Electric Vehicles Archives - EV Rider

EV Swap: Mustang Mach-E To Charger Daytona

Bill Bortzfield — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 10:31:00 +0000

This week on EV Rider, after four years and 67,000 trouble-free miles, I’m saying goodbye to my Ford Mustang Mach-E, as I welcome a new to-me EV to my home stable.

Post your ChargerDaytona or Mustang Mach-E questions or comments here

Before I talk about my just acquired used 2024 Dodge Charger Scat Pack EV, here’s a quick summary about my Mach-E.

The Mustang Mach-E has been a wonderful car. Since I just recently did a 60,000 miles review, I won’t bore you by repeating what’s in that video, but here it is for anyone that would like to watch it:

The Mach-E’s short story is that in its final 7,000 miles with me, including a seven-state road trip, everything went just as smoothly as always.

As I end my ownership experience with the Mach-E, I can heartily recommend it to anyone considering a new or used EV.

Next, let’s look at what I replaced it with.

Dodge’s Charger Daytona is one of the most controversial EVs on the road today. A good number of V8 HEMI fans are furious that the fastest 0-60 mph Dodge currently has in production is now an EV, and not many EV fans are likely to consider a two-door muscle car that by EV standards, is fairly inefficient.

Plus, early Charger EV owners have a reported a variety of issues, a good many of which required the cars to be towed. Add it all together and these cars have lost up to 50% or more of their value in under two years.

Since I absolutely love the style, comfort, handling and performance of the Charger, I decided to take a chance, given the price plummet.

For you Charger owners out there, my CarFax report shows the flashes have been performed on the car, so I’m hopeful that many of the software glitches and 12v accessory battery issues that plagued early owners might be in this car’s rear view mirror.

One nice, early surprise, the Charger is showing a 3.6 mile per kWh average since I reset the trip odometer after taking ownership.

It’s too soon to know, but when driving the Daytona in Eco mode it’s looking like it will probably match or maybe even exceed my Mach-E’s range, which if that proves to be accurate, would be a wonderful surprise.

I’m still in the honeymoon phase and learning, so I won’t begin to try to evaluate the Daytona yet.

But here’s what I will say early on, the Charger has the two-door personal luxury coupe presence I love, which is a rare find among new cars, whether gas or EV. And it’s making a strong first impression.

For you Charger owners, I’d invite you to watch the video I did on a fellow owner’s Scat Pack a few months ago and be sure to subscribe since I’ll be doing follow-ups on my Charger as I get to know it better.

More Dodge Charger Daytona Coverage

Long-Term Owner Review: Charger Daytona Scat Pack

Drop Top Customs Developing Dodge Charger EV Convertible

Production Dodge Charger EV Unveiled With Full Specs

2024 Dodge Charger Daytona EV Convertible Announced

4 EV Coupe Concepts; 2 Headed For Production

EV Muscle: Dodge Unveils ’24 Charger Daytona

More Ford Mustang Mach-E Coverage

How To: LED Car Interior Lighting Accessories

EV Vs. Gas Mustangs: Fuel Cost Difference Is Striking

60,000 Miles Later: 2022 Mustang Mach-E Review

Should Ford Build This Mustang Mach-E Convertible?

Ford Shows Off Tri-Motor Mustang Mach-E For NASCAR

Mustang Mach-E EV Sells Better Than Gas Mustang

The post EV Swap: Mustang Mach-E To Charger Daytona appeared first on EV Rider.

GMC Sierra AT4 EV Goes The Distance

Dan Scanlan — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 18:53:08 +0000

Artist Diana Brewer’s 1952 GMC pickup truck, nicknamed Pa2unia, is a stunning shapely classic design with some handcrafted touches by her.

But as we united this classic, artfully patinated 196-inch-long green pickup with its way bigger great-great grandson, one thing was for sure – it was dwarfed by this high-tech 64-year-old descendant – which does not use petrol as its motivation.

Standing a good foot taller was the 231-inch-long, 75-inch tall 2026 GMC Sierra AT4 EV, as in electric vehicle. And while Pa2unia’s 100-hp inline 6 was a sturdy workhorse then and now, it’s no match for our Summit White Sierra AT4’s 725 horsepower and 775 lb-ft of torque. But gosh, did they look happy together among some amazing stuff in the Brewer’s Towing Service yard, as family cats wandered over to check it all out.

Then we decided to leave Pa2unia and play with our EV Sierra on Northeast Florida’s roads. After all, Pa2unia looks best in the sun, not shaded by a grandchild.

OK, both the GMC Sierra AT4 EV and Chevrolet Silverado Trail Boss EV that we just tested share GM’s Ultium battery platform. So they match each other within an inch or so. There’s also basically the same silhouette.

But the Sierra EV has one thing the Silverado EV does not – a grille, or at least a neat black panel that looks like one. And that black panel makes this EV look more GMC, plus it’s got a cool backlit GMC badge dead center, framed by a lit LED accent.

Outer corners are framed by angular DRLs, while the AT4’s red tow hooks are flaked by LED headlights under a ribbed bumper with the only vent, flanked by fog lights – and over a lower skid plate. Squared-off fenders edged in black frame 18-inch AT4 wheels wearing meaty, knobby off-road Goodyear Wrangler rubber with seven inches of clearance between tread and fender flare edge.AT4’s get a 2-inch factory lift.

There are running boards under smooth doorskins. The roofline is low, with higher sills for a streamlined look aided by the sloping C-pillars flowing into cargo bed sides. LED taillights flank a multi-purpose tailgate over a meaty bumper and more silver skid plates. There’s a folding solid tonneau cover to protect what’s in the bed.

Cool fact – this Sierra EV is about 11 inches shorter than the gas Crew Cab version – it’s big but short overhangs and a cleaner body shape help visually shrink it. I also like the GMC heritage in its look.

The running board does not deploy, and there’s no grab handle for the driver. All other doors get them – so you grab the steering wheel and hoist up and into black leather seats with white piping and stitched accents. Only what’s below that looks like basic GM plastic.

Our seats were 16-way power-adjustable, the driver’s getting dual memory presets, although the lumbar control on the driver’s seat cushion did not work on our 5,100-mile-old truck.

While the Silverado EV gets a sweeping, almost one-piece digital gauge and infotainment display, our Sierra EV starts with a standalone 11-inch screen ahead of the driver. It offers everything from a simplified digital mph readout, to a navigation map with speed, or various gauges. Almost all add a small info screen.

The thick leather-clad steering wheel gets standard cruise and screen selection controls in front, and audio buttons in back, plus a small regenerative braking paddle. It’s adjustable too.

Stacked vertically center-stage, versus the Silverado EV’s horizontal one, is a 16.8-inch touchscreen that shows navigation, EV info and more, with a big volume knob low and center. A main menu screen handily accesses settings, Wi-Fi hotspot, phone and most other controls.

There’s a separate icon to access headlights, as well as a menu for trailering, activating the Wi-Fi hotspot, or sensitivity for regen braking/one-pedal driving. I liked the simulated overhead camera images to help back neatly into spots, plus focused nose and tail camera – great for tight spots, or just centering on a trailer hitch.

The center screen also shows big left and right blind spot camera views when you activate turn signals. Below are more touchscreen icons for climate control along with 8 physical buttons for those that would prefer to skip the touchscreen.

