With the Hummer EV pickup, GMC has already demonstrated its ability to make a bold all-electric truck that blends typical GMC luxury and impressive power. They’re at it again with another offering: the all-new, first-ever GMC Sierra EV. Most of us assumed this was inevitable when the Chevy Silverado EV was announced, though there was always the chance GMC would stick to the Hummer as their exclusive EV truck. However, more options are always a good thing when looking at trucks for sale, so it’s nice to see that GMC is embracing this attitude and giving fans of EV trucks a couple of great choices.
So far, GMC has announced somewhat limited details on the Sierra EV and what it will offer, though we do have some info. Most of the specifics thus far involve the Denali Edition 1 since that’s the model that will first be available—it’s pretty limited and definitely not for everyone, but it gives us a good reference point for other things. Other models have been announced to follow, however, which will give us more options for a great EV truck. Let’s look at what GMC has announced and what you can expect in this zero-emission pickup.
The GMC Sierra EV Denali Edition 1
Most of our information on the GMC Sierra EV involves the special Denali Edition 1 model, essentially a special launch edition of this truck with limited numbers available, as at the moment, GMC reports that all reservations for the Denali Edition 1 are full. Even if you’re not planning on getting one of these exclusive models, it still gives us a good sense of what GMC considers the peak experience for the Sierra EV at launch, so it’s worth checking out and seeing what’s what.
For starters, we have an awe-inspiring power system, which is no surprise because GM has been going all out with its Ultium battery platform. When put in “Max Power” mode, the Sierra EV Denali Edition 1 can reportedly clock in at 754 hp and 785 lb-ft of torque. I’m happy to say there’s no silliness going on here, as we saw with the Hummer EV and its “11,500 lb-ft of torque,” so we can assume this is performance you can fairly compare to other models. I’ll note that GMC advertises this performance for the Sierra EV in Max Power mode, which makes me wonder if it’s sustainable. At the very least, this is not the kind of performance this truck will deliver while also getting the most range possible, so keep that in mind.
Still, this truck has impressive power and helps the Denali Edition 1 get up to 10,000 lbs of maximum towing capacity and 1,450 lbs of max payload. Both of these numbers are higher than GMC’s first estimates, though again, you’ll likely lose some range hauling this much weight behind your truck. Speaking of which, the Denali Edition 1 looks to get an estimated 440 miles of range from a full charge in optimal conditions, which is higher than the 400 miles of range they initially estimated. We’ll have to see if this estimate is accurate for trims besides the Denali Edition 1. I wouldn’t be surprised if the 400 miles of max range is what we see on most of the best models beyond this introductory one, but both 400 and 440 miles are excellent ranges, so no worries there.
GMC has worked hard to make charging this beast as simple as possible. With support for 350-kW DC fast charging, you can add up to 100 miles of range in about 10 minutes, which is as good as anything else I’ve seen. All of this power is also easy to take advantage of in a variety of situations thanks to an accessory power bar that lets the Sierra EV be used as a power supply for other devices. You can also use the battery pack in this truck as a generator, providing power to your home in an emergency situation for up to 21 days when properly equipped—given the uncertain nature of power grids these days, this is something I love to see.
As far as the interior is concerned, this truck undeniably lives up to the Denali name and its reputation as the pinnacle option for GMC models. It’s a well-designed interior that looks inviting and comfortable, using GMC’s new quilted high-performance seating material called CoreTec, designed to be durable and comfortable. A panoramic fixed-glass room stretches across the entire cabin from front to back, offering a beautiful view of the sky overhead and lending to the overall open feeling of the interior.
Tech features are also everything you’d expect in this launch edition, with a massive 16.8-inch tablet-style (vertically oriented) center touchscreen up front. This screen is customizable and easy to use thanks to a combination of touch controls and, thank the auto gods, actual physical buttons—the no-button trend seems to be dying off. This is paired with an 11-inch reconfigurable driver information panel, a 14-inch multicolor head-up display, and other impressive tech to enhance one’s driving experience. As you’d expect at this point, GM’s signature Super Cruise hands-free driving system is included with this Denali Edition 1 model with three years of coverage, along with navigation functionality, an OnStar Premium Plan, and much more.
The GMC Sierra EV Elevation
Beyond this initial Denali Edition 1 model, we have a few details about three other versions of this truck that will be coming out in the next year or so. The Sierra EV Elevation looks to be the starting trim—for now—and features the massive 16.8-inch display, 18-inch wheels wrapped in 33-inch tires, and a power-operated eTrunk up front. A MultiPro tailgate will be standard on the Elevation, with available options including a MultiPro MidGate, increased fast-charging capability, Power Station functionality, and more. Super Cruise and a spray-on bedliner will also be available but not standard on this model.
The GMC Sierra EV AT4
We’ve had a first look at the AT4, an adventurous, off-road-ready version of this truck. This model will feature 18-inch wheels with 35-inch all-terrain tires for better traction in rough situations, plus an additional two inches of ground clearance for hitting the trail. GMC is loading this one up with a Terrain mode as well as CrabWalk and 4-Wheel Steer, two unique systems that allow for diagonal driving and incredible maneuverability in tight spots. The AT4 is set to come with Super Cruise and a spray-on bedliner as standard features, with a Power Station Pro system and panoramic fixed glass roof as available options.
The GMC Sierra EV Denali
Finally, as you might expect, a standard Denali trim will continue to be available even beyond the launch version of this truck. It will include everything one could want, such as a signature Denali luxury interior with premium materials throughout, Super Cruise, a spray-on bedliner, and a Power Station Pro system. This model will come with 24-inch wheels wrapped in 35-inch tires, plus a 4-Wheel Steer, CrabWalk functionality, a panoramic fixed glass roof, and much more. Even after the Edition 1 version, the Denali will remain the peak of luxury for GMC vehicles.
Does an EV Truck Spark Your Interest?
As you can see, there’s plenty to get excited about with the GMC Sierra EV, assuming that an electrified pickup is something you’re looking for. I know this isn’t the type of model everyone’s into just yet, which is why there are still plenty of impressive gas-powered options like the standard GMC Sierra, the Chevy Silverado, and the Ford F-150. If you think an EV would work for your situation, however, then this is one that you should be keeping your eye on.
The first Denali Edition 1 trucks should be hitting the road in the latter half of this year, while we’ll have to wait until the first half of next year for the AT4 and Elevation models to start getting delivered. That’s perfect for folks who need time to weigh their options and decide if going electric is right for them. One thing is clear, though: no matter what you’re looking for in a truck, there’s one that’s perfect for you.
