The Electric Revolution comes full-throttle to Pickups
While our minds may be in summer beach mode, with the sound of rolling waves hitting the sand and stone beaches of New England, truck enthusiasts find themselves on the cusp of an automotive revolution. The arrival of electric pickup trucks isn’t just a distant rumor anymore – they are here, and they’re transforming the way we think about capability, efficiency, and environmental responsibility. Today, we’re putting two titans of this new era head-to-head: the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV RST and the Tesla Cybertruck. Buckle up, because this ride into the future is going to be electrifying!
But before we begin, a word on perspective. This head-to-head comparison looks at these two trucks from the perspective of consumer living in the New England region. Here in the northeast, we live through four distinct seasons per year, drive under a variety of road conditions, including both urban and rural settings, and pickups are many times part of our daily life. So if that sounds like you, please read on.
Styling: Tradition Meets Innovation
The Silverado EV RST strikes a perfect balance between futuristic design and the classic truck silhouette that New Englanders have come to trust. Its sleek lines and distinctive front light bar turn heads without alienating traditional truck lovers. Step inside, and you’re greeted by a spacious, premium cabin that marries cutting-edge technology with intuitive controls. Yes, Chevrolet has incorporated many traditional buttons and switches for a tactile feel and driver control.
But make no mistake, Chevrolet engineers did not take any shortcuts by simply adding batteries to an existing Silverado; the new Silverado EV RST is an electric truck from the ground up. The only shared component between the gas-engine Silverado and the Silverado EV may be the Chevrolet Bowtie on the front grille.
Chevrolet Silverado EV RST Interior – featuring a tasteful mix of large touch-screen displays with tactile buttons and switches for ease of operation.
The Cybertruck, with its angular stainless-steel body, makes a bold statement. It’s a head-turner, no doubt, but its polarizing design may not resonate with everyone. Its minimalist interior centered around a single large touchscreen is futuristic but may feel less intuitive for some users. Tesla relies strictly on a touch-screen interface to control everything from power windows to radio to HVAC and other functions. While touch-screens are futuristic and look tech savvy, they can be challenging to operate under certain conditions, like winter weather when you have gloves on.
Elon Musk and his design team at Tesla set out to make a statement with the Cybertruck; and it will be up to individual consumers to decide if that statement is something they want to put their hard-earned money into.
The futuristic yet spartan interior of the Tesla Cybertruck features a single center mounted touch-screen and virtually no buttons or switches
Performance: Power Meets Efficiency
Both trucks offer impressive performance, but the Silverado EV RST shines with its advanced adaptive air suspension, providing a smooth ride on everything from Boston’s cobblestone streets to rural Vermont’s dirt roads. Its lower center of gravity promises improved handling, crucial for navigating New England’s diverse terrain.
The Silverado EV RST features a dual-motor setup, with one motor on each axle, providing all-wheel-drive. Power output comes in at 754 horsepower and 785 lb-ft of torque, helping the Silverado accelerate 0 to 60 in about 4.5 seconds in wide-open watts mode.
Early production models of the Cybertruck received some criticism for a harsh ride on certain surfaces. It seems Tesla has been listening and its first major software update has addressed some of those concerns. The Cybertruck now promises a more consistent response on various road surfaces. As has been the case with other Tesla products, the manufacturer will continue to ‘tweak’ production models along the way.
The Cybertruck offers multiple motor configurations, including single, dual, and tri-motor setups. The tri-motor version, known as the “Cyberbeast”, features one motor driving the front wheels and two motors driving the rear wheels. While the tri-motor version will cost $30,000 plus more than the dual motor version, it boosts output from 600 horsepower to 845 horsepower and 864 lb-ft of torque. See Chart below for more specific dimensions and specifications.
Capabilities: Versatility for Every Season
When it comes to cargo, the Silverado EV RST’s innovative Multi-Flex Midgate is a game-changer. It extends the truck bed from 5’11” to 9’1″, perfect for hauling everything from kayaks for a summer trip to Maine to fresh-cut Christmas trees from Jones Family Tree Farm in Connecticut in December. The Cybertruck offers a 6.5′ bed but lacks this extending feature.
For towing, both trucks impress. The Silverado EV RST can tow up to 10,000 lbs, while the Cybertruck is rated for 11,000 lbs. Remember, though, that towing impacts the range of electric vehicles, an important consideration for long hauls through the mountains of Vermont or along the coast of Massachusetts. And with the Silverado’s 200 kWh battery pack vs Cybertruck’s 123 kWh battery pack, the Silverado has a significant edge when it comes to range.