The wide center console is framed in more perforated leatherette, with a neat inductive phone charger atop the storage area’s sliding door. There is additional space and USB ports underneath along with storage under the padded armrest.

Back seats offer serious head and leg room for two, even three adults, with a/c vents and heated outboard positions. Seat bottoms fold up 60/40 to reveal storage options. The seatbacks flip forward to offer a platform.

GMC Sierra AT4 EV Offers Tons Of Cargo Space

Like the Chevrolet Avalanche of the early 2000’s, there’s a 60/40 midgate behind the seats that folds down to extend storage space into the cargo bed. Even the rear window can be removed for open air driving.

The Sierra EV has a long laminated clear glass roof – no sliding moonroof – tinted to block UV rays. On sunny days, the Sierra did not warm up, but I’d still want that optional $150 sunshade.

That 57.5-cubic-foot cargo bed has low wheel well intrusion, 115-volt power plugs and a folding metal cover for weatherproof stowage. The MultiPro tailgate has a mini-gate that folds to become a chest-high work table. There’s a step when the tailgate is down;- or a barrier to keep stuff in the bed when it is open. It can handle stuff over 10 feet long. There are steps carved into the outer corners of the rear bumper to ease access to its innards.

With no gas engine under the hood, there’s a frunk with 11 cubic feet of room, plus cup holders, 120-volt plug and drain plugs for picnic ice to melt away.

GM has done EVs right with its adaptable Ultium platform with lots of room for multiple liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery modules down low between electric motors, one at the front, the other in the rear – with Torque Vectoring e4WD. Tap the right icons to select Max Power, and you access 760 hp and 785 lb-ft of torque from its 205-kWh Max Range battery in the AT4 trim. It has an NACS Tesla Supercharger-style port, allowing you to add up to 120 miles of range in 10 minutes at the fastest Level DC charging stations due to its 800-volt electrical system, or a 10 to 80 percent charge in about 40 minutes. At home it can it can gain 25 to 35 miles of range per hour at a maximum rate of 19.2 kW, assuming you have an 80-amp Level 2 charger.

The result is a real truck with real range. We saw 466 miles of estimated range with a 96% charge. GMC saysits rated for 478 miles with a full charge. After 217 miles of highway and suburban driving, with full regen braking, we still had 49% of the battery left, and an estimated 237 miles of displayed range. This full-size EV truck came close (20 miles) to delivering the real range it promised. We never needed to charge it – and averaged 2.1 miles per kWh. No range anxiety here. That’s not too bad for a pickup truck that happens to be an EV. It can tow more than 12,000 pounds, and retain usable range, we are told.

There are four drive modes – Normal, Off-Road, Tow-Haul and My Mode, accessible via the main screen menu display’s Drive Modes icon. My Mode lets you customize steering, accelerator feel and motor sound, from Normal to Sport.

Oh yes – there’s a Thors Hammer icon on that screen, unleashing all 760-hp. And you can also change your one-pedal regen braking reaction from Normal, to High, or off.

We spent most of our test drive in Normal mode. It’s very responsive, with an immediate launch and 60 mph in 5.6 seconds. Tap Thor’s Hammer – the icon pulses with rippling sound effects – and the Sierra EV launched hard to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, no drama, no wheelspin. In that mode, motor noise was amplified, a great turbine-like motor noise, while steering really tightens up.

And here’s the fun part. There’s no Sport drive mode, but tap in My Mode, then adjust its settings – Sport steering, Adrenaline in the Acceleration setting, and Sport for motor sound. Tap Thor’s Hammer – this EV rears up and launches, all wheels grabbing, to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds with no drama. There was no diminution of launch torque, or much range loss when we did a succession of quick launches. And acceleration from a stoplight, or to pass, was great due to instant EV torque that stayed online through legal speed.

Chevy Silverado Trail Boss EV Video Road Test (story continues below)

For comparison, the Silverado Trail Boss EV we tested recently hit 60 mph in a quick 5.5 seconds in Normal; MyMode with sport selected did 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. In maximum power mode, 60 mph came in 4 seconds flat.

Our test truck’s fully independent coil suspension with a hydraulic rebound control smooths out rough pavement. Our ride was quite plush yet controlled, probably helped by the weight of the battery pack. Add in tall Goodyear sidewalls and this truck swallowed speed bumps with a one after-bounce. Regen braking allows you to basically “downshift brake” into turns, where this big truck was neutral with a tad of body roll in suburban cornering. Push harder and there’s some understeer, like most pickups.

Like the Silverado Trail Boss we just tested, there’s four-wheel steering. The rear wheels turn a bit opposite from the fronts to tighten turns. We did a U-turn in my neighborhood that a regular gas Sierra can’t handle. There’s also “CrabWalk” – front and rear tires turn the same way to sidestep stuff – novel, with grins from those who saw it.

The 8,844-lb. GMC’s 14.5-inch front/13.5-inch rear disc brakes had a solid pedal feel and decent stopping power with some nose dive at full stop. In daily driving, one-pedal regen invoked right as you let off the accelerator. It was a bit abrupt until I figured it out, then finessing it is easy, to stop this Sierra EV where you want.

Then we tried this 4-ton EV, with its all-wheel-drive, all-terrain tires, 2-inch off-road lift and underbody protection, on bumpy, dusty Florida woodland roads. Using Terrain mode, which turns off traction control, backs off throttle input and mimics a gas truck’s low range, its easily handled ruts and sandy verges. There was no wheelspin under acceleration.

Super Cruise (included in AT4) easily handled autonomous driving on federal and some state highways, staying on and maintaining lanes hands-free. Unlike some other hands-free systems, this one will only change lanes if you tap the stalk. This is also a very quiet truck, nothing other than a hint of wind and tire noise at highway speed.

And after pitting classic and new GMC nose-to-nose, what did the Brewers think of Pa2unia’s great-great? They loved the shape, technology like its crab-walk and rear-steer, and the EV range. But Pa2unia, as Diane’s pride and joy, is still the GMC to have, they say.

The 2026 GMC Sierra EV Elevation with EPA-estimated 283-mile standard battery, starts at $64,995. Our AT4 Max Range starts at $89,600, with the $2,250 folding bed cover – final price of $93,545; a few bucks less than the Silverado EV Trail Boss we just tested with similar gear.

Bottom line: The range, power, relative agility and room for everything makes this a real choice for a real EV truck – and it looks cool, even next to Pa2unia.

2026 GMC Sierra AT4 EV Max Range Specifications

Vehicle type – full-size 5-passenger crew cab all-wheel-drive electric pickup

Base price – $89,600 ($93,545 as tested)

Powertrain type – dual-motor w/electronic 4WD and torque vectoring, and 205 kWh battery pack

Horsepower (net) – 760

Torque – 775

Transmission – 1-speed transmission

Wheelbase – 145.7 inches

Overall length – 233 inches

Overall width – 83.8 inches w/o mirrors

Height – 78.2 inches

Front headroom – 43.9 inches

Front leg room – 44.8 inches

Rear headroom – 38.7 inches

Rear legroom – 44.3 inches

Cargo bed – 5-foot, 11-inches/57.5 cu. ft. volume

Payload/towing – up to 2,100 pounds/12,500 pounds

Weight – 8,844 lbs.

