Chevy Silverado EV Work Truck Breaks Range Record in Edmunds Test, Surpassing All Other EVs
The Chevrolet Silverado EV Work Truck has officially claimed the top spot on Edmunds’ list of electric vehicles with the longest driving range—outperforming every other the outlet has ever tested. In a recent real-world evaluation, the Silverado Work Truck equipped with General Motors’ Max Range battery pack drove an astonishing 539 miles on a single charge. That figure surpasses its own EPA-estimated range of 492 miles by 47 miles and sets a new benchmark for electric vehicle endurance in Edmunds’ testing history.
Unlike most range comparisons, which rely solely on Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates provided by automakers, Edmunds takes a different approach. Their in-house editorial team conducts extensive real-world driving tests, designed to reflect how average consumers would use their vehicles in daily conditions. Their testing methodology prioritizes a balance between city and highway driving, closely simulating realistic scenarios rather than aiming for ideal or hypermiling conditions.
Real-World Testing, Real Results
For the Silverado EV Work Truck test, Edmunds set out from their headquarters in Santa Monica, California. The drive was planned with a 60/40 split between city and highway driving, and an average speed of approximately 40 miles per hour was maintained throughout the journey. The team adhered to local speed limits, never straying more than five miles per hour above or below posted signs. By the time they returned to Santa Monica, the vehicle still had 7 miles of range remaining—bringing the total to an impressive 539 miles.
This result isn’t just a technical achievement; it’s a practical one. It showcases the Silverado EV Work Truck’s real-world usability and challenges common assumptions about range anxiety in electric trucks. “The EV Work Truck blew past its estimate, officially setting a new Edmunds record,” the publication wrote in their coverage. “539 miles on a single charge is the best figure we’ve seen to date, and it might be a while before another vehicle comes close to hitting that number.”
A Pattern of Outperforming Expectations
This isn’t the first time a General Motors electric pickup has outshined its official range estimates in an Edmunds road test. Over the past couple of years, GM’s full-size electric trucks have demonstrated a consistent pattern of exceeding expectations:
- The 2025 GMC Sierra EV Denali, rated by the EPA for 460 miles, delivered 507 miles in Edmunds’ real-world testing.
- The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV RST, with an EPA rating of 450 miles, ran 484 miles under similar test conditions.
- Even the 2023 GMC Hummer EV, which carries a relatively modest EPA range of 329 miles, achieved 390 miles during Edmunds’ evaluation.
Each of these results reinforces the notion that GM’s Ultium battery platform—which underpins all of these models—is capable of delivering more than what the EPA numbers suggest when driven in a balanced, real-world fashion.
Why the Work Truck Leads the Pack
The Silverado EV Work Truck’s standout performance in this latest test can be attributed to a number of factors, chief among them its design emphasis on utility over luxury. Unlike the RST and Denali trims, which are loaded with premium features such as large infotainment displays, leather interiors, and oversized wheels, the Work Truck trim is designed with simplicity and efficiency in mind. This focus on functionality results in lower curb weight and reduced energy consumption—two critical factors in maximizing electric range.
Edmunds noted that while the Silverado RST and Sierra Denali share the same Max Range battery pack as the Work Truck, their additional features negatively impact their efficiency. Heavier premium components, such as larger wheels and luxury appointments, place a higher demand on the powertrain, thereby lowering overall range.
In the Work Truck’s case, less truly is more. The absence of these energy-draining luxuries allowed the Silverado WT to achieve a range far beyond what’s been accomplished by more lavishly equipped competitors.
Implications for Fleets and Consumers
The Silverado Work Truck’s performance is particularly significant for commercial fleet operators, government agencies, and small businesses looking to electrify their vehicle lineups without compromising on range. For this segment, total driving distance on a single charge is often more important than luxury features or high-speed performance.
A 500+ mile electric truck drastically reduces the need for midday charging, streamlines route planning, and maximizes uptime. That’s a powerful value proposition in industries where logistics and reliability are everything. It also makes the Silverado WT a more viable option for long-distance use cases such as rural utility work, construction site transportation, and delivery routes in areas where charging infrastructure is limited.
At the same time, this test offers reassurance to consumers who may still be on the fence about switching to an electric pickup truck. For buyers who regularly tow, haul, or commute long distances, the Silverado EV Work Truck proves that the current generation of s is capable of meeting and exceeding practical range expectations.
The Broader EV Range Landscape
Edmunds’ comprehensive testing strategy sets it apart from other publications and government estimates by presenting a grounded, real-world view of electric vehicle performance. Their range leaderboard, which is continuously updated, provides a more accurate reflection of what owners can expect from their vehicles under typical driving conditions.
Before the Silverado Work Truck’s test, vehicles like the Lucid Air Grand Touring and the Tesla Model S Long Range dominated the leaderboard. While those sedans still offer exceptional range, the Silverado’s 539-mile result has now raised the bar for electric pickups and s in general.
As adoption continues to grow and automakers release new models with advanced battery chemistries and energy management systems, more long-range s are likely to emerge. But for now, the Silverado Work Truck wears the crown.
With the Silverado Work Truck’s range performance now setting a new industry benchmark, it remains to be seen how competitors such as Ford, Rivian, and Tesla—particularly with the Cybertruck—will respond. Can they match or exceed the Silverado’s real-world numbers in independent testing?
One thing is clear: General Motors has established itself as a leader in practical electric truck performance. By combining proven engineering, smart packaging, and a scalable battery platform, GM has redefined expectations for what an electric pickup can achieve.
Whether you’re a fleet manager, a business owner, or a weekend hauler, the Silverado Work Truck is making one thing obvious: range no longer has to be a limiting factor in going electric.
