Aug 13, 2025

The 2026 Chevrolet Silverado EV Max Range Work Truck has made history. With an EPA-estimated range of up to 493 miles, this all-electric powerhouse just shattered the world record for distance traveled on a single charge, going an incredible 1,059.2 miles during a recent GM engineering range test. The previous record of 749 miles, set by Lucid earlier this summer, now stands in the rearview mirror.

The challenge began as a casual conversation among GM engineers in late 2024: how far could the Silverado EV go if every element was optimized for efficiency? Estimates ranged from 800 to 1,000 miles, and soon the team was putting their theories to the test.

Using a production Silverado EV Max Range WT, the engineers drove on public roads near GM’s Milford Proving Ground, taking one-hour shifts to fit the experiment into their regular work schedules. The truck’s hardware and software remained stock, but the team made small, owner’s-manual-approved adjustments to maximize range—optimizing tire pressure and wheel alignment, reducing weight, using a tonneau cover for smoother airflow, and maintaining steady speeds between 20–25 mph.

The test was conducted under real-world conditions, wrapping up on Detroit’s Belle Isle. No passengers, no climate control, and no gimmicks—just careful driving, thoughtful adjustments, and optimal summer temperatures for battery performance.

“The achievement is a great example of how far our EV technology has come,” said Kurt Kelty, GM Vice President of Battery, Propulsion, and Sustainability. “It takes deep integration across battery chemistry, drive unit efficiency, software, and vehicle engineering.”

GM research shows that range is the number one purchase driver for Silverado EV customers. This record-breaking run not only demonstrates what’s possible with today’s EV technology, but also provides valuable data that will help GM continue to push boundaries in electric vehicle innovation.

The engineers even celebrated the accomplishment by using the same record-setting truck to power a 3D printer—and print a trophy to commemorate the drive.

The 2026 Silverado EV Max Range WT now stands as the range leader among electric trucks, proving that with the right engineering and determination, the limits are meant to be redefined.