Chevrolet reps declined to discuss the specifications of the trims that will be lower in the lineup than the RST. The RST adds numerous features not offered on the basic Work Truck, including an air suspension that raises or lowers the truck a couple inches, rear-wheel steering, a full-length glass cabin roof, 24-inch alloy wheels, optional Super Cruise hands-free cruise control, and multiple drive modes. 

Silverado EV range, efficiency: Average

A major selling point of the Silverado EV lineup is an EPA-rated combined range of up to 450 miles from its roughly 205-kwh capacity (the RST First Edition is estimated at 440 miles). That’s more than any other electric truck on the market, and it should reassure shoppers who can afford one that they won’t run out of range unexpectedly. 

2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV

Our drive route mixed rural Michigan roads and fast Interstate traffic up to 80 mph. Over 100 miles of mixed traffic, we saw efficiencies of 2.0 to 2.2 miles per kilowatt-hour. That’s roughly the same as Green Car Reports got in a week-long test for a Ford F-150 Lightning. It suggests that the Silverado EV, with longer rated range and weighing more than four tons, may be slightly more efficient than its cross-town rival.

Bidirectional charging for home backup duty is on the way as well.

Chevy quotes the payload at 1,500 pounds. Rated towing capability of the Silverado EV we tested is 10,000 pounds, and Chevy provided both an EV powerboat on a trailer and an enclosed car trailer for test towing. 

No figures on the efficiency hit from towing were given, but the onboard navigation from Google takes into account any towing and adjusts range and charging stops accordingly. Super Cruise also works with towing, 

2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV

2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV

Chevy Avalanche redux, made electric

The first electric Silverado pickup truck shares little beyond a name with its gasoline- and diesel-powered namesakes. It’s lower and sleeker than those ICE models and a clean-sheet-of-paper design, if you don’t count the level of sharing with the GMC Hummer EV, upcoming Cadillac Escalade IQ, and other models. The front end is scaled down, with slim LED headlights and a blanking panel that signals “grille,” a four-door cabin, and a pickup bed integrated into the cab body.

The Silverado EV, in fact, is the electric reincarnation of the 2002-2013 Chevrolet Avalanche, an early four-door sport truck with that same integrated pickup bed. Even the sail panels connecting the roof to the bed sides are similar—as is the midgate that opens up and folds down to extend the bed floor and allow cargo to be carried behind the front seats right up to the tailgate. (Chevy execs, however, consistently give the side eye to any suggestions their new electric truck could have been named “EValanche”…oh well.)

2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV

2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV

2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV

The drawback of the neo-Avalanche design is that Silverado EV Work Trucks can’t use the same specialized “upfit” accessories—tool chests, industry-specific bed caps, etc.—that the gas versions do. That distinguishes the Silverado EV from the Ford F-150 Lightning, for which it’s a selling point. 

Inside, the cabin mixes soft-touch materials where you’re likely to feel them with fine-dot-patterned hard plastic on dash surfaces and other expanses. The top-end models we drove had contrast stitching and seat upholstery that indicated they were the “First Edition” versions.

Silverado EV performance: Fast, heavy

On the road, the Silverado EV’s performance is adequate to keep up with traffic in its normal drive mode. Flooring the accelerator provides acceleration that will let this large and heavy truck slip into gaps, overtake at will, and generally move through traffic as fast as you want it to.

On the 24-inch wheels of the RST First Edition version, it corners well, with the air suspension keeping it flat. That and a low battery pack under the cabin floor help ensure it leans less on any given corner than a similar full-size pickup with a combustion engine. But drivers who pay attention will be aware there’s a great deal of weight being restrained by those 24-inch tires. The rear-wheel steering makes the truck feel much more agile than expected, with a 42-foot turning circle that all but allows a U-turn on a two-lane road with wide shoulders. 

2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV

Chevrolet refused to quote power or torque ratings for normal use. The sole stats provided were up to 754 horsepower and 785 pound-feet of torque when the driver deliberately calls up Wide Open Watts (WOW) mode. It’s analogous to the “Watts To Freedom” (WTF) mode on the GMC Hummer EV with which the electric Silverado shares much of its underpinnings. 

We tested WOW mode on a couple of standing-start acceleration runs, and the quoted 0-to-60-mph acceleration time of 4.5 seconds seems entirely reasonable. Equally impressive was its full-force emergency stop; the anti-lock brakes brought the 8,500-pound truck to a full stop in a slightly shorter distance than we expected. We found the Silverado EV RST First Edition model smooth and quiet on most road surfaces, though like most EVs, road and wind noise are magnified by the absence of powertrain noise or vibrations.

