[WXman]

Rather than comparing EV trucks against each other, I think it would be very interesting to survey a few hundred people on the reservation lists and ask them this question: "Why do you want a fully electric pickup truck?"

I think the answers would be interesting. I always assumed the draw to EV pickups was the prospect of saving money via not having to buy gasoline/diesel and engine fluids anymore. Clearly that's not the case because people are willing to pay $20k to $50k more money to get one of these EV pickups vs. a traditional ICE pickup. So....what IS the reason? Why do people want an EV pickup? Inquiring minds want to know.

 

[tsuintx]

A new ICE Crew Cab WT starts at $40K+, so there really isn't a difference, actually. Depending how you equip your, of course. Pretty sure the price will not at least go down in the next couple of years.

The reason for me buying (well..., still depends on how to dealer approaches the deal) one is that I just want one. No particular reason, really. I've never bought a brand new vehicle in my life, but decided that this would be a good opportunity to do that. LOL! I know, doesn't make sense, does it.

I already have an ICE truck and will be keeping it even when I have my EV.

 

[Flapjacks]

Rather than comparing EV trucks against each other, I think it would be very interesting to survey a few hundred people on the reservation lists and ask them this question: "Why do you want a fully electric pickup truck?"

I think the answers would be interesting. I always assumed the draw to EV pickups was the prospect of saving money via not having to buy gasoline/diesel and engine fluids anymore. Clearly that's not the case because people are willing to pay $20k to $50k more money to get one of these EV pickups vs. a traditional ICE pickup. So....what IS the reason? Why do people want an EV pickup? Inquiring minds want to know.

I am getting an EV truck for the capability and to reduce my oil dependency. I've never owned a truck in my adult life, and being a fairly new homeowner, am in need of one to carry the things that won't fit in my Bolts.

 

[NutsnBolt]

I have a Bolt EV and have been surprised how much I enjoy the different driving experience. A big reason for switching to EV is reducing reliance on fossil fuels. AND I installed a solar system and like the fact that I get "free" fuel for much of the year.

Of course there are negatives: lower range, slow charging, weight, ... . But I can live with those -- I think.

 

[camaroz1985]

I am buying an EV truck because I prefer the EV driving experience (smooth, quiet, fast acceleration, convenience of having a "full tank" every morning, etc.), but mostly just because I want one. I am not one to believe that driving an EV is more "green" than driving an ICE vehicle. I do have solar, so I am not driving a coal or natural gas powered EV (unless fast charging), but the process of building an EV, battery, or even solar panels, is far from green.

 

[Watson]

I also want it for the driving experience. I get to drive a bolt occasionally for work and that’s all it took. Instant torque no matter what speed you are at. It’s fun. I currently drive a 22 year old diesel so I guess it’s probably more “green”, but that’s not why I want an ev truck.

 

[WXman]

A new ICE Crew Cab WT starts at $40K+, so there really isn't a difference, actually. Depending how you equip your, of course. Pretty sure the price will not at least go down in the next couple of years.

The reason for me buying (well..., still depends on how to dealer approaches the deal) one is that I just want one. No particular reason, really. I've never bought a brand new vehicle in my life, but decided that this would be a good opportunity to do that. LOL! I know, doesn't make sense, does it.

I already have an ICE truck and will be keeping it even when I have my EV.

Right, but in the real world can you buy an EV pickup for $40k? Theoretically it's possible, but it's extremely difficult. However, ICE pickups sell for $40k and less every day.

I am getting an EV truck for the capability and to reduce my oil dependency. I've never owned a truck in my adult life, and being a fairly new homeowner, am in need of one to carry the things that won't fit in my Bolts.

I have a Bolt EV and have been surprised how much I enjoy the different driving experience. A big reason for switching to EV is reducing reliance on fossil fuels. AND I installed a solar system and like the fact that I get "free" fuel for much of the year.

Of course there are negatives: lower range, slow charging, weight, ... . But I can live with those -- I think.

Reduce oil dependency. But what is the benefit of that to you as the consumer? Again, if you are paying a $20-$50k premium to get an EV you aren't saving a dime. If you're thinking that it's "green" it isn't. I just saw another article yesterday that compared the Hummer EV to a Ram TRX in terms of how long it would take to break even on carbon emissions. It was YEARS due to how "dirty" the production of EV pickups is, and the Ram TRX is the most un-green ICE pickup on the market so if they had used a Silverado 2.7L or 3.0L diesel for comparison instead it would look even worse for the EV. There is really no environmental benefit. So if it's not going to save money, and it's not going to aid the environment, then.... I guess it's all political? We just don't want those rich b*stards in the middle east to keep getting richer?

I'm not arguing, I'm just throwing out food for thought. I find this rapid transition to EV to be an interesting dynamic and I often think about what the real cause and effect is.