Everyday Livability in New England
When it comes to maneuvering through narrow Boston streets or finding parking in Providence, the Silverado EV RST has a slight edge. Its narrower width and more traditional shape make it easier to navigate tight spots. Both trucks may face challenges in older parking garages, but the Silverado’s slightly lower height could be advantageous.
For home garagability, the Silverado EV’s dimensions and familiar shape make it easier to judge in tight spaces – a crucial factor for many Fairfield County homes with older garages.
While the Cybertruck is slightly shorter than the Silverado, it is about 4 inches wider. But a look at interior dimensions shows the Silverado EV RST offers significantly more space in many key directions, helping to provide a more comfortable driver and passenger experience.
Costs Beyond the Initial Price
Looking at long-term ownership costs, the Silverado EV RST presents some compelling advantages. Its more conventional construction and Chevrolet’s extensive service network throughout New England and across the US, likely mean more predictable insurance rates and easier, potentially less costly repairs. Both vehicles should have the low upkeep costs typical of EVs, but the Silverado’s established brand in the truck market might lead to more predictable resale values.
The Silverado EV RST also benefits from Chevrolet’s experience with electric vehicles in cold climates, a crucial factor for New England winters. Its more accessible charging options in rural areas are another plus for exploring all corners of our beautiful region.
Conclusion: The Future is Electric, and It’s Here at Karl Chevrolet
As we look at the current landscape of vehicle choices, and the trends headed our way, the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV RST emerges as a compelling choice for New England drivers. It combines the innovation of electric technology with the reliability and familiarity that Chevrolet is known for.
At the heart of the New England way of life is a tough, rugged, resilient will to live independently, taking care of the land we are entrusted with. The move to sustainable personal transportation is here to stay. Yet the work of daily living will always be with us. Thus, the Silverado EV helps to strike the perfect balance to allow any job to get done in style and comfort.
But don’t just take our word for it. We invite you to experience the future of trucks for yourself. Visit us at Karl Chevrolet (Hours and Directions) for a personalized tour and test drive of the new Silverado EV RST. Our knowledgeable staff is ready to answer all your questions and help you discover how this revolutionary truck can fit into your lifestyle.
The electric future is here, and it’s more exciting than a perfect summer day at the Cape. Come see for yourself why the Silverado EV RST is set to become as much a part of New England as lobster rolls and fall foliage. Your journey into the electric age starts at Karl Chevrolet – where tradition meets innovation, and the road ahead is cleaner, quieter, and more thrilling than ever before.
The 2024 Silverado EV RST has arrived at Karl Chevrolet in New Canaan CT
Close-up of Chevrolet Silverado EV RST Front Headlamp Assembly – it’s all in the details.
Tale of the Tape: A Look at Dimensions and Capabilities
| Feature | Chevrolet Silverado EV RST | Tesla Cybertruck |
| Exterior Dimensions | ||
| Length | 233.1 in (5,920 mm) | 223.74 in (5,682.9 mm) |
| Width (without mirrors) | 83.8 in (2,129 mm) | 79.99 in (2,031.8 mm) |
| Width (with mirrors) | 91.3 in (2,394 mm) | 95.01 in (2,413.3 mm) |
| Height | 78.7 in (1,999 mm) | 76.61 in (1,945.8 mm) |
| Wheelbase | 145.7 in (3,700 mm) | 143.11 in (3,635 mm) |
| Ground Clearance | 8.9 in (227 mm) | 7.93 – 16.00 in (201.3 – 406.3 mm) |
| Interior Dimensions | ||
| Front Headroom | 43.9 in (1,114 mm) | 41.69 in (1,058.8 mm) |
| Rear Headroom | 38.7 in (982 mm) | 39.05 in (991.9 mm) |
| Front Legroom | 44.8 in (1,139 mm) | 41.09 in (1,043.6 mm) |
| Rear Legroom | 44.3 in (1,126 mm) | 40.90 in (1,038.8 mm) |
| Front Shoulder Room | 64.9 in (1,649 mm) | 63.31 in (1,608 mm) |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 63.8 in (1,621 mm) | 62.06 in (1,576.4 mm) |
| Front Hip Room | 62.0 in (1,575 mm) | 57.22 in (1,453.3 mm) |
| Rear Hip Room | 61.5 in (1,561 mm) | 57.22 in (1,453.5 mm) |
| Cargo Capacities | ||
| Bed Length | 71.0 in | 72.92 in (1,852.2 mm) |
| Bed Length with mid-gate folded | 110.0 in | n/a |
| Cargo Capacity (Frunk) | 10.7 cu.ft. (303 L) | 7.1 cu.ft. (201 L) |
| Max Payload | 1,400 lbs | 2,500 lbs |
| Max Towing Capacity | 10,000 lbs | 11,000 lbs |
| Range | 440 miles | 340 miles |