Why is Silverado EV delayed?
The Silverado EV’s launch has slipped from its original timetable, driven by a mix of supply-chain constraints, especially around batteries and electronics, plus the challenges of ramping a new electric platform and validating software. In short, key components and production readiness need time to align before customer deliveries can begin.
Background: The original timeline and expectations
When GM introduced the Silverado EV, it framed the truck as a cornerstone of its all-electric lineup, with production tied to its electrified-vehicle facilities and a delivery window designed to fit into its broader rollout. Over time, the projected schedule has shifted as GM faced the realities of scaling Ultium-based batteries, securing compatible components, and meeting regulatory and quality standards for a new kind of heavy‑duty pickup.
Key hurdles behind the delay
Several interdependent factors have complicated a smooth production ramp for the Silverado EV. The main issues are outlined below.
- Battery cell supply and the Ultium platform: The Silverado EV relies on Ultium battery technology that uses large-format cells produced by Ultium Cells LLC (a GM–LG collaboration). Capacity limits, cell quality requirements, and price pressures have delayed full-scale production.
- Semiconductors and power electronics: Modern EVs depend on a dense network of chips and electronics for propulsion, battery management, and driver-assistance systems. Shortages and scheduling gaps in these components have slowed assembly and integration.
- Software development and validation: The truck’s advanced software, OTA update capabilities, and safety systems require extensive testing to meet reliability and cybersecurity standards, extending the development timeline.
- Manufacturing ramp-up and plant readiness: Retooling and scaling production at GM facilities for an electric pickup involves complex supply chains, tooling, and workforce training, with potential bottlenecks as new processes come online.
- Cost controls and feature scope changes: To balance profitability with demand, GM has reviewed trim levels, options, and feature packages, which can influence timing and customer expectations.
- Quality and safety testing: Additional validation to ensure long-term durability and safety in an electric, high-payload pickup adds time to the fit-and-finish and final approval processes.
Taken together, these factors interact in ways that slow a single, clean launch. The result is a staggered rollout where production progress depends on when multiple supply and engineering milestones align.
Battery strategy and Ultium cells
The Silverado EV’s battery strategy centers on the Ultium platform, which aims to deliver scalable energy and power. Expanding cell- and module-supply capacity, as well as diversifying suppliers, is critical to reducing bottlenecks. Ongoing capacity enhancements at Ultium Cells LLC and related agreements with partners are intended to smooth future production, but the ramp remains sensitive to cell yields and pricing dynamics.
Software, validation, and electronics
Delivering a vehicle with advanced software-driven features requires extensive validation across multiple environments and use cases. GM is prioritizing software reliability, cybersecurity, and OTA update readiness, all of which demand longer test cycles before high-volume production can roll out smoothly.
Manufacturing ramp and plant readiness
Shifting to an electric pickup changes the manufacturing playbook, including body-in-white assembly, battery integration, and high-voltage system installation. Upgrading facilities, training workers, and ensuring downstream suppliers are aligned are ongoing tasks that affect overall timing.
Cost controls and feature scope
To manage costs amid supply- and demand-side pressures, GM has evaluated trim options, feature sets, and pricing. Adjustments to configurations intended to protect profitability can also influence the timing and cadence of production.
What GM is doing to move forward
GM has outlined a multi-pronged approach to address the bottlenecks and speed the Silverado EV toward customers. The company emphasizes securing stable battery supply, accelerating software development, and ensuring responsible ramp-up across its EV manufacturing footprint.
- Expanding and diversifying battery supply: Increasing Ultium Cells capacity and pursuing additional supplier options to reduce single-source risk.
- Strengthening manufacturing ramp: Upgrading facilities like Factory ZERO, refining assembly workflows, and improving supplier onboarding to shorten lead times.
- Advancing software and validation: Investing in vehicle control software, cybersecurity, and OTA capabilities to ensure reliability at high volumes.
- Adjusting product scope as needed: Calibrating features, trims, and options to balance desirability with production feasibility and cost targets.
- Enhancing customer and dealer communications: Providing transparent timeline updates and setting realistic expectations for orders and deliveries.
GM continues to position the Silverado EV as a core component of its electrification strategy, with deliveries proceeding once manufacturing stability and supply chain resilience are achieved.
Timeline update and current status
As with many electric-vehicle programs, GM has acknowledged that the Silverado EV will follow a staged rollout rather than a single, fixed launch date. The company emphasizes that stabilizing the supply chain, validating software, and achieving a reliable production ramp are prerequisites for broad customer deliveries. Prospective buyers and reservation holders should expect periodic updates on timing as progress is made.
Summary
The Silverado EV’s delays stem from a combination of battery-cell supply constraints, semiconductor and electronics shortages, software validation, and the complexities of ramping a new EV platform. GM is addressing these challenges through expanded battery sourcing, plant upgrades, and intensified software development, while communicating openly with customers about revised timelines. The outcome will be a measured rollout designed to ensure safety, reliability, and long-term value for buyers of Chevrolet’s electric pickup.
Is GM slowing EV production?
G.M. has already planned to slow electric vehicle production between now and the end of the year. The plants affected are in Spring Hill, Tenn., and Hamtramck, Mich. Earlier this year, it sold its stake in a battery plant that it had been building in a partnership with LG Energy Solution.
Does the 2025 Silverado EV qualify for tax credit?
It's built on GM's BEV3 Ultium platform and comes in well under the federal MSRP limit. The all-electric Silverado EV LT also qualifies for the up-to-$7,500 credit in the 2025-2026 model years.
Is the Silverado EV selling well?
Chevy Silverado EV sales recorded 3,056 deliveries in the second quarter of 2025, an increase of 39 percent year-over-year.
What is the release date of the Silverado EV?
The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV was released in 2023, with the First Edition RST models beginning to arrive at dealerships in mid-2024. Other models, like the WT and LT versions, are being released later in the 2024 model year, and the Trail Boss is expected for the 2025 model year.
- Initial release: The 2024 Silverado EV went on sale in 2023.
- First Edition RST: This model started arriving at dealerships in mid-2024.
- Other 2024 models: The WT and LT versions of the 2024 Silverado EV are scheduled to be released later in the model year.
- 2025 Trail Boss: An off-road-oriented Trail Boss version is planned for the 2025 model year.
