The 8,800-pound electric truck has managed to outlast one of the longest-range sedans in a range test. However, this extended battery life comes at a significant cost.
- The GMC Sierra EV Denali is not the ideal choice to be the range leader due to its large dimensions and significant 3,982 kilogram curb weight.
- On a chilly sunny day in California, it surpassed its estimated Environmental Protection Agency range figure of 460 miles, traveling a remarkable 507 miles using a single charge.
- The Lucid Air Dream Edition still has the highest EPA rated range of 520 miles, but the Sierra EV went farther in real-world driving conditions.
Just edged past the Air in real-world range testing, getting as close as possible to the Air's official EPA rating.
The Sierra EV achieved a remarkable 507 miles on a single full charge, surpassing the earlier result of 505 miles for the Air Dream Edition. This exceptional performance is notable given the Sierra EV's considerable weight, estimated at around 8,800 pounds, and its 24-inch wheels.
But tests like these show how far along EVs have come in terms of road-tripping capabilities and help reduce range anxiety, which has been a barrier to broader EV adoption. Additionally, if you're towing, your vehicle's real-world range will decrease significantly. Having extra battery capacity for such instances may help win over passionate truck enthusiasts.
Edmunds conducted the test with a driving split of 60% city and 40% highway at an average speed of 40 miles per hour. Drivers generally maintained a speed within 5 miles per hour of posted limits, and the test took place on a sunny day with a comfortable temperature of 58 degrees Fahrenheit.
According to the numbers, the Air is still in the lead, with an EPA-rated range of 520 miles. In comparison, the Sierra EV has an EPA-estimated range of 460 miles, thanks to its 200-kWh Max battery pack. However, it surpassed its EPA estimate, adding 47 extra miles of range to its actual performance. This is a remarkable feat, particularly when you consider that the average range of EVs sold in the U.S. in 2024 was around 283 miles. This figure has reached a new high and is expected to continue rising in the coming years.
The company's electric trucks show impressive range capabilities. The Chevrolet Silverado EV RST, which uses the same ground-breaking Ultium platform as the Sierra EV, exceeded its predicted EPA range figure in a recent test. According to the manufacturer, it is designed to go 450 miles on a single charge. In fact, it successfully completed a 484-mile range test conducted by Edmunds.
There's one major issue - the Sierra EV could have traveled a farther distance if it had been more efficient.
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Even if it's difficult to mimic this in everyday life, it demonstrates the potential when efforts are concentrated on efficient energy usage and aerodynamics rather than battery capacity.
I suppose that’s the trade-off when it comes to electric trucks. They’re large, pricey, inefficient and recharge extremely costly, mainly due to their massive battery packs. However, the added range and weight serve as necessary features for towing and hauling capabilities. Nonetheless, one shouldn't anticipate the Sierra EV to maintain its top position for an extended period.
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