Chevy Silverado EV Smashes Range Records with 1,059 Miles – Hypermiling Magic Revealed

In a world obsessed with speed, Chevy went full tortoise mode and won big: their Silverado EV clocked 1,059.2 miles on one charge, blowing past records and showing what your electric truck could do with a little patience.

A team of General Motors engineers recently pushed a 2026 Chevrolet Silverado EV Work Truck to travel 1,059.2 miles on a single charge, more than doubling its EPA-estimated range of 493 miles. This accomplishment highlights the potential of careful driving techniques to extend electric vehicle efficiency, even if it required extreme measures like ultra-low speeds. The feat, detailed in a report from Car and Driver, surpasses the previous record set by a Lucid Air Grand Touring.

The Epic Seven-Day Journey

GM conducted the range test on public roads near its proving grounds in Milford, Michigan, and on Belle Isle in Detroit. The route suited the truck’s work-oriented design, resembling paths for landscaping or municipal tasks. Engineers selected the fleet-focused Work Truck trim equipped with the largest available 205-kWh battery. This setup allowed the vehicle to cover the distance over seven days in summer heat, with 40 volunteers rotating as drivers.

The drive beat the Lucid Air’s prior mark of 749 miles, achieved between St. Moritz, Switzerland, and Munich, Germany. GM’s path stayed local and practical, emphasizing the Silverado EV’s blue-collar appeal. This raises questions about how everyday users might apply similar strategies, though replicating the full distance would demand unusual patience.

Key Optimization Strategies

Engineers optimized the truck for minimal energy use. They added a tonneau cover, removed the spare tire, adjusted alignment, and set the wiper angle for reduced drag. Tires inflated to the maximum 80 psi further cut rolling resistance. These modifications, combined with deliberate driving, unlocked the extended range.

Drivers maintained speeds of 20 to 25 mph where possible, avoiding hard acceleration or braking. They skipped air conditioning to conserve power, enduring the heat. This hypermiling approach mirrors the fable of the tortoise and the hare, where slow and steady progress triumphs. Building on that, the test demonstrates the battery’s capacity when every electron counts.

In contrast, standard tests like Car and Driver’s real-world evaluation of a 2024 Silverado EV RST model achieved 400 miles with climate control at 72 degrees Fahrenheit and cruise set to 75 mph. A separate test showed that raising speed from 35 mph to 75 mph halved the range, underscoring velocity’s impact on efficiency.

Implications for Electric Truck Owners

Silverado EV buyers may not always drive at such low speeds, but the record illustrates the truck’s untapped potential. Owners could gain extra miles by checking tire pressures regularly, as this simple step reduces fuel costs or boosts battery range without added expense.

The achievement signals advancements in EV battery technology, with the 205-kWh pack proving robust under optimized conditions. Regulatory estimates like the EPA’s 493 miles provide a baseline, yet real-world tweaks can exceed them significantly. This balanced view tempers expectations: while hypermiling works for records, daily commutes prioritize convenience over extremes.

Economically, extending range cuts charging needs, potentially lowering operational costs for fleet operators. For enthusiasts, it spotlights how driving habits influence performance, encouraging mindful techniques without sacrificing utility.

Overall, GM’s effort reframes the Silverado EV as a versatile option in the growing electric truck segment. As the market evolves, such demonstrations build confidence in EVs for long-haul tasks, even if tortoise-like paces remain optional.

Featured photo courtesy of Car and Driver / Chevrolet