General Motors appears to be strategically positioning its Ultium platform for long-term success despite initial mixed reviews from early electric vehicle (EV) models like the GMC Hummer EV pickup and Cadillac Lyriq.
These vehicles were criticized for poor efficiency and underwhelming charging capabilities compared to competitors. However, recent testing of the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV RST suggests GM is making significant strides with the Ultium platform.
In a noteworthy achievement, the Silverado EV set a new fast-charging record during testing. It reached a peak charge rate of 315 kW, the highest recorded in an official test, showcasing the platform’s capability for rapid charging.
2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV (Chevrolet)
Unlike the Hummer EV, which experienced fluctuations in charging speed, the Silverado maintained speeds above 200 kW for a significant portion of its charging session, charging from 10% to 90% in just 58 minutes.
Moreover, the Silverado EV demonstrated impressive real-world driving range. It covered 400 miles in a highway range test, outperforming the Hummer EV by 110 miles and joining a select group of EVs that have achieved such distances on a single charge. This range is attributed to the efficient use of its 205.0-kWh battery pack, despite its substantial weight and large wheels.
In terms of performance, the Silverado EV offers different driving modes that affect acceleration. In its quickest mode, it accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds, although this falls short compared to some competitors like the Hummer EV and Tesla Cybertruck. Nevertheless, it’s a respectable figure considering the Silverado’s size and weight.
GM’s focus on improving the Ultium platform seems to be paying off with the Silverado EV. The platform has seen advancements in both charging capabilities and driving range, marking significant progress from earlier iterations. The next challenge for GM will be integrating these advancements into smaller, more affordable models across its lineup, potentially democratizing the benefits of its EV technology to a wider audience.