 

[HawaiiEV]

I would be curious to see that article. Things are changing quickly with lithium battery chemistry. GM claims 70% less cobalt and 60% increased capacity compared to the chemistry found in the bolt. Again you are not accounting for people like myself who will be driving for free and saving $40k over the life of the truck on gas and no carbon emissions. You are intent on making the argument and claim to have seen the data, let’s see it here.

 

[Flapjacks]

Reduce oil dependency. But what is the benefit of that to you as the consumer? Again, if you are paying a $20-$50k premium to get an EV you aren't saving a dime. If you're thinking that it's "green" it isn't. I just saw another article yesterday that compared the Hummer EV to a Ram TRX in terms of how long it would take to break even on carbon emissions. It was YEARS due to how "dirty" the production of EV pickups is, and the Ram TRX is the most un-green ICE pickup on the market so if they had used a Silverado 2.7L or 3.0L diesel for comparison instead it would look even worse for the EV. There is really no environmental benefit. So if it's not going to save money, and it's not going to aid the environment, then.... I guess it's all political? We just don't want those rich b*stards in the middle east to keep getting richer?

I'm not arguing, I'm just throwing out food for thought. I find this rapid transition to EV to be an interesting dynamic and I often think about what the real cause and effect is.

I've seen the studies as well, and you're right, it takes years to hit the break-even point regarding production based carbon emissions. I have years...I plan to drive this truck until it won't take a charge. In the long run, it is "greener". I live in a state that is powered mostly by hydroelectric power, I have solar panels that produce enough power anually to run my household. While it is mostly an environmental concern, I also resent being beholden to the fossil fuel industry (don't get me started on plastic...). Today's ridiculous gas prices alone are more than enough reason for me to want to electrify all my future vehicles. So, yes, some of it is political and some of it is based on actual data that says, for me, going with en electric truck is better than an ICE vehicle.

I would be curious to see that article. Things are changing quickly with lithium battery chemistry. GM claims 70% less cobalt and 60% increased capacity compared to the chemistry found in the bolt. Again you are not accounting for people like myself who will be driving for free and saving $40k over the life of the truck on gas and no carbon emissions. You are intent on making the argument and claim to have seen the data, let’s see it here.

Here's an older analysis (which admittedly makes a lot of assumptions, but the logic applies). Engineering Explained (sorry for the facebook video link, I don't have youtube access at work)

 

[HawaiiEV]

There’s also the other tailpipe emissions, so2, NOx, ozone, unburnt fuel, and particulates that tend to have local environmental impacts im more worried about. I know every time I start my truck I can smell all kinds of nasty stuff that isn’t CO2, finding its way into my lungs and staying in the local environment.

 

[bbrriiaann1973]

Right, but in the real world can you buy an EV pickup for $40k? Theoretically it's possible, but it's extremely difficult. However, ICE pickups sell for $40k and less every day.




Reduce oil dependency. But what is the benefit of that to you as the consumer? Again, if you are paying a $20-$50k premium to get an EV you aren't saving a dime. If you're thinking that it's "green" it isn't. I just saw another article yesterday that compared the Hummer EV to a Ram TRX in terms of how long it would take to break even on carbon emissions. It was YEARS due to how "dirty" the production of EV pickups is, and the Ram TRX is the most un-green ICE pickup on the market so if they had used a Silverado 2.7L or 3.0L diesel for comparison instead it would look even worse for the EV. There is really no environmental benefit. So if it's not going to save money, and it's not going to aid the environment, then.... I guess it's all political? We just don't want those rich b*stards in the middle east to keep getting richer?

I'm not arguing, I'm just throwing out food for thought. I find this rapid transition to EV to be an interesting dynamic and I often think about what the real cause and effect is.

That number you referred to goes to next to zero when you have solar panels on your roof. How they are build is none of my concern, I am amazed at how people will come up with any reason possible not to buy a EV. It's sad really!

 

[bbrriiaann1973]

GM has talked about a RST and W/T version. Will there be a Custom, LT, LTZ, High Country as well?

 

[Flapjacks]

GM has talked about a RST and W/T version. Will there be a Custom, LT, LTZ, High Country as well?

The only other trim that has been confirmed, to my knowledge, is the Trail Boss. But Chevy has also said there will be trims available in 50, 60, 70, and 80k price ranges.

 

[bbrriiaann1973]

The only other trim that has been confirmed, to my knowledge, is the Trail Boss. But Chevy has also said there will be trims available in 50, 60, 70, and 80k price ranges.

Thank you, I have one reserved and am looking forward to trade in my Cadillac CT6 for a Silverado EV.

 

[WXman]

That number you referred to goes to next to zero when you have solar panels on your roof. How they are build is none of my concern, I am amazed at how people will come up with any reason possible not to buy a EV. It's sad really!

So, solar panels on your roof make up for the $20-$50k premium you paid to get an electric truck? I assume you mean over the next 30 years, right?

