standards set by Guinness World Records, but we may never know as GM doesn't have any intention to submit it for consideration. 'There are no current plans to submit to Guinness,' GM spokesperson Catherine Scales said. 'It was a passion project led and executed by GM engineers.'
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