Is Silverado EV too heavy?
Yes—the Silverado EV is heavy, driven by its large Ultium battery and reinforced frame. That heft brings strong traction and payload potential, but it also affects efficiency and braking, a trade-off many buyers will weigh carefully.
Where the weight comes from
Weight in a modern EV pickup is not incidental. It comes mainly from the battery, the all‑wheel‑drive system, and the reinforced structure designed for safety and payload. The Silverado EV uses GM's Ultium battery technology, which packs a substantial mass into the floor, along with dual‑motor drivetrains and protective safety systems.
- Large, floor‑mounted battery pack contributes the majority of the vehicle’s mass
- Electric motors, power electronics, and drive components add to curb weight
- Robust frame and safety equipment increase overall mass to support payload and crash protection
- Cooling systems, software hardware, and payload‑bed components add incremental weight
The result is a hefty curb weight by pickup standards, a design intention to deliver traction, stability, and payload reliability beyond typical gas pickups.
What weight means for range, payload, and handling
Weight directly influences key performance metrics. In practice, it shapes range and efficiency, affects payload capacity, braking distance, and ride quality. Chevrolet and GM argue that by placing the battery low and wide, the Silverado EV preserves a low center of gravity, which helps with handling despite its mass.
- Energy use per mile increases with mass, which can reduce EPA‑rated range relative to lighter EVs
- A heavier vehicle can offer steadier acceleration and strong torque delivery, helpful for towing and hauling
- Payload and towing capabilities depend on how the GVWR is specified; heavier base weight can limit payload in some configurations, even as traction improves
- Braking performance and tire wear are influenced by mass, necessitating strong brakes and appropriate tires
In sum, weight is a double‑edged sword: it hurts efficiency but enhances traction, braking stability, and the sense of heft that many buyers associate with a capable truck.
How Silverado EV compares with rivals
In the electric pickup segment, the Silverado EV sits among the heavier entries, with rivals such as the Ford F‑150 Lightning and Rivian R1T also carrying substantial mass due to their battery packs and drivetrain hardware. Industry reviews note that even among heavy EV pickups, Silverado's weight contributes to a high level of on‑road stability and confidence when fully loaded, but it can temper payload figures and range figures depending on configuration.
Weight as a market differentiator
For buyers prioritizing payload, long‑range capability, and high towing capacity, weight is part of the package; for those prioritizing efficiency and nimble handling, it is a factor to weigh against lighter options.
What buyers should ask GM
Potential purchasers should review the specific trim’s payload rating, towing capacity, and EPA range estimates to understand how weight translates into real‑world capability for their needs.
Summary
The Silverado EV is undeniably heavy—the product of a large Ultium battery and a reinforced structure designed for payload and safety. That weight brings tangible benefits in traction, stability, and load‑bearing performance, but it also imposes trade‑offs in energy efficiency and range. For buyers who value capability and a planted, confident ride with heavy loads, the weight is a strength. For those prioritizing maximum range or exuberant efficiency, the heft may be a hurdle. As with many electric pickups, the verdict depends on how weight aligns with your priorities.
How heavy is the Silverado EV?
Dimensions
| Height | 79.9 in. |
|---|---|
| Curb weight | 8,102 lbs. |
| Maximum towing capacity | 12,500 lbs. |
| Maximum payload | 1,700 lbs. |
| Gross weight | 9,990 lbs. |
Are electric cars too heavy for the roads?
Even if we replace all standard cars with the heaviest EVs, the impact on road damage would be only slight. Not all EVs are as heavy as the ones with 200+ kWh batteries. Most are only slightly heavier, as the vast majority is noticeably under 1.5 tons per axle.
Why does the Silverado EV weigh so much?
The weight of a car can be attributed to many components, such as the size of the vehicle, chassis, the engine and fluid, but the battery of EVs is where a bulk of their weight comes from.
Is Silverado EV selling well?
Chevy Silverado EV Sales Record Biggest Jump In Segment During Q2 2025. Chevy Silverado EV sales recorded 3,056 deliveries in the second quarter of 2025, an increase of 39 percent year-over-year.