Range – 478 miles (GM-estimated w/Max Range battery)

The post GMC Sierra AT4 EV Goes The Distance appeared first on EV Rider.

Long-Term Review: ’22 Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo

Bill Bortzfield — Wed, 20 May 2026 10:31:00 +0000

This week on EV Rider we’ve got a video-only edition as we drive Porsche’s 2022 Taycan Cross Turismo 4 and talk with the owner about its strengths and weaknesses over the years.

A big thanks goes to Josh Giebel for letting EV Rider drive and produce a video on his Taycan. Josh previously owned a Tesla Model S and his wife owns a Tesla Model X. Josh also owns a Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet with a 6-speed manual.

Editor’s Note: A transcript of the video is available on YouTube.

Taycan Competitor Videos

The post Long-Term Review: ’22 Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo appeared first on EV Rider.

New Android Auto With Improved Maps, Video To Debut

Bill Bortzfield — Wed, 13 May 2026 18:29:55 +0000

Google Maps, in-car video streaming and widgets are about to get a big overhaul in most EV brands.

Google has announced a major Android Auto update is coming that will do a better job of seamlessly integrating your car’s screen.

At the top of the list is a new auto-adapting feature that will allow Android auto to nicely fill the growing number of screen shapes cars are debuting.

For example, the electric MINI Countryman SE ALL4 that EV Rider tested comes with a circular display. The new Android Auto will now adapt to the circle’s shape rather than just being a rectangle in the middle of the screen.

BMW iX3 | Photo credit: Google

The same thing applies to the Lucid Air’s curved display, or the new BMW iX3’s trapezoidal screen shape.

Google Maps will now be able to wrap edge-to-edge. And speaking of Google Maps, it’s being updated with a redesigned 3D view that shows three dimensional things like buildings, overpasses and terrain.

Here’s a list of brands that Google has so far confirmed will be will be receiving the update:

For those that don’t already know, Google has also been in the process of rolling out native EV route planning. For example, in the Ford Mustang Mach-E Android Auto’s Google maps will suggest charging stops and precondition the battery as the car approaches the charging stop.

For EV owners that choose to stay in their cars while charging, perhaps the most important update is high-definition video streaming. Video apps are coming to Android Auto with up to 60 frames-per-second of full HD.

When you’re done charging and put the car in drive the stream will keep playing. Android Auto will automatically transition the video to an audio-only stream so you can keep listening without interruption. You can see how it works in the video at the top of this post.

Widgets are also coming, allowing you to put overlays on top of Google Maps. Gemini is also being fully integrated, meaning you’ll have one of the best large language AI models in your car.

While you might think that’s overkill, its going to have a lot or practical applications as it integrates with services. For example, you’ll be able to tell Gemini to order your usual Doordash meal right from your car and have it waiting for you the second you get home.

Cars with high-end audio systems will also be getting a boost with Dolby Atmos support being added. One thing that wasn’t mentioned is whether the Chrome browser might finally be allowed on Android Auto.

For General Motors brands and other car makers using Google’s built-in Android Automotive operating system, a similar host of improvements is coming.

The major upgrade is expected to roll out later this year although a specific month wasn’t announced.

The post New Android Auto With Improved Maps, Video To Debut appeared first on EV Rider.

EV Daily News Roundup

Compiled from reports with AI — Thu, 07 May 2026 12:57:00 +0000

A daily roundup of EV news from some of EV Rider’s favorite websites and YouTube channels.

Inside EVs

Rivian Has A Bold Plan For You To Skip The Repair Shop
on June 22, 2026
Rivian says 80% of EV repairs could eventually be handled by its mobile fleet, reducing the need for visits to physical service centers.
A Driverless Xiaomi Electric SUV Just Lapped The Ring. We Have Questions
on June 22, 2026
A 10-minute Nurburgring lap time isn't impressive. The fact that there is nobody in the driver’s seat is what makes this unique.
Lucid Lays Off 18% Of Its Workers And Cuts Production At Arizona Plant
on June 22, 2026
It's the company’s second round of layoffs this year.
Tesla FSD Finally Reached Europe. Now Speed Limits May Slow Its Expansion
on June 22, 2026
Sweden has a problem with FSD breaking the speed limit on demand.
The Volvo EX60 And EX90 Get An Important EV Fast-Charging Upgrade
on June 20, 2026
The automaker is making charging seamless for EX60 and EX90 owners with a new feature.

Automotive Addicts

Ferrari Denies Claims That Buyers Must Order the Luce EV to Get Higher Models
on June 19, 2026
Ferrari’s first fully electric vehicle, the Luce, has already become one of the most talked-about cars to come out of Maranello in years, and not just because of its battery-powered Full Article »
Slate Truck Price Leak Hints at $24,950 Starting Price for Bare-Bones Electric Pickup
on June 18, 2026
Slate may have just given the clearest indication yet of where its highly anticipated electric pickup will land on the affordability scale. A reported website slip-up points to a $24,950 Full Article »
Porsche Taycan Sport Turismo and Cross Turismo Bow Out After Too Few Buyers Showed Up
on June 17, 2026
Porsche just gave the 2027 Taycan its latest round of updates, including a larger standard battery and a new E-Shift feature that simulates gear changes for a more connected driving Full Article »

2026 Mercedes-Benz VLE Preview Brings 435 Miles of Electric Luxury Van Range and S-Class Style Space
on June 22, 2026
Mercedes-Benz is taking a big swing at the luxury people-mover segment with the all-new electric VLE, a vehicle the brand would much rather you think of as a “Grand Limousine” Full Article »
2026 GMC Sierra EV AT4 Max Range Review & Test Drive
on May 20, 2026
Electric vehicles (EVs) have faced their fair share of criticism, but with gas prices where they are at the current time, EVs seemingly look rather enticing, even though the pricing Full Article »
2027 Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door EV Brings 1,153 Horsepower and a Simulated V8 Soul
on May 20, 2026
Mercedes-AMG is officially entering a new era, and it is doing so without quietly fading into the background of the EV movement. The all-new 2027 Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door EV arrives Full Article »

EV

Lucid COO Exit Ends Undisclosed Eight-Year Relationship
on June 22, 2026
As EV exclusively reported early Monday, chief operating officer and former interim CEO Marc Winterhoff is leaving the EV maker. The post Lucid COO Exit Ends Undisclosed Eight-Year Relationship appeared first on EV.
Nio to Open Pre-Orders for Five-Seat Version of ES8 on June 28
on June 22, 2026
Nio will open pre-orders for a five-seat version of its best-selling ES8 on June 28, the company said on Monday, broadening its top-selling model into a new segment as it leans harder on large SUVs to carry sales. The post Nio to Open Pre-Orders for Five-Seat Version of ES8 on June 28 appeared first on EV.
Lucid Targets $158 Million in Yearly Savings From Latest Round of Layoffs
on June 22, 2026
Struggling EV maker Lucid confirmed on Monday that it is cutting about 18% of its US workforce, a reduction that for the first time sweeps in hourly production staff and strips out an entire shift at its Arizona plant. The post Lucid Targets $158 Million in Yearly Savings From Latest Round of Layoffs appeared first on EV.
Exclusive: Lucid Fires COO Marc Winterhoff Weeks After His Return to the Role
on June 22, 2026
Lucid Motors has pushed out Marc Winterhoff, its chief operating officer (COO) and former interim chief executive, a source familiar with the matter told EV on Monday — the same day the company told staff it would cut 15% of its US workforce. The post Exclusive: Lucid Fires COO Marc Winterhoff Weeks After His Return to the Role appeared first on EV.
Exclusive: Lucid Cuts 18% of US Workforce, Weighs Up to 40% in Europe
on June 22, 2026
Struglling EV maker Lucid Motors has begun cutting 15% of its US workforce, effective Monday, a source close to the matter told EV. The post Exclusive: Lucid Cuts 18% of US Workforce, Weighs Up to 40% in Europe appeared first on EV.

