General Motors has set a new world record for the longest distance an electric vehicle has traveled on a single charge. A team of GM engineers successfully drove a production version of the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado EV for 1704 km (1059 miles). This achievement surpasses the previous record of 1205 km, which was held by the Lucid Air Grand Touring.
Record-Setting Model and Modifications
The record was set using the entry-level Work Truck model, not the high-end “Max Range” version which features a 205 kWh battery and an EPA-estimated range of 793 km. The Work Truck model has a starting price of $54,895 in the US.
To reach this distance, the team made several minor physical adjustments without altering the vehicle’s software, battery, or motor. These adjustments included:
- Adding a tonneau cover to improve the truck’s aerodynamics and create smoother airflow over the bed.
- Adjusting the windshield wipers to their lowest position to reduce drag.
- Inflating the tires to their maximum safe pressure to minimize rolling resistance.
- Removing the spare tire to reduce the overall weight of the vehicle.
- Performing a special wheel alignment optimized for minimal friction.
Driving Conditions and Insights
The record-breaking drive took place during the summer, which provides ideal temperatures for battery performance. The route involved GM’s Milford Proving Ground test site and public roads around Detroit’s Belle Isle. Drivers worked in one-hour shifts and maintained a consistent average speed between 32 and 40 km/h. To maximize efficiency, sudden acceleration and hard braking were avoided, and the vehicle’s air conditioning was kept off for the entire test.
While these test conditions don’t reflect typical daily use, the drive serves as a significant example of what is possible in terms of efficiency. By isolating variables such as speed, environment, and vehicle configuration, the test demonstrated the highest level of performance achievable by the current platform.
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