Chevy Unveils 2026 Silverado EV Trail Boss with 478-Mile Range

Chevy is expanding its 2026 Silverado EV lineup with the introduction of the Trail Boss trim, designed to elevate the electric pickup’s off-road capabilities and range. This new variant offers a remarkable GM-estimated range of 478 miles when paired with the max range battery, setting a new benchmark in the electric truck segment.

The Trail Boss trim enhances the Silverado EV with a 2-inch lift for increased ground clearance, 35-inch all-terrain tires, and 18-inch wheels, making it well-suited for rugged terrain. Despite the added height and off-road features, the truck maintains impressive efficiency and range.

One standout feature is the exclusive Terrain mode, which provides sharper four-wheel steering and enhanced torque and traction control at low speeds, improving maneuverability on uneven trails. Additionally, Sidewinder mode allows all four tires to turn in the same direction for diagonal driving, a capability shared with the GMC Hummer EV.

Power-wise, the Trail Boss delivers 725 horsepower and 775 lb-ft of torque with the max range battery. It supports a maximum towing capacity of 12,500 pounds and a payload capacity of 2,100 pounds, although towing heavy loads will reduce the driving range.

Chevy is also enhancing technology offerings with an upgraded Super Cruise system that enables hands-free highway driving, even while towing. This feature is available on both the Trail Boss and LT trims, improving safety and convenience for drivers.

The Silverado EV’s interior includes a 17.7-inch central touchscreen and an 11-inch instrument gauge, now standard on the Work Truck trim. Pricing for the Trail Boss starts at $72,095 for the extended range version and $88,695 for the max range variant, reflecting the premium features and capabilities.

Broader Significance and Industry Impact

The introduction of the Trail Boss trim highlights the rapid advancement of electric vehicle technology, especially in the pickup truck segment where range, power, and off-road capability are critical. Chevy’s ability to combine long-range batteries with rugged features and sophisticated driver-assist systems demonstrates the maturation of EV platforms for diverse use cases.

For developers and automotive engineers, the Silverado EV Trail Boss serves as a case study in integrating advanced software controls like four-wheel steering and terrain-specific drive modes with hardware enhancements. The expanded Super Cruise capabilities also reflect growing trends in autonomous and semi-autonomous driving technologies tailored for utility vehicles.

As electric trucks become more capable and versatile, they open new opportunities for commercial and recreational users to adopt sustainable transportation without sacrificing performance. The Silverado EV Trail Boss exemplifies how innovation in battery technology, powertrain engineering, and software integration can redefine expectations for electric pickups.