2024 GMC Sierra EV – GM’s Slow Roll Offers Intermediate Option

By Edward A. Sanchez — Oct. 21, 2022

Until now, GM’s Ultium truck lineup consisted of two models, the Chevrolet Silverado EV and the GMC Hummer EV. Although the Silverado EV could be optioned up to over $100,000, they were essentially the entry-level and top of the lineup. With the debut of the 2024 GMC Sierra EV, there is now a middle option that bridges the gap between these two models.

While an EV variant of the Sierra was always expected, the precise details of the announcement and debut were not announced until more recently. Unlike the Hummer, which is strictly a high-end, premium “lifestyle” proposition, the Sierra will be offered in trims that largely mirror their Silverado equivalents. Like the Silverado, the debut model will be the high-trim, six-figure model, in this case, the Denali Edition 1. Like the Silverado RST, it will be priced over $100,000, or $108,695 to be precise, including destination. Assuming the same $1,695 destination fee, the RST will be priced at $106,695.

However, those with more modest budgets will not be completely neglected – eventually. Those wanting a more attainable Sierra EV will have to wait until the 2025 model year, presumably rolling into dealers in mid-2024. Non-Denali Sierra EVs will start in the neighborhood of $50,000 plus destination.

With a tow rating of 9,500 lbs, the GMC Sierra will be capable of doing pickup things. Given a potential 400 miles of unladen range for the higher equipped models, towing distance might be manageable as well.

In terms of announced specs for the Sierra EV, it will offer 754 hp and 785 lb-ft of torque in “Max Power” mode, same as the Silverado RST. Eat your heart out, Homer Simpson. GM is claiming a 0-60 time of under 4.5 seconds. In terms of truck stuff, the Denali will have a payload rating of 1,300 pounds, and a maximum towing capacity of 9,500 pounds.

Also, similar to the Silverado, the Sierra will offer optional four-wheel steering in some models, including “Crab Walk” mode like the Hummer. Key to the appeal of EV trucks in general is the on-board power capabilities, and here, the Sierra won’t leave you wanting. Properly equipped, Sierra offers up to 10.2 kW of off-board power through a total of 10 outlets with the optional “Ultium Power Bar,” slightly edging out the Ford Lightning’s 9.6 kW. Equipped with a bi-directional charger, GM is claiming the Sierra EV (and presumably the Silverado EV as well) can power a house for up to 21 days. Ford is claiming “more than 10 days” with the Lightning.

The Sierra’s “eTrunk” is functional for storage and more, offering 120V power.

In a first for a GMC-badged model, (with the exception of the oddball Envoy XUV) the Sierra EV will also get the Midgate option offered on the Silverado EV. Unlike the original Midgate on the Chevy Avalanche, this one features a 60/40 split, allowing for long cargo plus a rear seat passenger, something that wasn’t possible with the original Avalanche.

Battery capacity for the Silverado and Sierra EV have not been officially announced, but given a claimed 400 mile range, there’s a good chance the top-spec battery pack could be the same as that in the Hummer EV, potentially giving it a capacity as high as 200 kWh.

The bed of the Sierra EV is 5 feet 11 inches in length, expanding to 9 feet when the Midgate is open.

Considering the Hummer’s crushing 9,000-plus pound weight, we expect the top-trim Silverado and Sierra EVs to likewise be rather hefty. If this is the case, they will certainly get lower efficiency ratings than the F-150 Lightning. However, if the larger batteries offer longer real-world range, and an 800V architecture enables faster charging speeds, that difference may be immaterial to many buyers.

There’s no disputing Ford had a decisive first-mover advantage with the F-150 Lightning, and its Dearborn Truck plant is still working furiously to meet the seemingly insatiable demand for the truck. With GM being the Johnny-come-lately with its EV truck twins (plus Hummer), will it be able to capitalize on the popularity of EV trucks to the extent Ford has been able to? With the Tesla Cybertruck likely just around the corner, and Rivian finally ramping up R1T production, consumer sentiment may have cooled on EV trucks, or it could be as hot as ever. We just don’t know.

The interior of the GMC Sierra is both simple and classy, offering a 16.8-inch touchscreen.

Being a former Avalanche owner, the presence of the Midgate alone makes these trucks an enticing proposition. I’m not a fan of the rich six-figure pricing on the high-trim models, but if features such as four-wheel-steering and my beloved Midgate will be available on more attainably priced models, consider my interest piqued.

(Images courtesy GMC)