Motor1

Volvo Just Made Charging Your EV Way Easier
on June 21, 2026
Volvo's new feature lets you leave your credit card or tap payment in your pocket. The car can do it all.
EV Registrations Have Rebounded After Months Of Decline
on June 17, 2026
Higher gas prices could be causing buyers to consider EVs again.
BMW Just Revealed The Future Of The M3
on June 12, 2026
The M Concept Neue Klasse is a quad-motor EV monster that should evolve into a production car next year.

Clean Technica

European Union Going To Put Tariffs On Plugin Hybrids From China Now?
on June 21, 2026
China has rapidly electrified its auto market, which is by far the largest auto market in the world. The country accounts for about half of the world’s electric vehicle sales, and 63% of the country’s auto sales were plugin vehicles last month. As the market has ramped up and gotten ... [continued] The post European Union Going To Put Tariffs On Plugin Hybrids From China Now? appeared first on CleanTechnica.
BYD Battery Production Ramps Up In Brazil
on June 21, 2026
As we’ve been writing, BYD is focusing more and more on sales outside of China for its core EV business and a hopeful return to EV sales growth. The company’s vehicle exports have grown 65% this year so far, for example, and grew by 80% in May. BYD also now ... [continued] The post BYD Battery Production Ramps Up In Brazil appeared first on CleanTechnica.
As Kenya’s Electric Motorcycle Ecosystem Grows, Local Firms Are Starting to Specialise and Forge Interesting Partnerships With Large Global Firms
on June 20, 2026
Kenya’s electric motorcycle sector is starting to blossom now as several firms move from initial commercialisation of their products to full commercialisation, and scaling up their operations. In the beginning, several startups moved to validate their models using electric motorcycles built with off-the-shelf battery cells, BMS, controllers, motors, and other ... [continued] The post As Kenya’s Electric Motorcycle Ecosystem Grows, Local Firms Are Starting to Specialise and Forge Interesting Partnerships With Large Global Firms appeared first on CleanTechnica.

Electrifying

169

Forget SUVs. The Zeekr 7GT Is the EV we’ve been waiting for

NEW Renault Megane revealed: remember me?

Kilowatt Half Hour Ep 111: BMW i3 prices revealed, Best EVs for summer… and a superfast Zeekr

Mercedes VLE Review: the most luxurious EV we’ve ever tested?

Meet the Honda "purple blur" Super N

169

Everything Electric CARS (formerly FullyCharged)

283

VA-VA-VOOM!? Renault Races ahead of competitors with Tri-Motor Performance Tech…?

The car Toyota should have made? Check out Changan's 'surprising' S05 (& its swivel screen)!

Leapmotor B10: This Affordable Chinese SUV Just Makes Sense!

Ferrari Luce FIRST LOOK: The Apple Car is Finally Here…

283

Auto Focus – Marques Brownlee

2026 Nissan Leaf Graduated from Glow-Up University

Ferrari Luce is the Most Controversial Ferrari Ever

The Closest thing to a Tesla "Model 2" – And it's Great.

But is it an AMG though?

Subaru Doesn't Want to Make EVs.

Teslarati

SpaceX confirms third massive compute deal at Colossus data center
on June 22, 2026
SpaceX confirmed today that it has officially signed its third massive compute deal, providing compute at its Colossus data center in Southaven, Tennessee. Reflection AI will gain immediate access to NVIDIA GB300 chips at SpaceX’s Colossus 2 data center. In return, Reflection will pay SpaceX $150 million per month starting on July 1, with total The post SpaceX confirms third massive compute deal at Colossus data center appeared first on TESLARATI.
Elon Musk responds to SpaceX’s ESG rating and says its rockets won’t go electric
on June 22, 2026
It is safe to say SpaceX won’t be going for electric rockets anytime soon. In a characteristically blunt reply on X, SpaceX frontman Elon Musk stated, “Unfortunately, electric rockets are impossible,” following reports that MSCI had assigned SpaceX its lowest possible ESG rating of CCC. The assessment, issued just this past week, coinciding closely with The post Elon Musk responds to SpaceX’s ESG rating and says its rockets won’t go electric appeared first on TESLARATI.
Tesla just trademarked MEGAPOD: here’s what it is
on June 22, 2026
Tesla just trademarked ‘MEGAPOD’ with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), its latest move in what seems to be a hint that the company is incredibly focused on its AI efforts and storage needs as compute increases. The application carries serial number 99893717 and lists the applicant as Tesla, Inc., located at 1 The post Tesla just trademarked MEGAPOD: here’s what it is appeared first on TESLARATI.

The post EV Daily News Roundup appeared first on EV Rider.

EV Vs. Gas Mustangs: Fuel Cost Difference Is Striking

Bill Bortzfield — Wed, 06 May 2026 10:31:00 +0000

This week on EV Rider, let’s take a look at the cost of performance. I’ve put more than 63,000 miles on my 2022 Mustang Mach-E so far.

As I get ready for my next multistate road trip, that got me wondering how much I would spend to go the same distance in either a gas Mustang with the 2.3 liter EcoBoost turbo 4 or 5 liter V8.

Using Gemini, it’s pretty easy to figure out. I had Gemini assume I charge 70 percent at home and 30 percent using commercial AC and DC chargers, which is my best guess of my actual use case.

To keep the comparison a bit more relevant to readers and viewers I used national averages for gas and electricity as opposed to my home city of Jacksonville, where electricity is running below the national average.

So with the disclaimers out of the way, here are the actual numbers.

My Mustang Mach-E has an estimated fuel cost of $4,706, based on prices gathered on April 30.

For the 2.3L EcoBoost Mustang the cost jumps to $8,694 and for you V8 fans, the cost rises to $14,525.

My assumptions used the following EPA averages: the Mach-E getting 3.3 miles kWh, the turbo Mustang getting 25 MPG and the V8 getting 18 MPG.

Since 91 octane fuel is usually recommended for peak performance, that’s the price I used for the gas versions, although there will be Mustang owners that correctly point out their cars can run on regular. However, by the time I published this story on May 6, the price of regular had risen to $4.48 per gallon, which is higher than premium cost when I originally price checked fuel prices on April 30.

Of course all Mustangs are performance cars, so next let’s look at Ford’s estimated 0-60 mph times for the 2026 editions of Ford’s three ponys.

My Premium AWD extended range Mach-E is roughly the equivalent of a fully optioned EcoBoost gas Mustang. The EV powertrain is only available in the 4-door while the gas powertrains is are available in the coupe and convertible.

