General Motors (GM) has set a new benchmark in electric vehicle range, with a 2026 Chevrolet Silverado EV Work Truck completing an unprecedented 1,059.2 miles on a single charge last week. This meticulously planned drive test, conducted on public roads near GM's Milford Proving Ground and Belle Isle, more than doubled the truck's official EPA-estimated range of 493 miles and significantly surpassed the previous EV range record of 749 miles held by Lucid Motors.

The achievement directly confronts consumer range anxiety, a primary impediment to broader electric vehicle adoption, particularly for larger utility vehicles like pickup trucks. While automakers are restricted to advertising EPA-certified range figures, this one-off demonstration provides a compelling real-world example of the Silverado EV's inherent battery potential. Stephanie Brinley, associate director of Auto Intelligence at S&P Global Mobility, noted that EPA tests aim to standardize comparisons, but real-world performance can vary. "It’s very rarely precise on what you get in the real world, but automakers are only able to advertise what number comes out of that test cycle," Brinley stated.

The record-setting drive was the culmination of months of preparation and optimization by GM engineers. According to GM spokeswoman Catherine Scales, the vehicle was optimized using methods replicable by consumers. Key parameters included maintaining an average speed between 20-25 mph, avoiding abrupt braking or acceleration, and conducting most of the test with only the driver onboard. Further optimizations involved inflating tires to their highest acceptable pressure to minimize rolling resistance, removing the spare tire to reduce load, and optimizing wheel alignment. An accessory tonneau cover was added to streamline airflow over the truck bed, and climate control was disabled to conserve energy. The test benefited from summer temperatures, which GM identified as optimal for battery efficiency.

Forty GM engineers volunteered to drive the vehicle during the week-long trial. This rigorous test underscores GM's commitment to pushing the boundaries of EV performance and addressing critical market concerns. While GM sold 5,439 Silverado EVs in the first six months of 2025, marking a 67% increase year-over-year, this figure remains a fraction of the 289,251 gasoline-powered Silverado units sold across all variants during the same period. The record range demonstration could be a pivotal factor in accelerating the adoption rate of electric trucks, showcasing their viability for extended operational demands.