Hey guys, welcome back to another car review blog. Today, we have an exciting one because I spent the last four days with the 2024 Silverado EV RST First Edition. In this post, I’ll be going over everything I like and dislike about it. Make sure you stay tuned until the end, as I’ll be sharing my driving impressions of the truck.
Likes of 2024 Silverado EV RST First Edition
Charging Speed and Performance
Starting out with my likes, one of the biggest benefits of the Silverado EV is its charging speed and performance. Even though this truck does not operate at a higher nominal voltage like the 800-volt architecture, GM has engineered it to achieve higher voltage thresholds by combining the two sides of the battery pack.
This allows the Silverado EV to charge at speeds of up to 350 KW on applicable hardware. The overall charging curve and performance are phenomenal, making it one of the best in the market.
Dynamic LED Lighting
Another feature I like about the Silverado EV is its lighting. The RST comes standard with dynamic LED animated lighting at the front and back, which functions during charging sessions and walk-up or walk-away events.
This feature, combined with the illuminated black bowtie, gives the truck a unique presence on the road, especially at night. In addition, the headlight performance is impressive, particularly the high beams, which penetrate deep down the roadway.
Four-Wheel Steering
One standout feature is the four-wheel steering, which is standard on the RST trim. The four-wheel steering dramatically improves the truck’s maneuverability, especially considering its large size. It makes turning tight corners and navigating tricky drive-throughs much easier.
Adaptive Air Suspension
The adaptive air suspension is another feature worth mentioning. This truck’s ride quality is phenomenal, partly due to the unibody design around the large Ultium battery pack.
Combined with the air suspension at all four corners, the ride quality remains impressive, even with 24-inch alloy wheels. The suspension offers four ride heights, including an entry/exit mode, making it versatile for different driving conditions.
Performance and Acceleration
In terms of performance, the Silverado EV is a dual-motor design, producing about 754 horsepower and 760 pound-feet of torque. This results in a 0-60 time of roughly 4.5 seconds, which is remarkable for a truck of this size. Acceleration is quick and seamless, whether in normal or sport driving modes.
On-Demand Regenerative Braking
Another feature I like is the on-demand regenerative braking paddle located on the left side of the steering wheel. This paddle is unique because it’s a potentiometer, meaning the harder you squeeze it, the more regen the truck will give you. This offers a more precise control over the regenerative braking system than a simple on/off switch.
Super Cruise Functionality
The Super Cruise hands-free driving feature is standard on the RST. Super Cruise has expanded to more roadways over the years, allowing you to use it on divided highways, interstates, and certain local roads. It’s one of the most advanced Level 2 autonomous driving systems available today, making long-distance drives much more enjoyable.
The Midgate Feature
One of the most talked-about features of the Silverado EV is the midgate, which allows for increased interior cargo space. Former Chevy Avalanche owners will be pleased to see this feature making a comeback. The midgate mechanism is simple to operate, giving you access to over 10 feet of interior volume when needed.
Onboard Power
The Silverado EV offers up to 10.2 KW of onboard power, making it an ideal choice for work sites, camping, or emergency power needs. This is accomplished through several 120-volt outlets and one 240-volt outlet, providing power for various tools and appliances.
Dislikes of 2024 Silverado EV RST First Edition
Dislikes: Pedestrian Safety Noise
While there are many things to like about the Silverado EV, there are a few dislikes as well. First, the pedestrian safety noise at lower speeds intrudes into the cabin quite a bit. This noise is necessary for safety, but it becomes annoying when heard inside the vehicle at speeds below 20 miles per hour.
Lack of Power Shade for the Sunroof
Another downside is the panoramic glass sunroof, which does not come with a power shade. While the glass is tinted and UV-protected, it allows heat and glare into the cabin, especially on sunny days. This lack of a power shade feels like a significant oversight by GM.
No Android Auto or Apple CarPlay
Surprisingly, the Silverado EV RST does not come with Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, unlike the lower work truck trim level. This omission is puzzling, especially considering how common these features are in modern vehicles.
Odd Passenger-Side Mirror
One strange issue with the Silverado EV is the passenger-side mirror, which feels like it’s using a zoom lens. This narrow field of view makes it difficult to see cars in your blind spot, and it’s not an issue I’ve encountered in other vehicles.
Software Glitches
The software integration for the digital cluster and infotainment system still has some bugs. While many issues have been resolved since GM’s first Ultium vehicles, the system is still not as polished as it could be, requiring several button presses to access commonly used features.
Driving Impressions
The Silverado EV offers excellent acceleration and handling, thanks to its dual-motor setup and unibody construction. The adaptive air suspension smooths out rough roads, while the four-wheel steering enhances maneuverability. The ride quality is quiet and refined, making it a great option for daily driving.