Silverado EV is smooth, quiet, capacious

Using the fixed running boards to climb up into the cabin, our first impressions included the wide console between the seats—now required for full-size pickups—and the large horizontal instrument cluster and central touchscreen. Front seats are comfortable and widely adjustable, and large door mirrors provide a wide field of rear vision. The rearview mirror includes conventional and video rear views, and the head-rest of the rear center seat folds down to open up that rear view for the mirror view.

2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV

2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV

2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV

The rear cabin floor is flat, making this one of few vehicles where three U.S.-sized adults can comfortably occupy the rear seat. Outward vision is good to the rear and rear sides, though elevating the driver’s seat as high as it will go is the best way to see over the relatively high, bluff hood. Build quality on our RST First Edition test truck appeared excellent.

A front trunk offers 10.7 cubic feet of lockable storage. A static display compared the cargo length (up to 10 feet 10 inches) offered in the bed of the Silverado EV (with midgate open and Multi-Flex tailgate down, load restraint up) versus its electric-pickup competitors: Tesla Cybertruck, Ford F-150 Lightning, and Rivian R1T. No surprise, the Chevy won. 

2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV

2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV

2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV

GM and Google take control of Silverado EV dash

Like Chevrolet’s last few new electric vehicles, including the Chevy Blazer EV and Chevy Equinox EV, the Silverado EV foregoes the expected Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone mirroring. 

GM staff pointed out another prominent EV maker—without ever saying the word Tesla—has never offered those features in its vehicles.

As it is, Google Assistant provides Google Maps navigation that integrates with the truck’s battery state of charge, routing it via fast-charging stations where destinations exceed its substantial range, and telling drivers how long to stay there and what battery charge will remain at their next stop. In other words, just as Tesla has done for 10+ years.

Buyers will need to check carefully whether their favorite apps have been approved by Google and GM for download through the vehicle’s Play Store. The one other routing app we saw was Waze, which isn’t integrated with the battery. For EV charging locations, Plugshare (ditto) was included—but not A Better Routeplanner or Chargeway.

Users must sign into those in-dash apps through the vehicle to use them. GM reps were notably unable to say who owns the data on drivers’ app usage, routing, destinations, song choices, and all the rest. GM has said it expects to earn significant revenue from digital services provided by the car, but the navigation in the Silverado EV will be free for 8 years—perhaps more. GM reps were unable to say whether free access would last beyond that point, or what it might cost once the free trial ends.

—
Chevrolet provided airfare, lodging, and meals to enable Green Car Reports to bring you this first-person drive report. 

Mercedes EQB

On May 17, Mercedes introduced new lease deals for the all-electric EQB crossover, just in time for Memorial Day. This special offer is exclusively for the 2023 Mercedes EQB 300 and EQB 350 models. CarsDirect found that the EQB 300 now has a lease price almost identical to the EQB 250+, despite a $4,000 difference in their MSRPs.

The EQB 300 is available for $499 per month on a 36-month lease, with $5,663 due at signing. The EQB 250+ is also listed at $499 per month, but with $5,313 due at signing. That makes the effective monthly cost for the EQB 300 just $9 more than the EQB 250+ –($656 versus $647), making the EQB 300 a really compelling upgrade option. This sale runs until May 31.

Click here to find a local dealer that may have the 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB-Class in stock.

Tesla Model Y

As Electrek reported earlier this month, Tesla is offering 0.99% financing for 72 months on its 2024 Model Y through May 31. That’s a hefty interest rate cut from the previous 6.49%, effectively lowering the cost of a Model Y purchase by $8,000. CarsDirect reported earlier in May that the $7,500 federal tax credit can make the Model Y $9,000 cheaper than a Model 3.

Click here to find a local dealer that may have the Tesla Model Y in stock. 

Kia EV9

Kia cut EV9 lease prices by up to $80 a month on May 1. The 2024 Kia EV9 Light Long Range can now be leased for $419 for 24 months with $4,999 due at signing in most parts of the US. This is the best EV9 lease deal to date with an interest rate that’s equivalent to nearly 0% APR.

On May 10, Kia began offering a $1,500 “VIN Sticker Bonus” on specially tagged EV9s. Combined with a loyalty discount, CarsDirect found up to $12,000 in savings on some EV9 styles, but it cautions that results will vary, so shop around.