Of the three powertrains, the EcoBoost is the slowest car, getting to 60 in a Ford estimated 4.5 seconds. The V8 Mustang GT comes in at 4.2 seconds while the 2026 mid-trim Mach-E Premium AWD also does it in 4.2 seconds.

If you were step up to the top trim Mustang Mach-E GT with the performance unlock, the 0-60 mph time drops to a Ford estimated 3.3 seconds.

So what’s the lesson? It’s pretty simple. When it comes to everyday performance and fuel economy, EVs are going to win almost every time.

More Mustang Mach-E Coverage (story continues below)

EV Swap: Mustang Mach-E To Charger Daytona

How To: LED Car Interior Lighting Accessories

60,000 Miles Later: 2022 Mustang Mach-E Review

Should Ford Build This Mustang Mach-E Convertible?

Ford Shows Off Tri-Motor Mustang Mach-E For NASCAR

Mustang Mach-E EV Sells Better Than Gas Mustang

At Deeper Look At The Stats In This Post

Gemini, which is a Google-owned AI model, was used to come up with the estimates used in this story, using U.S. average electric and gasoline fuel prices compiled on April 30, 2026. Disclaimer: Fuel prices constantly fluxuate.

The Variables: Assumes 63,000 miles of travel for each vehicle, using EPA fuel economy estimates

U.S. Average Premium Gas on 4/20/26: $4.15 per gallon.
EV Charging Mix: 70% Home ($0.17 kWh), 15% L2 ($0.30 kWh), 15% L3 ($0.55 kWh). U.S. average prices on 4/20/26.

The post EV Vs. Gas Mustangs: Fuel Cost Difference Is Striking appeared first on EV Rider.

EV Rider Road Tests Roundup

Bill Bortzfield — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 10:31:00 +0000

This week’s video is a quick roundup of some of our favorite recent road tests; including the Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack, Kia EV6 GT-Line and Chevrolet Silverado Trail Boss EV, along with a preview of our upcoing April 29 road test of the BMW M5 Touring.

Here are links to the full written road tests of the EVs referenced:

And here are the video versions:

Chevrolet Silvervado Trail Boss EV Video Road Test

Dodge Daytona Scat Pack Long-Term Owner Video Review & Road Test

Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Video Road Test

And, for you animation fans, here are the Zappy cartoons.

EV Rider And Zappy Cartoons

Cartoon: Zappy Races Dodge Daytona Charger EV

Zappy Previews Mustang Mach-E

EV Rider At Daytona Bike Week

Chihuahua Co-Pilot: Zappy Adds Sparks & Style

Zappy Tries To Keep Up With Kia EV6

Zappy Previews Fiat's Topolino EV

Zappy asks: What's V2G?

3D VR Cartoon: EV Rider & Zappy's Solar Adventure

Cartoon: EV Rider & Zappy's Solar Adventure

A Very Zappy Christmas

EV Rider's 1st Cartoon: Meet Zappy

The post EV Rider Road Tests Roundup appeared first on EV Rider.

What If: Lucid Air Convertible Concept

Bill Bortzfield — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 10:31:00 +0000

Could the Lucid Air be offered as a convertible one day?

Thanks to AI, EV Rider is can giving you a very realistic look at what an Air convertible would probably look like in the video at the top of this post.

Even the name Air lends itself to being made into a soft top. But despite how good it would look, don’t get your hopes up.

Lucid Air convertible concept rendering | EV Rider

Since the Air wasn’t designed to accommodate a convertible from day one, the engineering costs alone make the video nothing more than a dream for a future generation.

Among the problems Lucid would face with the existing Air is re-engineering the A-pillars to make them thicker and stronger.

Other reinforcements would be needed to make up for the lost rigidity that the existing roof provides, which in turn would add more weight.

A convertible would also likely severely impact the Air’s ultra-low drag design. Between the extra drag and weight, drivers would likely see a significant hit in range as well as with other compromises such as the likelihood of sloppier handling along with less rear passenger space and a smaller trunk.

Lucid Air convertible concept rendering | EV Rider

Perhaps the biggest barrier is the cost it would add. Since the Air is a low volume car, it would likely mean paying well over $20,000 more to purchase a convertible variant.

As an example, the last-gen Dodge Challenger convertible, which was produced by aftermarket company Droptop Customs as a Dodge-sanctioned special-order car, added $25,000 to the cost when ordered through a dealership.

But still, it’s fun to dream. And who knows, maybe Lucid will eventually grow large enough to consider a convertible variation of a next-generation Air or another future model.

Lucid Air Pure Road Test & Review Video

The post What If: Lucid Air Convertible Concept appeared first on EV Rider.

Could Subaru’s 2026 Trailseeker EV Replace Your Outback?

Dan Scanlan — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 10:31:00 +0000

The average price of a gallon of gas as I write this now is $4.26 per gallon in my Florida county, and $5.90 in California.

That means a local 18-gallon fill-up on a 2026 Subaru Outback could cost about $76 for about 486 miles of travel based on an average 27 mpg.

By comparison, its new EV sibling – the Subaru Trailseeker – can travel about 260 miles on a charge. If you can charge at home, the fuel savings will add up pretty fast (depending on where you live).

Here in Jacksonville it costs $10.40 to charge the Trailseeker from 0-100%. That’s based on the current residential rate of 14 cents per kWh, once taxes and fees are included. Looking at the residential national average of about 17.4 kWh, it would cost $12.90 to fully charge the Trailseeker.

Join the discussion. Post your Trailseeker thoughts in the YouTube comments.

When DC charging, I got 115 miles of range, going from 36% to 81% in 25 minutes – for $17 at a commercial charger. In ideal conditions Subaru says the Trailseeker can charge from 10 to 80% in 28 minutes.

So as Subaru expands its range of EVs in 2026 (we just tested the compact Solterra crossover) there is an EV alternative that could fit the same bill as an Outback – the midsize Trailseeker.

Subaru calls the Trailseeker “our most adventurous EV,” with 375-hp and 8.5 inches of ground clearance. This Indiana-built Subaru shows an aggressive face, starting with a flat nose with body-colored “U” accent, topped with a slim gloss black nose cap along with a big Subaru star logo, dead center. Three slim LED DRL units bisected by lit accent lines flare off each side of the grille. The lower center intake for battery and motor cooling is framed in silver, some of which flows under the nose as a skid plate.

Like most macho crossovers with off-road desires, more black plastic frames front and rear tires. It has 20-inch silver alloy wheels with black aero covers clad in somewhat street-biased Bridgestone Turanza rubber.

Like most Subarus with off-road aspirations, the lower sills are geometric silver and black cladding under angular body lines that flare into slightly broad-shouldered rear fenders. The clamshell hood gets black trim ahead of the raked windshield for looks and to cut glare. The chunky black roof racks can handle 700 pounds of stuff. The black accents continue with the side window pillars and mirrors.

Slim taillights wrap around the tailgate, connected by a lit LED bar over “SUBARU” under clear plastic. The power tailgate opens high enough to clear my head. Its tinted glass is framed by a shade/spoiler. The chunky bumper is in black and silver, covering a trailer hitch, which has a towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds.

