MWS recently had the opportunity to drive General Motors’ electric pick-up truck, the GMC Sierra EV. The vehicle tested was the Denali trim, which is the brand’s top end trim level for its vehicles. As you would expect it had all the bells and whistles you would want to find on a luxury pick-up truck.
With many fleets today looking to reduce their carbon footprint and fuel costs, an electric pick-up truck is another option to consider. As many fleets would be looking for a trim closer to the work truck specification that is the most cost effective, GMC has introduced two trim levels: one that bring the Sierra EV to a lower starting price, and one that goes in a more off-road capable direction.
“With these additional trims and customer options, the Sierra EV is positioned right in the heart of the premium truck market,” says Jaclyn McQuaid, global vice president, Buick GMC. “The combination of Elevation, AT4, and Denali represent the most popular expressions of Sierra, accounting for more than two out of three of all Sierra light-duty sales. The result is a compelling all-electric lineup for those customers looking for cutting-edge technology, capability, and refinement. The Sierra EV is a real truck that does real truck things, matched with EV performance and advanced tech. With the expansion of the line-up, we can not wait to get more customers behind the wheel.”
SPECIFICATIONS
The GMC Sierra EV comes with a two-motor set up (one front and one rear) with electronic 4WD, with three battery system options (standard, extended and max ranges). Elevation trim offers standard or extended range battery, AT4 with extended or max range, and Denali is available with any of the three. How much range does the Sierra EV offer? Elevations has up to 410 miles, and AT4 and Denali have up to 478 miles. These are max totals for each trim; range will vary depending on battery and packaging.
Horsepower ranges from 625hp (AT4 extended range) to 645hp (Elevation and Denali extended range), to 725hp (AT4 max range), and tops out at 760hp (Denali max range). Torque numbers go from 765 pounds/feet (Elevation extended range) to 775 lbs/ft (AT4 extended range and max range), to 785 lbs/ft (Denali extended and max range).
Of importance is that payload numbers range from 1,950lb (AT4) to 2,250lb (Elevation and Denali), with towing numbers of 12,300lb (AT4) to 12,500lb (Elevation and Denali). Cargo box volume is 1,628L or 57.5 cubic/feet, with the eTruck offering another 311L or 11 cu/ft of space.
TRIM WALK
What does the Elevation offer? A 16.8-inch center touchscreen, eTrunk with power hood, Multipro tailgate and available midgate, unique dark interior, and available 800V DC fast charging capability (up to 300W charging), and 7.2 kW Energy Transfer off-board power system, and available Super Cruise hands-free driving technology.
Moving up to the Denali trim offers the most choice. In addition to the battery choices, you can pick from two unique interiors, have heated and ventilated seats, standard Super Cruise, as well as available four-wheel steer, adaptive air suspension, and panoramic fixed sunroof.
Moving up to the AT4 offroad-focused trim adds two inches of ground clearance, four-wheel steer (Crabwalk), standard Super Cruise, unique interior, illuminated front badge, available expandable midgate expandable bed, and 10.2 kW Energy Transfer Pro off-board power system.
There is some price overlap between the AT4 and Denali, with the Denali starting at a lower price, but topping out as the highest priced when optioned with all the bells and whistle GMC offers. Also, the battery system and electric components are covered by an eight-year or 100,000 miles warranty.
USEFUL FEATURES
Four-wheel steering is offered on the AT4 and Denali and allows the Sierra EV to perform turning in a much tighter circle. The regular two-wheel steering Elevation model does the turning circle in 44ft, while the Denali does it in 42.16’, and the AT4 does it in 39.1’.
The MultiPro midgate allows the truck to put items through a passthrough (by folding down the midgate, removing the glass and folding the seats), and getting 10’ 10” of bed space, when also using the load stop function of the truck tailgate.
about the author
Mario Cywinski is the editor of Modern Work Truck Solutions and has worked in the automotive industry for over 20 years, both as an automotive journalist and working for a local dealership. He is a member of the Automobile Journalist Association of Canada. He can be reached at mario@mwsmag.com.