If you want to purchase an EV9, there’s a choice between 0% APR for 48 months or $7,500 in Customer Cash. Sadly Kia won’t allow those incentives to be stacked, so which works better is a personal choice.

Click here to find a local dealer that may have the Kia EV9 in stock.

Ford F-150 Lightning

Ford’s 2023 F-150 Lightning became eligible for 0% financing for the first time on May 8. This EV deal, which runs past Memorial Day through July 8, offers zero interest on loans up to 60 months – that’s a pretty sweet drop from the previous rate of 3.9% APR.

However, Ford is no longer offering thousands of dollars in Retail Bonus Cash on most Lightning trims. However, the Lightning’s $7,500 federal tax credit is intact. Lease prices are currently unchanged.

Click here to find a local dealer that may have the Ford F-150 Lightning in stock.

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We’ve been covering scattered details of Kia’s plans for a new compact SUV called the EV3 since the fall of 2023, when we learned its interior will feature plant-derived materials, including a center console made from mushrooms.

Since then, we’ve seen several shadowy teaser images of its exterior, followed by the first fully visible (albeit limited) peeks at its front and rear earlier this month. Other than visuals, we hadn’t learned much about the EV3 other than that it had been seen testing in Korea and that it would also come in a sportier GT Line trim.

We also heard the compact SUV was expected to debut in July with a starting MSRP under $30,000. Following a live-streamed event in Korea unveiling the EV3 to the public, Kia is not sharing official pricing yet, but we do know what sort of technology and performance it will deliver and where it will be sold first.

Kia EV3 will launch in Korea in July, followed by the EU

Although the EV3’s design language is very similar to that of the super popular EV9, which is currently sold globally, Kia said the EV3 “carves out its own identity” and brings with it standards that have yet to be seen in the electric compact SUV segment.

You’ll definitely notice Kia’s “Opposites United” design philosophy inside and out of the EV3, including multi-colored and textured textiles inside and a minimalist feel that is still loaded with advanced technology. Per Karim Habib, Executive Vice President and Head of Kia Global Design:

The EV3 embodies our design philosophy perfectly – a combination of playful design combined with thoughtful functionality. Though compact, the inspiring exterior envelops an open interior space that emphasizes restorative relaxation for every journey. Its future-facing aesthetic is further emboldened by the choice of daring colors; inside, the spacious cabin and the incorporation of new organic materials express a youthful sense of energy and playfulness.

The compact SUV will arrive in nine color choices, including two new shades exclusive to the model: Aventurine Green and Terracotta (seen above). As previously promised, Kia has introduced a GT-Line trim of the EV3 in addition to the Base model, offering a slightly more rugged look from the outside. Have a look.

The EV3 will arrive with two different battery sizes within the SUV’s E-GMP platform from Hyundai Motor Group. The standard model utilizes a 58.3 kWh pack, but customers can opt for a larger 81.4 kWh battery in the Long Range version.

Both models feature 150 kW single-motor RWD regardless of battery size, accelerating from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 7.5 seconds. The EV3’s top speed is 170 km/h (~106 mph). Regarding range, Kia shared that the Long Range model will offer 600 km (373 miles) of WLTP range on a single charge and can replenish from 10 to 80% in 31 minutes on a DC fast charger.

Like all the EVs on the E-GMP platform, the Kia EV3 has vehicle-to-load (V2L) capabilities, but it’s another first for the compact SUV segment. This will also be the first model to feature Kia’s new i-Pedal 3.0 technology, which gives the driver more freedom to customize their regenerative braking preferences.

There is so much more to unfold here, so we recommend checking out Kia’s full release to see exactly what the EV3 is all about. If you’re looking for starting pricing, however, you’ll have to wait a tad longer.

Those details shouldn’t be too far behind, however; as Kia said, the EV3 will be introduced in Korea this July, followed by a European launch in the second half of 2024. There have been no confirmed plans to sell the SUV in the US just yet, but Kia shared it has plans to “further expand the sales of EV3 into other regions, with subsequent launches to be expected after the European market entry.”

What do you think? Do you want to see the EV3 in the US? Would you buy one?

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The cable pivots down from a hinged swing arm, which then raises back up when charging is completed, according to a Gravity press release. This should mean that there’s no concern about tripping over cables lying on the sidewalk.