The Trailseeker has Subaru’s familiar Outback-style SUV-like shape, with a grille-less EV face. It’s a blunter, more SUV-like visage than Subaru’s Solterra EV, which is sleeker.

Yet Trailseeker gets some sleekness in its rear fender and sloping roofline design, combined with the Outback’s new grille and headlight shape. The Trailseeker is handsome, but blends in when parked in a supermarket lot full of other Subies and crossovers.

2026 Trailseeker Limited EV Includes High-Tech Interior

That 8.5 inches of ground clearance makes it so easy to slide into the black and gray Star-Tex pleather seats, the driver getting power adjustments and dual memory presets and facing a leather-wrapped squircle steering wheel, which is a squared-off circle. That’s when you notice how high-tech the rest of the interior is with its two digital screens. There are a small number of physical controls and a funky transmission controller on a floating center console with storage space underneath.

First, the instrument display isn’t visible through the steering wheel, but above and beyond it. It’s placed roughly where a head-up display would go on the padded, textured dashtop. Its configurable to show digital speed alone; that plus a navigation map; or audio, EV status, smart cruise and safety systems. It’s right where it needs to be to be seen quickly while driving.

Then there’s the 14-inch Subaru Multimedia System with touchscreen, available cloud-based navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The big central screen keeps a handy volume knob, plus dual-zone temperature-adjust dials with integrated degree displays.

There is one significant feature missing from the Trailseeker’s native navigation system. It doesn’t include native route planning with suggested charging stops and automatic battery preconditioning. Many EVs include this feature. To achieve similar functionality Subaru owners will need to install a third party app, with A Better Route Planner being one option, and use the car’s manual precondition function to achieve the same results.

Battery preconditioning heats or cools a battery in advance of arriving at a charging station to ensure the car is at an optimal charging temperature when the driver plugs it in.

I appreciated the climate control touch-buttons in between for fan speed, heated seats and vent adjustment, as well as the left-side main menu tabs for phone, audio and the like.

The dual inductive chargers at the head of the floating center console are handy and rubberized to hold on to cellphones, yet mine slid out on a turn. The push-to-select transmission knob behind it works fine. It just takes a few taps and twists to get familiar. It’s flanked by Drive Mode and X-Mode selector buttons, plus other driving and safety systems. There are USB-C and 12-volt outlets with the storage space underneath, plus good center armrest capacity.

Back seat access is good through wide-opening doors, with great leg and head room as well as a slightly higher seating position. Those in back get rear vents and an armrest as well as heated outboard seats and more USB-C ports. Rear seatbacks split 60/40 and fold to expand a boxy rear cargo area with remote seatback drop controls. The security cover fits neatly in the under-floor storage area.

Other features in our Limited trim include a Harman Kardon audio system, heated steering wheel, hands-free foot-activated power tailgate and 120-volt cargo area power outlet. While the front hood opens, there’s motor electronics underneath – no frunk.

Comparing The Trailseeker With Subaru’s Solterra EV

The Solterra is 184.6 inches long on a 112.2-inch wheelbase, with 8.3 inches of ground clearance. It’s 4,499 lbs., with an estimated 278 miles of range and 338-hp from dual motors. Our Trailseeker is 190.8-inches long, also on a 112.2-inch wheelbase with 8.5 inches of ground clearance. It’s 4,475 lbs., with an estimated 274 miles of range and 375-hp from two motors.

As you can see from the numbers, the Trailseeker is a tad bigger, a bit lighter, and a bit less powerful. It has an integrated transaxle at front and rear axles for all wheel drive that you can monitor via a center screen, with 74.7-kWh high-capacity lithium-ion battery. And with Eco, Normal and Power drive modes, we had our choice of quick-yet-frugal, quicker-and almost frugal and quickest-and not so-frugal.

2026 Subaru Trailseeker Limited’s Power Mode Suprises Off The Line

We spent a lot of time in Eco mode, which launches slowly, then builds its power flow to keep up with traffic. It quickly hit 60 mph in a near-silent (no gearbox, just direct drive) 5.5 seconds, with all four tires putting equal power to the pavement. One annoyance – the Trailseeker doesn’t stay in Eco, but resets to Normal with each ignition off. In Normal mode, the launch is quicker. It’s my favorite mode for daily driving, with good off-the-line speed and passing power.

The real surprise was Power mode. Our 1,100-mile-old crossover leaped off the line a bit abruptly, with a hint of front wheelspin, hitting 60 mph in a quick 4.3 seconds. Those are times no Brat or Legacy ever dreamed of that. And again, near silence except for a muted electric motor whir, some tire and wind whisper, and no drama. The all-wheel-drive just grabbed and went.

We started our drive with 212 miles of range from a 90% charged battery. We drove 138 miles over two days. The last part was in windy, 50-degree temperatures, leaving us with 94 miles of range in a battery with 36% charge left. Since Subaru has adopted the North American Charging Standard (NACS) we can use V3 and higher Tesla Superchargers charger, with no adapter needed, although now drivers will need to use the included CCS or J1772 adapters at many non-Tesla stations.

We used full regenerative braking all the time. It doesn’t bring the Trailseeker to a stop, but allows the motors to turn into generators, slowing us down quickly, and nudging power back into the batteries. It worked so well that the daily work commute would put a few miles back in the battery. We stayed near 200 miles estimated range during a round trip commute. I just wish this battery could recharge to that 300-mile mark.

Four-wheel independent suspension with stabilizer bars, plus good ground clearance gave the Trailseeker a taut yet comfortable ride. It neatly handled speed bumps and potholes with no issues. But that 8.5 inches of ground clearance does reveal some body roll in cornering, although the all-wheel-drive keeps it neutral in exit ramps under power, and near neutral in basic cornering. Push it in a skid pad and there’s understeer washing out the fronts under power, but no drama.

That squircle steering wheel and electric-assist steering gave us a direct feel in Eco mode, and a bit more (slightly artificial) feel in Power mode. The four-wheel disc brakes had a precise pedal feel and good stopping power, although there was a hint of nose dive and some ABS chatter under heavier use from 60 mph. There was no fade after repeated use.

2026 Trailseeker Includes Subaru’s Famous X-MODE

OK, here’s a Subaru that echoes its Outback brother with good ground clearance, all-wheel-drive and some macho cladding, plus X-MODE that sets up drivetrain and all-wheel-drive for snow/dirt, or deep snow/mud. Fire up either mode – only possible under 15 mph – and you get a panoramic view monitor of what’s ahead from a widescreen nose camera, and side views too.

See the video at the top of this post for more Trailseeker vs. Outback comparisons

We tackled a deeply-rutted gravel road and dirt trail, and the independent suspension just ate it up with comfortable rebound. Tapping on the all-wheel-drive split screen, we saw all four tires got power as needed, and we made it through the gravel and dirt, with nothing scaping underneath.

The Trailseeker has a suite of EyeSight safety systems that includes alerts when traffic crosses in front, plus hill-start assist, dynamic radar cruise control, and a simulated overhead image of the Trailseeker when reversing that showed what’s underneath.

Our Trailseeker Limited starts at $43,995, its Daybreak Blue Pearl paint an extra $395, making a final with destination of $45,849. It was not available for sale yet as we wrote this. And FYI – the Trailseeker shares powerplant and infrastructure with Toyota’s bZ Woodland EV crossover, with nose and tail design differences, but basically the same interior.

