General Motors engineers have shattered the unofficial world record for electric vehicle range, driving a 2026 Chevrolet Silverado EV Max Range Work Truck an unprecedented 1,059.2 miles on a single charge. This monumental achievement, which significantly surpasses the truck’s EPA-estimated 493-mile range, occurred during a meticulously planned test on public roads near GM’s Milford Proving Ground in southeastern Michigan, concluding on Detroit’s Belle Isle. The previous unofficial record of 749 miles was set by Lucid earlier this summer.

The initiative stemmed from an internal challenge among GM engineers in late 2024, aiming to determine the maximum possible range through optimized driving and minor vehicle adjustments. Kurt Kelty, Vice President of Battery, Propulsion, & Sustainability at GM, underscored the complexity of the feat, stating, “Getting this kind of range on a full charge doesn’t happen by accident. It takes deep integration across battery chemistry, drive unit efficiency, software and vehicle engineering—and that’s exactly what the team delivered.”

The test utilized a production Silverado EV Max Range WT, with its core hardware and software remaining untouched. Engineers, working in one-hour shifts, applied specific, owner’s manual-compliant adjustments. These included maintaining an average speed of 20-25 mph, minimizing aggressive acceleration and braking, removing the spare tire to reduce weight, optimizing wheel alignment, and adding an accessory tonneau cover for improved aerodynamics. Climate control was disengaged, and the test was conducted in summer for optimal battery temperature. Jon Doremus, propulsion calibration engineering manager, emphasized the real-world nature of the test, asserting, “We wanted this to be real, on public roads.”

The team identified the 20-25 mph speed range as the truck’s most efficient cruising speed, where nearly all battery power was directed towards propulsion. This data-rich exercise provided critical insights that will inform GM’s ongoing electric vehicle development. The record-breaking drive underscores the paramount importance of range for consumers, which GM’s customer research consistently identifies as the leading purchase driver for the Silverado EV. This demonstration not only validates the inherent capabilities of GM’s Ultium platform but also serves as a powerful testament to the rapid advancements in electric vehicle technology, pushing the boundaries of what is currently perceived as possible for EV range.