Gravity curbside EV charger

Gravity also claims that no utility upgrades are needed to plant these trees, yet they’re still capable of 200 kw or 500 kw power levels, which can add 200 miles of range in 13 minutes or five minutes, respectively. If Gravity—which claims existing garage-based charging sites are the fastest in America—can follow through on its plans, so they’ll soon be a common sight in urban areas.

“Gravity is striving to develop a network of on-street DEAP charging more expansive than Tesla’s current Supercharger network.” And based on the company’s claims, the DEAP chargers will be more powerful than Tesla’s urban Superchargers, which tend to have lower power than those on road-trip routes.

Curbside chargers like these have been relatively rare in the U.S. up until now. EVgo added some to its network starting in 2019, and now other companies like Voltpost aim to build out Level 2 chargers where apartment-dwellers might charge overnight or for a few hours.

Gravity curbside EV charger

Curbside chargers could help make EVs practical for people who don’t have a driveway, garage, or other place to install a home charger. But relying on public street parking could bring challenges, like internal-combustion cars blocking chargers, cars sitting idle without charging for long periods, and the need to work with municipalities to coordinate installations with parking rules.

If some states are having trouble distinguishing the differences between the required infrastructure for gas stations versus EV charging stations, as appears to be the case in Kentucky, it might be a tough road ahead for companies like Gravity. 

In fact, I had the chance to get a sneak peek and test ride of the new model when I was in Austin at the SXSW Festival. There, MOD Bikes unveiled their entire new 2024 lineup, which featured a number of new components across the line.

Several of those updates, such as the new color displays and integrated torque sensors, also made their way onto the new MOD Black e-bike announced today.

The new e-bike features MOD’s new electrical system, including a 750W rear hub motor that allows the bike to reach a peak of 28 mph (45 km/h), though it can be electronically limited to slower speeds if riders desire.

Throttle lovers will rejoice to see that the bike comes with a throttle, though the included torque sensor and four PAS settings of Eco, Cargo, Sport, and Turbo actually make the bike a pleasure to pedal. With a full-suspension ride that feels like a sporty mountain bike, pedaling is a big part of the fun. That’s one of the first things I noticed on my own test ride of the bike.

Pedaling also helps the 48V 15Ah UL-certified battery eke out up to 50 miles (80 km) of range, since throttle-only riding tends to reduce that max range quickly. For riders who want even more range, a factory-installed second battery is available, doubling the max range to 100 miles (160 km).

The MOD Black also works with MOD’s signature Snap-On rack accessories on its rear rack, meaning riders can easily add various gear to the bike’s rear rack without busting out a multi-tool and spending several minutes tightening a handful of bolts.

Just like MOD’s other e-bikes, the Black uses the MOD Connect system to integrate various wirelessly connected products into the bike.

For example, one of the first partnerships MOD touted was with Lumos, makers of smart helmets that can be wirelessly connected to the bike’s turn signal controls. When the rider pushes the turn signal buttons, the helmet flashes on either side. Pulling the brake lever also flashes brake lights on the helmet, in addition to operating the bike’s own brake lights.

Other nice-to-see parts sprinkled around the bike include punchy hydraulic disc brakes, 3-inch tires that split the difference between softer fat tires and more nimble mountain bike tires, and a bright 300 lumen headlight.

Then of course there’s that full suspension setup, giving riders the most comfortable ride across various terrain. Afterall, MOD is pitching this bike as an adventure-ready two-wheeler, and so they’re certainly expecting riders to make full-use of off-road trails around them. Though at the same time, the included rack and wireless turn-signal connectivity means that it would make a pretty awesome full-suspension commuter, too.

The MOD Black is now available for pre-order ahead of deliveries starting in mid-June. Priced at US $2,999, it’s more expensive than most direct-to-consumer electric mountain bikes, but MOD is likely banking on its nicer tech and reputation as a reliable, local-feeling national e-bike company. Plus, it offers a generous 5-year limited warranty and free returns.

I spent about an hour with the bike back in March, so I can’t yet give you a full review (unlike the Mod Cargo, which I have a full review of coming in the next few days).

But what I can tell you is that the Black rides so much nicer than the typical direct-to-consumer electric mountain bikes we see. It feels much nicer, looks less clunky, and sports better suspension for a ride that actually feels confidence-inspiring and not like I might eat dirt if I hit a log too hard.

