A team of Chevrolet engineers have broken a world record during a range test in Michigan. They traveled more than 1,000 miles on single charge in a 2026 Silverado EV Max Range Work Truck.
According to a press release, the Silverado EV traveled 1,059.2 miles on a single charge. This broke the record set by Lucid (749 miles) earlier this summer.
Much of the test took place near GM’s Milford Proving Ground in Michigan, but it ended on Detroit’s Belle Isle. A group of engineers took turns controlling the Silverado EV Max Range WT, which has an EPA-estimated range of 493 miles.
The engineers achieved this feat over a matter of days while averaging a cruising speed of 20-25 mph. This is the speed they found to be the most efficient.
As the team noted, they could have simply taken the Silverado EV Max Range WT down some hills to maximize range. They chose to use the truck out on public roads while replicating normal drives.
The Silverado EV Max Range WT had minor adjustments for the test
How does a team break a record with an EV? They start by taking a production vehicle and making some minor changes. They also followed some set rules. For example, no passengers rode in the truck for the majority of the test.
Additionally, the team removed the spare tire to lighten the vehicle and set the windshield wipers to the lowest acceptable position. They inflated the tires to their highest acceptable pressure and optimized wheel alignment.
The tweaks included the addition of a tonneau aircover for “smooth airflow” and the inability to use the climate control system. Finally, Chevrolet’s team conducted this test in the summer for optimum battery efficiency.
“Getting this kind of range on a full charge doesn’t happen by accident,” said Kurt Kelty, VP, battery, propulsion, and sustainability.
“It takes deep integration across battery chemistry, drive unit efficiency, software and vehicle engineering—and that’s exactly what the team delivered. This achievement is a great example of how far our EV technology has come, and the kind of innovation we’re building on every day at GM.”