General Motors has surpassed a significant milestone in electric vehicle technology. A dedicated team of engineers has driven the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado EV for 1,704 kilometers on a single charge. With this performance, the Silverado broke the world record for the longest range ever achieved by an electric vehicle.
Chevrolet Silverado Sets Single Charge Record
The previous record, 1,205 kilometers, was held by the Lucid Air Grand Touring. This mark surpassed the Silverado’s predecessor by nearly 310 miles. The record was achieved by the production version of the 2026 Silverado EV, a production-ready vehicle.
The model used was not the top-of-the-line trim level, but the Work Truck (WT), the entry-level version of the Silverado EV. This model is available in the US with a starting price of $54,895. The Work Truck, notable for its performance, offers an EPA-estimated range of 493 miles under normal conditions thanks to its 205 kWh battery. The record was broken with a drive that more than doubled this range.
No changes were made to the vehicle’s electric powertrain, battery software, or engine systems during the record attempt. Only some physical aerodynamic and mechanical improvements were implemented.
A tonneau cover was added to the truck’s open bed as an accessory to smooth airflow. The wipers were set to the lowest position to create minimal drag. The tires were inflated to the highest pressure within safe limits. The spare tire was also removed to reduce the vehicle’s weight. Finally, a special wheel alignment was performed to reduce rolling resistance.
The drive began in the summer at General Motors’ Milford Proving Ground test site in Michigan and continued on public roads around Belle Isle in Detroit. Batteries are known to operate more efficiently in the summer months.
Throughout the drive, the vehicle maintained a constant speed between 20 and 25 mph (32 to 40 kilometers per hour). Drivers took turns driving for one hour. Hard acceleration and hard braking were avoided. The air conditioning system was turned off throughout the test.
While the drive performed did not directly reflect daily driving conditions, it provided a compelling example of how efficiently an electric vehicle can operate under ideal conditions. Throughout the test, all variables, including speed, ambient temperature, and vehicle configuration, were optimized to demonstrate the highest efficiency levels achievable by the current platform.
The record is expected to make a splash in the industry as it demonstrates General Motors’ engineering capabilities in electric vehicle technology.