The 750W motor is probably more powerfull than I really need, but I’m glad to have it. And while I enjoy that the bike has a throttle, I spent most of the time pedaling the bike since the torque sensor makes it feel so responsive, and it makes me feel like I’m actually part of the ride, instead of just sitting on the bike as it does the work. Realistically, I’m sure the motor is still doing more work than me, but I like to feel as if I’m helping, and dropping it down into Eco mode definitely still makes my heart beat faster.

So while it’s pricey, it’s got a much better ride than some cheaper alternatives, and that’s before I even consider the added technology.

Below you can see several images from my own early test ride. This model had a suspension seat post, but I don’t think that’s included on the production version (and triple suspension is probably overkill, anyway).

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This served as a global reveal for the model and, as of yet, Kia is short on U.S. specs, details, or differences—or whether, to be sure, the model is headed to America. If it were to arrive in the U.S. at the $35,000 starting price Kia suggested for the concept, it might be a strong rival for the Volvo EX30, along with others including the Hyundai Kona Electric and next-generation Chevrolet Bolt EV—and leave Kia’s own Niro EV on uncertain ground.

The EV3 set for success from the start thanks to several key decisions. It’s built on Hyundai’s flexible E-GMP architecture, which has resulted in a hit parade of rewarding-to-drive, fast-charging EVs from Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis, and it has a coefficient of drag of just 0.263—great for efficiency in such an upright vehicle. 

Hyundai Motor Group E-GMP platform

EV3 isn’t a hot hatch, but it looks sharp

Kia has managed to carry over many of the same technical and geometric details from the concept, and splice in Kia’s latest Star Map lighting theme, which just also made its debut in the 2025 Kia EV6. The EV3 will be offered in nine different exterior body colors. 

Two different battery packs will be featured in the EV3, fitted to EV3 Standard models and EV3 Long Range versions, and amounting to 58.3 kwh and 81.4 kwh, respectively. Kia notes that charging times will be in the vicinity of 31 minutes from 10-80%. Regardless of the battery pack, a single 150-kw (201-hp) electric motor provides 209 lb-ft of torque and accelerates the EV3 to 62 mph in 7.5 seconds.

New Kia EV3

Kia EV3 range shaping up for 300+ miles

Kia boasts of a WLTP driving range of up to 373 miles. EPA ratings are based on different driving cycles, and it isn’t a direct translation, but given how other Kia EVs like the EV6 and EV9 have fared, that might mean an EPA range rating of well over 300 miles for some versions.

The EV3 gets a more advanced version of its regenerative braking system, including one-pedal driving and adjustable modes for various levels of regen. The EV3 will be one of the few vehicles in its compact class to provide so-called Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) power output, which is good for powering small appliances and tools—and a gateway for other bidirectional charging features, perhaps. 

The dedicated EV platform accommodates what looks like a roomy passenger space considering this model’s decidedly compact exterior. While cargo capability are rather ordinary for this size of vehicle, at 17.0 cubic feet of rear cargo space with the back seats up and less than a cubic foot of frunk space, the interior layout allows a sliding table, fully reclining seats for a fold-back relaxation mode, and a center console with a sliding table and storage area. An adjustable two-tier luggage floor allows 5.5 inches in load-floor flexibility.

New Kia EV3

Little EV3 goes big with interface, streaming, AI

The focal point of the EV3 dash is its big widescreen display, spanning nearly 30 inches and incorporating two 12.3-inch displays plus a five-inch climate control panel—essentially a version of what’s made its debut in the EV9. The one at the center of the dash is a touchscreen good for entertainment and navigation. 

A smartphone- or smartwatch-based digital key system allows entry without a physical keyfob. Kia plans to provide downloadable display themes to customize the EV3 dash and infotainment system, and streamable content will be available through a Premium Streaming service powered by webOS and via LG’s content platform. Kia says that with the top Harman Kardon audio system the experience will be akin to home cinema. 

The Kia EV3 uses integrated generative AI for its voice assistant, extending natural language commands to span vehicle functions, entertainment, and info searches. 

Just as in the EV3 concept, there’s good use of recycled materials in the production-bound EV3—including recycled fabric for the dash and door trim plus PET used throughout the interior.

New Kia EV3

US arrival date for Kia EV3?

Kia says that the EV3 will be introduced in Korea in July 2024, followed by Europe in the second half of the year. It says it “has plans to expand the sale of EV3 into other regions, with subsequent launches to be expected after the European market entry.” So America might well be part of the plan in 2025.