GMC Sierra EV Denali gets range boost while showing off its crab walk

2024-04-16 15:43:22

GMC is hoping better range will give it an edge in the EV truck wars.

The 2024 GMC Sierra EV is almost here, and to celebrate, the automaker is giving it the gift of more range.

When it was first announced two years ago, GMC said the Sierra EV Denali would get an EPA estimated range of 400 miles, thanks to a massive battery that was expected to top 200kWh. Now, GMC says the electric truck’s maximum range at launch will be actually closer to 440 miles — a staggering amount in the nascent world of electric pickups.

Most electric trucks on the road today struggle to exceed 300 miles of range. Weather, terrain, and road type can also affect range and sap battery life. And once they start doing truck stuff, like hauling or towing, that range can drop even lower. GMC’s claims about the Sierra EV’s range will likely be independently verified once the truck starts deliveries later this summer. (Production was delayed amid the sales growth slowdown.)

Image: GMC

But still, it’s a sign that GMC thinks range — and, in particular, lots of range — will be what it takes to win the electric truck wars. EV sales are growing, albeit slower than in previous years, forcing automakers to scramble to find the right sales pitch for new customers. Truck buyers are still up for grabs, though it’s likely that unreliable charging infrastructure and misinformation about EV ownership (especially as the presidential election heats up) will make it more difficult to win over new customers.

Image: GMC

The Sierra EV Denali will go up against current electric trucks, including the Ford F-150 Lightning, Rivian R1T, Chevy Silverado EV, and Tesla Cybertruck, as well as GMC’s own Hummer EV truck and SUV. Forthcoming electric trucks include the Ram 1500 Rev and unnamed electric trucks from Ford and VW-owned Scout Motors.

GMC also released a few more details about the Sierra EV Denali, which is expected to start at $99,495 (including a $1,995 destination charge).

The Edition 1 launch version of the truck sounds like it could easily knock the wind out of you, with an estimated 562kW of total power (754 horsepower) and 785 pound-feet of torque while in Max Power Mode.
The truck will be capable of carrying 1,450 pounds of payload and towing up to 10,000 pounds — both increased over the initial estimates. No word on how much range you’ll lose when you start hauling heavy items.
An 800-volt architecture will enable DC fast charging up to 350 kW, adding 100 miles of range in approximately 10 minutes.
Of course, it will have CrabWalk, a feature on some GMC vehicles in which the rear wheels mimic the angle of the front wheels at low speeds. Here’s a fun video of GMC’s electric vehicles crab-walking through the snow.