Dan Cummins Chevrolet Buick Paris

Feb 9, 2022

When you think of electric vehicles (EVs), you might not think of power. But with the upcoming 2024 Silverado EV, Chevrolet combines the fuel efficiency and environmentally conscious aspects of going electric with the towing performance of a Silverado pickup. For your toughest work, you want to choose a vehicle that won’t let you down when you need it most. If you’re considering transitioning to an electric vehicle but you’re worried about sacrificing the performance you require, read more about the towing capacity of the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV.

blue 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV driving through Paris, KY

Towing Capacity in Electric Vehicles

Electric vehicles are often very heavy. With the enhanced battery packs needed to carry a pickup truck up to 400 miles on a charge, these vehicles can rack up much heavier weights than non-electric options. The weight only increases with passengers and cargo. To manage this, electric vehicle manufacturers often need to determine how they can enhance vehicle suspension to safely transport the Silverado EV’s weight. The good news, though, is that heavier vehicles tend to offer higher towing capacities. The new electric pickup maybe even stronger and more capable than some of the gas-powered engines you’re used to.

2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV Standard Towing Capacity

First edition models of the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado EV are expected to have a standard towing capacity of 10,000 pounds, while a commercial work truck version of the vehicle is rated to tow 8,000 pounds. That’s more than other electric trucks like the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning, which is rated to tow 7,700 pounds with a standard-range battery and 10,000 pounds in the extended trim.

The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV’s towing capacity also represents comparable towing to the regular cab version of a non-electric Silverado 1500 pickup, which provides a maximum of 10,000 pounds of towing capacity. While this number can increase to a maximum of 13,300 pounds towing with a double cab, it’s clear that the electric version of this popular truck holds its own against its non-electric counterpart. You can visit our website to learn more about all the available Silverado options at your local Kentucky Chevrolet dealer.

Payload Capacity

Although the heavier weight of the Chevrolet Silverado EV can increase towing capacity, it can also limit the vehicle in terms of payload capacity. Since this metric determines how much cargo a truck can carry in its bed, a larger weighted truck may be limited to how much additional weight it can safely add to the structure. Currently, the Silverado EV is rated to carry 1,300 pounds of payload. The 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 comes with a standard payload capacity of 2,280 pounds. If you expect to hold heavy loads in your truck bed, this may be a consideration.

While Chevrolet hasn’t yet released the weight of the Silverado EV, similar electric models have weighed around 9,000 pounds. Some features, like a simpler roof and a two-engine structure, rather than a three-engine structure, should limit weight, but it can depend on the trim and any enhancements added. For example, a Silverado EV work truck might be 1,000 pounds lighter without options like a multi-flex tailgate or glass roof. As Chevrolet approaches production on its Silverado EV, it will likely announce trims with smaller batteries and fewer features that are much lighter, resulting in a larger payload rating.

Will the Silverado EV’s Towing Capacity Increase in the Future?

The 10,000-pound towing capacity of the standard Silverado EV might not be the only offering in the future. Chevrolet currently has plans to offer an enhanced EV trim that can tow up to 20,000 pounds. This massive feat of towing would put Chevrolet at the top of the electric vehicle towing capability list by a wide margin. It would also offer more towing capability than most non-electric trucks, including the standard Silverado trims. However, the expanded towing version of the model likely won’t be available for at least a few years.

Chevrolet hasn’t yet released much information on how they plan to create a truck with that much towing power, but it could stand to reason that a truck with this large of a towing capacity may have an even higher curb weight than the already heavy Silverado EV standard version. Features like eight-lug wheels may help increase towing ability, but it’s unclear how well a truck of this size could handle the 400 miles per charge promised with the Silverado EV.

It may be that the average consumer isn’t intended to purchase the Silverado EV with 20,000 pounds towing, and it may instead be offered as a fleet model for work purposes. But even 10,000 pounds of towing is likely to help you accomplish your toughest projects. If you need massive amounts of towing but would like to reap the benefits of an electric vehicle, Chevrolet’s upcoming EVs may offer you a solution.

Features To Support Towing

Increased weight can add more power to your vehicle to handle all your towing needs, but other features within the Silverado EV trims can also let you confidently pull your important cargo. Four-wheel steering should ease trailer maneuverability, letting you move more with ease. Additionally, the Silverado EV’s standard Super Cruise semi-autonomous driving system should support trailer towing, providing drivers with an enhanced, worry-free experience as they tow even the largest loads.

As more vehicle brands transition into the EV field, you can count on your local Paris, Kentucky Chevrolet dealer to help you make the best, most informed auto decisions. Chevrolet’s Silverado EV trims should provide you with a luxurious electric vehicle experience that also doesn’t limit any of the power you might need.

You can always follow our blog to keep up with any updates on Chevrolet’s Silverado EV as it gets closer to production. We hope you consider the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV for all your towing needs. If you have any other questions, you can also contact us at any time. We love serving our customers, and we look forward to helping you find your perfect ride!