Or did you mean that your solar panels eliminate the horrible environmental damage that mining and production in other places cause?

In either case, I don't follow your logic... you as the consumer are still saving absolutely nothing and are doing no good for others. So I still don't get it.

The folks who said they just like the power and instant torque of the electric motors...that's a good reason. Somebody else said they like to use their truck on the farm, so if they can charge at the farm they never have to make the drive into town for fuel. That's a good reason also.

 

[bbrriiaann1973]

So, solar panels on your roof make up for the $20-$50k premium you paid to get an electric truck? I assume you mean over the next 30 years, right?

Or did you mean that your solar panels eliminate the horrible environmental damage that mining and production in other places cause?

In either case, I don't follow your logic... you as the consumer are still saving absolutely nothing and are doing no good for others. So I still don't get it.

The folks who said they just like the power and instant torque of the electric motors...that's a good reason. Somebody else said they like to use their truck on the farm, so if they can charge at the farm they never have to make the drive into town for fuel. That's a good reason also.

First of all you can buy a EV Bolt for about 30k! So I don't know where people like you come up with this 20k to 50k price. The Silverado EV starts at 40k, I purchased my Silverado that I have for 55k. Your telling me that I can't purchase Silverado EV for around 55k?

As for the impact on the environment, I could really care less. I am not a tree hugger and I am not interested in repairing planet earth.

The real reason I have solar panels on my house and why I will be buying a EV is so the when the changes in oil prices and electricity rates happen. These fluctuations won't affect me. I get free electricity for my house and my car! What's not to like?

Keep living in denial about the EV market, one day you will come around.

I wish I could say more but I'd probably just get booted from this site!

 

[HawaiiEV]

My solar system is 8.4 kw and included 18 kw of battery, it was $15k after tax credits and pays for itself over 7 years at the electric rate I was paying when I put it in. That was three years ago and I’m now running two AC units, a pool pump, charging the wife’s car and prices have gone up. I’m sure my electric bill would be $5-600 a month instead of the $200 it was so no doubt it’s paid for itself already, although I haven’t rerun the numbers. So yes it Is essentially free and it also makes me immune to the unreliable nature of our grid and the price increases in electric or gasoline. With the Silverado I’ll be working pretty hard to only charge off solar, I’ve got excess available during the day and my schedule allows. I’m considering an expansion of the system mainly to add more battery, while maybe not financially worth it now it would give me the luxury of more flexibility when I use the power and of course allow for more toys like AC and a hot tub. I could just float it all with minimal payments for some excess grid power, as I already do in some of the winter months, however being completely off grid capable appeals to me. We are saving $1500 a year running my wife’s car off solar instead of the gas we used in her hybrid before. For my truck the savings will be much more dramatic, something like $4-5000 a year at the way things are now.

To help you understand it really is free and more so pays for the truck. I’m driving a Cadillac now that cost $50k new, I didn’t buy it new but someone did, adjusted for inflation that’s a lot higher then I’ll spend on my Silverado EV new not including the $40k saved in gas over ten years.

I’m no tree hugger, I don’t care about CO2 other then I don’t live in the city and my life is such that I’m already many times greener then all my city dwelling liberal friends who won’t shut up about global warming and won’t do anything about it. I’m happy the truck will have zero emissions of the kind I do care about for me and my family, and local community. It wouldn’t make financial sense not to do what I’m doing, and I don’t mind getting a few luxury’s out of my truck along the way as it will be my primary vehicle to haul my wife and children around. I’ve gotten accustomed to things like having the AC on in my wife’s car without the engine running while waiting in a parking lot, good for me or the dogs. I like ventilated seats, surround view cameras for parking or making sure the cat is out of the way when backing down the drive. I like seat memory my wife is tiny, I like remote start, lock and unlock from the app, all four doors having touch unlock. I like the heads up display and lane keeping cruise control so I can text or drink a beer while it drives itself down the highway. I’m excited to run all my tools off the truck and leave the Honda generator at home. Wireless carplay would be nice, I’ve got it on the Kenwood deck in the Escalade. I like the digital rear view mirror too.

Hopefully my Silverado EV can come well equipped with the things I want for $70k and I’ll only be paying $30k after ten years. So it will be cheaper then your barebones wt and I’ll probably be living in mine. Kids can make appointments to see me in my office the AC will be running.

 

[NutsnBolt]

I paid a little over $21K for a new 2020 Bolt and power it most of the year totally off solar power. Range is about 260 miles. There are no significant negatives to owning and using the car the way we do. And it's a pleasure to drive, and fun to outrun hotrods at traffic signals when the chance arises.

 

[bbrriiaann1973]

I paid a little over $21K for a new 2020 Bolt and power it most of the year totally off solar power. Range is about 260 miles. There are no significant negatives to owning and using the car the way we do. And it's a pleasure to drive, and fun to outrun hotrods at traffic signals when the chance arises.

Why don't more people understand this.