Bottom line: A Subaru in design, function and family-friendliness, with decent EV range and good power – even does a bit of off-road.

EV Rider’s Bill Bortzfield contributed to this report.

2026 Subaru Trailseeker Limited Specifications

Vehicle type – 4-door, 5-seat all-wheel-drive EV sports utility wagon

Base price – $43,995 ($45,849 as tested)

Powertrain – Front and rear synchronous AC motors

Horsepower (combined) – 375

Battery pack – Lithium-ion

Transmission – Direct drive front and rear w/integral transaxles

Wheelbase – 112.2 inches

Height – 65.9 inches

Overall length – 190.8 inches

Overall width – 73.2 inches

Ground clearance – 8.5 inches

Front headroom – 38.8 inches

Front legroom – 42.1 inches

Rear headroom – 38 inches

Rear legroom – 35.3 inches

Cargo capacity – 31.3 cu. ft./74 w/seats folded

Towing capacity: up to 3,500 lbs.

Curb weight – 4,499 lbs.

Range: Claimed 274 miles

The post Could Subaru’s 2026 Trailseeker EV Replace Your Outback? appeared first on EV Rider.

2026 Chevy Silverado EV Is The Real Trail Boss

Dan Scanlan — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 10:31:00 +0000

It’s a truck I’ve waited to test since I saw the first spy shots online.

Even more than the HUMMER EV, I wanted to check out the sleek (for a pickup) Chevrolet Silverado EV, with its aerodynamic nose, seemingly lower greenhouse, flowing roofline, and Max Range battery.

It’s also the Trail Boss.

EV Chevy Trail Boss Surpasses Gas Sibling In Some Respects

This Chevrolet Silverado EV went on sale in the 2024 model year. But it’s not just a redesigned ICE Silverado. Nope – it is built on General Motors’ dedicated Ultium platform – a modular, flexible electric-only architecture used for smaller crossovers to bigger trucks, like the Cadillac Lyriq, Chevrolet Blazer/Equinox, and GMC Hummer EV. It’s also a lighter, tighter basis for a full-size pickup. Our 233-inch-long Silverado EV rides on a 145.7-inch wheelbase, while the 241.3-inch-long gas Silverado on a 157-inch wheelbase.

Pictured: Gas (left) and EV (right) Trail Bosses.

As an EV, it needs no big grille, so there’s a rounded nose with sleek wraparound light bar on top with LED DRLs. Projector headlights are on the curved corners below, while the Chevy emblem lights up – cool

The frunk opens to the front bumper line, its lower lip just above a slim intake to cool batteries and motors. There are two red tow hooks over a skid plate with a pewter center bumper accent. Flat black accents the lower corners with squared-off fender flares and side sills that include steps.

Flanks get gentle sculpting, while side windows seem shallower under a low roof with sweptback C-pillar.

Since this is not a body-on-frame design, the 5-foot-11-inch long cargo bed is flush with the body – very smooth. There are straight rear fender shoulder lines that flow into leading edges of sculpted taillights and black rear bumper.Like many big GM pickups, the MultiPro tailgate gets a dropdown upper section that becomes a work table, or unfolds a step when lowered to get in. You’ll probably use that step quite a bit since the Trail Boss’s 2-inch factory lift offers 24% higher ground clearance than the base Silverado EV.

2026 Chevy Silverado Trail Boss EV Interior

Those running boards, which do not retract, are handy to help get inside. I just wish the driver’s windshield pillar had a grab handle, like the others do. But once in the black and gray leather seats, the driver sees a big change from gas Silverados – a 17.7-inch-diagonal infotainment screen that starts with a configurable digital gauge package that flows past a big audio knob to a widescreen display that can be changed to show EV charging, navigation, audio and more.

Below the volume knob is a touch icon to access the headlight control – I wish there was a button. The majority of needed climate control buttons are icons along the bottom of the center screen. Seat heat/cooling, fan speed, dual-zone temperature and others are controlled by touch. There are also real buttons below it for fan speed, defrost and more.

The glove box gets a rubberized shelf above it under a stitched faux leather dashboard panel. Dashtop and doortops get a soft-touch textured black rubber, with padded gray inserts. The padded, stitched leather steering wheel power tilts and telescopes, the usual controls in front and one small paddle shifter behind for full regenerative braking like the old Volt used to – it brings the Silverado to a complete stop.

Front bucket seats are a bit flat, but comfortable, the driver’s getting dual memory presets. The wide center console starts with a rubberized inductive phone charger with USB ports and cup holders, then lots of room under the center armrest. The 7-speaker Bose sound system is solid, with a 5G Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, and Google built-in, but no HD Radio.

Despite a shorter wheelbase than the gas Silverado, the back seat is roomy, with good adult head and leg room and even enough space for a third in between.

Outboard positions get heat; there’s rear a/c vents and USB ports, and a panoramic fixed glass moonroof that is so well tinted that the Florida sun didn’t cause warming issues. There’s a lightweight sunshade if needed.

2026 Chevy Silverado Trail Boss EV Bed Is Very Versatile

Split 60/40 rear seat bottoms flip up, or forward for more storage, allowing seatbacks to flip forward to also hold stuff. And shades of the 2010-2013 Chevy Avalanche – the Multi-Flex Midgate under the rear window splits and folds to expand the 5-foot-11-inch (57.3-cu-ft) cargo bed (with retractable cover) to over 9 feet.

The rear window can be removed for a nice open air feel. There are cut-out steps in the rear bumper corners to get into the bed. Once you drop the tailgate, stuff over 10 feet in length can be tied down and carried with midgates down.

You can watch a demonstration of how it works in the video at the top of this post.

There’s a usable 10.7-cubic-foot frunk with power bonnet. This EV can haul up to a 12,500-lb. trailer, although experts said that cuts its spectacular driving range almost in half, to about 220 miles depending on load, aerodynamics, and speed. That is better than published reports on a Ford Lightning EV hauling the average trailer.

One Silverado EV oddity – the passenger-side mirror isn’t convex to get a wider view of traffic. But this Silverado has left and right blind-spot cameras activated by the turn signal, displayed on the center screen. The rearview mirror can also flip to become a video screen with a wide rear camera view.

This truck is so slick, literally, that my sandwich shop guy gushed about how cool it looked when I quietly rolled up. And it got some glances at a recent car show I parked at. Gas-loving as many of those folks were, they admired this EV’s all-wheel-drive from front and rear motors, 205-kWh lithium-ion battery, and 725-hp and 775 lb-ft of torque. They also loved that there’s no start/stop button – get in with the keyfob and it turns on, then lift off the brake and open the door to shut it off.

Here’s the breakdown:

The Silverado EV is aerodynamic, with a drag coefficient of approximately .331. The current 2025 Chevy Silverado 1500 (gas) has a drag coefficient of around .38.

2026 Chevy Silverado Trail Boss EV Range, Power, Fuel Cost

A 2026 Chevrolet Silverado EV Trail Boss with the Max Range NCMA (Nickel, Cobalt, Manganese, Aluminum) battery pack, which we had, has a GM-estimated range of up to 478 miles on a full charge from a massive 205 kWh battery pack and a 350kW charging speed. Real-world estimates seem to be 430 to 470 miles, compared to the 240 to 300 miles we have gotten in recent Lightning tests. I hear that the Ultium battery can go from 5 to 80 percent charge in under 50 minutes on a DC fast charger, and gain a GM-estimated 100 miles in 10 minutes.

