70 MPG combined. Think about what that means. Chevrolet claims that for the 2025 Silverado EV 5WT equipped with the 19 kW charger. It’s not a typo; it’s the estimated fuel efficiency of a full-size electric pickup truck designed to haul, tow, and work hard all day long. This isn’t aimed at weekend warriors or casual commuters. The 5WT is built for fleet use, designed for businesses that need to manage costs and showcase their commitment to sustainability. Understanding this truck requires understanding its mission.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the Silverado EV 5WT achieves 77 MPG in the city and 63 MPG on the highway. The higher city MPG reflects the efficiency of electric motors in stop-and-go traffic, capturing energy through regenerative braking, while highway driving consumes more energy overcoming aerodynamic drag at higher speeds. These numbers are critical for businesses analyzing total cost of ownership. For a construction company operating primarily in an urban environment, the 77 MPG city figure is a significant advantage. Conversely, a delivery service covering long highway miles needs to carefully consider the 63 MPG highway rating in their route planning.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2025 Chevrolet Silverado EV 5WT (19 kW Charger) at exactly $1,100. This is calculated based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average electricity prices. While individual electricity rates vary greatly by region and charging schedule, that $1,100 figure provides a standardized benchmark for comparing running costs against traditional gasoline-powered trucks. For fleet managers, consistent and predictable operating expenses are essential, and that fixed cost helps immensely with budgeting.

Real-world expectations

Even with impressive EPA figures, real-world energy consumption can vary substantially. Factors such as payload, towing, driving style, ambient temperature, and terrain play a significant role. Towing, in particular, dramatically reduces range and efficiency in electric vehicles. Consider these estimates a baseline. Businesses serious about incorporating the Silverado EV 5WT into their fleets should conduct their own trials under representative operating conditions to accurately assess energy consumption and charging needs. Tracking mileage and kilowatt-hours consumed allows for creating custom efficiency profiles tailored to their particular usage patterns.

How it compares

The Ford F-150 Lightning, another electric full-size truck, offers a slightly different blend of performance and efficiency. The EPA rates the F-150 Lightning with the standard range battery at 78 MPG city and 63 MPG highway, while the extended range battery achieves 70 MPG city and 61 MPG highway. The Rivian R1T, aimed at a more premium user, achieves around 74 MPG combined. While these electric trucks are all in the same ballpark, small differences in efficiency, payload, and charging infrastructure considerations can sway a fleet manager’s decision. And it’s worth exploring all Chevrolet fuel economy data to see how other models stack up, as well as exploring the SILVERADO MPG across all years to better understand the evolution of the model and its technology.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The first step toward improved efficiency is driver training. Educate drivers on the fundamentals of driving an electric vehicle: smooth acceleration, anticipating traffic flow, and maximizing regenerative braking. Emphasize gentle acceleration for the first few minutes of driving in cold temperatures, as energy usage is higher when the battery is cold.

Careful route planning is critical. Identify optimal charging locations along frequently traveled routes. Use the Silverado EV 5WT’s built-in energy consumption monitoring tools to analyze driving patterns and identify opportunities for route optimization. Apps such as “A Better Route Planner” can assist in determining optimal charging stops.

Consider preconditioning the battery and cabin while the vehicle is plugged in. This minimizes energy draw from the battery once the vehicle is underway, especially in extreme hot or cold weather. Regular tire pressure checks are essential, as underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and reduce efficiency.

Finally, be mindful of payload. While the Silverado EV 5WT is designed to haul, every extra pound impacts efficiency. Optimize cargo loading to minimize unnecessary weight. Removing non-essential items from the cab and bed can incrementally but noticeably improve energy consumption over time.