There’s a NACS adapter so you can plug into a Tesla Supercharger for a recharge, giving you about 25,000 additional charging locations across the U.S. Plugging in for a 10-80% charge (about 140-160 kWh) at a commercial Level 3 station can cost up to $120, experts say. GM also estimated 37 miles of range per hour if you use a Level 2 charger, which isn’t bad.

To compare: a turbodiesel Silverado gets a claimed 600 to 700 miles on a full tank. As this was written, diesel cost $5.20 or more a gallon in Florida, or over $120 for a full tank. A Silverado with the 6.2-liter gas V-8 seems to offer 350 to 450 miles on a full 24-gallon tank of premium gas – about $112 for a full tank now.

But the real savings happens when charging at home. Here in Jacksonville, FL, a kWh costs 14 cents, meaning a full charge at home costs $28.70. Residential electric prices across the country tend to be much cheaper than gas or what Level 3 DC stations typically charge.

This 8,778-lb. truck has multiple drive modes – Normal, Off-road, Towing, Terrain, and MyMode. That last mode allows you to set the powertrain on Sport, as well as stiffening up steering feel. There’s no change in suspension height or ride quality since the Trail Boss has off-road tuned coil springs and a fixed 2-inch lift.

Set on Normal, our 4,000-mile-old truck launched quickly, hitting 60 mph in a quick 5.5 seconds. Tapped in MyMode with sport selected, this EV reared up a bit as all four tires dug in, and we hit 60 mph rapidly in 4.9 seconds. We tried a few of these rapid launches one after another, with no diminution of launch torque, nor range diminishing too quickly. And acceleration from a stoplight, or to pass, was great – no drama, it just did it.

Then there’s the W.O.W. factor – Wide Open Watts – a back-to-back lightning bolt touch icon on the drive mode page. Tap it and the speakers exude a serious electronic growl as the powertrain goes for maximum propulsion. We got front wheelspin as this big EV launched very fast to 60 mph in 4 seconds flat, the turbine soundtrack rising in intensity as you go – W.O.W.! It responds to throttle VERY quickly – but it will reduce the range, and it will not function when the vehicle battery is low.

This is the first EV I’ve tested that never gave me range anxiety. Starting with 451 miles estimated range and 93% battery charge, I went about my business for three days and still had 365 miles of estimated range left, and a 76% battery charge. And we still had about 260 miles when the week ended with 4,150 miles on the clock and 59% charge. Regenerative braking gained a few miles of range on the fly, via that small paddle on the steering wheel, or one-pedal driving. You can adjust the regen amount off a center display menu. Both bring you to a stop.

This truck has a fully independent coil suspension with a hydraulic rebound control system. Add in tall sidewalls and the on-road ride is very comfortable, swallowing speed bumps with a one after-bounce.

With all-wheel-drive, this EV was neutral around exit ramps, with minimal lean and not a lot of feel that we were cornering in a 4-ton EV with 2-inch lift. The electric power steering loaded up nicely, if feeling a bit artificial. The big guy was more agile in commuting than a gas Silverado. Just like a gas truck, it had a bit of understeer in our skidpad, all-wheel-drive not aiding much. And with 14-inch discs all-round, the Silverado EV had a nice initial bite to the pedal, not too abrupt, with decent stops with plenty of ABS action and a bit of nose dive. There was no fade after repeated hard stops.

Having Trail Boss trim offers more ground clearance and off-road rubber, plus Terrain and Off-road drive modes. I tapped in Off-road and hit a grassy lakefront slope, and the EV absorbed bumps beautifully, with great wet grass traction, all-wheel-steering giving us a very tight (42.2-foot) turning radius to turn on a tight shoreline. I dove into a lumpy, mowed grass field with lots of ruts and bumps – and it also did fine. It clawed its way up and down hillocks and divots with no issues. Rear-wheel-steer helped get around stuff easily.

The EV Trail Boss has a solid 10 inches of ground clearance, vs. the gas version’s 11 inches. But the gas version has gnarlier Goodyear Wrangler off-road rubber and front underbody, oil pan, and transfer case skid plates, vs. the EV’s all-season, all-terrain light truck/SUV rubber, its only underside protection from one front skid plate.

When the Silverado EV was in that bumpy, grassy field, it wasn’t as sure-footed as I’d hoped, with some wheelspin as a front tire spun under power in Offroad mode. It got through it all, but not as well as the GMC Sierra 1500 4WD Crew Cab AT4X AEV I just tested, the sister to the gas Chevrolet Silverado Trail Boss.

Four-wheel steering effectively shortens this Silverado’s wheelbase, making turning corners easier to tackle, and U-turns almost within its own length.

Then there’s Sidewinder (Think Hummer EV CrabWalk) mode – rear tires turn with the fronts, and you “slide” around a root or rock on a trail. But it does take a dedicated tap or two in a screen menu to activate, and one time it did not shut off quickly.

Super Cruise gave us autonomous driving on many federal and state highway. It stayed mostly in lane hands-free. This is also a very quiet truck. The only time I heard the motors (outside of the W.O.W. setting) was when the midgate was open and the rear motor’s turbine sound came through.

How much? A gas-powered 5,421-lb. Silverado Trail Boss is about $61,000. It can tow up to 13,000 pounds, and hits 60 mph in just under 5.5 seconds. A base Silverado EV Work Truck, with 286 miles estimated range from a standard 205-kWh battery pack battery pack, 22-kW charging speed and 510 hp, starts at $54,895. Our 8,900-lb. Silverado EV Trail Boss can tow 12,500 pounds, and hit 60 mph in 4.2 seconds. Our Silverado EV Trail Boss added $5,285 in options, from $1,950 folding bed cover; $1,500 panoramic glass roof; $995 pearl white paint, and a few more items for a total $93,980.

Bottom line: Quick, agile on-road and acceptable off, with a slick look and a really well-developed EV platform with great range – but a tad expensive to buy and commercially charge, and biggish.

2026 Chevrolet Silverado EV Trail Boss Specifications

Vehicle type – full-size 5-passenger crew cab all-wheel-drive electric pickup

Base price – $86,600 ($93,980 as tested)

Powertrain type – dual-motor w/electronic 4WD and torque vectoring, and 205 kWh battery pack

Horsepower (net) – 725

Torque – 775

Transmission – 1-speed transmission

Wheelbase – 146.7 inches

Overall length – 233 inches

Overall width – 83.8 inches w/o mirrors

Height – 79.9 inches

Front headroom – 43.9 inches

Front leg room – 44.8 inches

Rear headroom – 38.7 inches

Rear legroom – 44.3 inches

Cargo bed – 5-foot, 11-inches/57.3 cu. ft. volume

Payload/towing – up to 2,100 pounds/12,500 pounds

Weight – 8,778 lbs.

Range – 478 miles (GM-estimated w/Max Range battery)

The post 2026 Chevy Silverado EV Is The Real Trail Boss appeared first on EV Rider.