The GMC Sierra is one of the most recognizable trucks in North America. First produced alongside the Chevy Silverado, generations of drivers have relied upon the Sierra pickup truck as a means of transportation, a work partner, and an adventure companion over the years.
Sure, there was that short hiatus from 2000 to 2002, but who doesn’t need some time off? And while GMC has introduced new features, capabilities, and engineering for the Sierra, it remains an iconic truck on our roadways. But the next time you’re looking for a GMC Sierra for sale, you’ll likely have a new option to consider: the Sierra EV.
GMC is staggering the release of the Sierra EV lineup. As the first in the series, the Denali Edition 1 is anticipated to arrive in summer 2024 for those lucky individuals who were able to secure a pre-order registration. Its Elevation and AT4 trims are slated to appear in the first half of 2025, according to GMC press updates.
So, what should we expect from the all-electric Sierra EV Denali Edition 1? According to GMC, the goal was to create a versatile, luxurious, and tech-forward truck—and from what we can tell so far, it looks like they’ve succeeded.
Power, Performance, and Electricity
Once upon a time, the American driving public believed that any vehicle powered in any way by electrical means was somehow slow and weak. In fact, that time was not so long ago. However, with more and more automakers aiming for an all-electric future with vehicles that are just as powerful and capable as their traditional gasoline-powered counterparts, it’s clear that this stigma is quickly dissolving.
To their credit, innovation is clearly at the forefront of the design and engineering that went into creating the GMC Sierra EV Denali. For drivers who are concerned that an electrified Sierra can’t possibly be practical, GMC would like to relieve you of your worries.
The Sierra EV will be powered by the next-gen Ultium platform that provides drivers with the type of range, power, and capability that actually benefits them and their daily driving needs.
Like many EVs, this Sierra will offer a range of driving and power modes that regulate things like power usage, regeneration, speed, and performance. Those looking for the tops in horsepower can consider the Sierra EV’s Max Power mode, which joins the party with a breathtaking 754 hp and 785 lb-ft of torque. The result is a zero-to-sixty acceleration time of 4.5 seconds. It’s not quite “race car” fast, but most production pickup trucks take much longer to make that distance.
For daily driving, the Normal mode grants drivers a balance between economy and power. Tow/Haul mode is there for work time, and Off-Road mode is ideal for fun time. A customizable “My Mode” allows drivers to call in their own preferences for steering, suspension, and power settings based on what the journey and the road ahead call for.
But many drivers are concerned about the limits of electric range and the recharging process. These are valid concerns, but the Sierra EV is prepared for the long haul. With up to 400 miles of range and several potential charging options, the Sierra EV is more than capable of road-tripping. Furthermore, when recharging with the 350-kW DC Fast Charging option, drivers can gain a charge of roughly 100 miles in around ten minutes.
And, should you need it, the Sierra EV Denali can provide 10.2 kW of off-boarding power to function as a generator. Decked out with up to ten power outlets in both 240- and 120-volt options, it’s possible to use a properly equipped Sierra EV as a power source for up to 21 days, bringing a new meaning to the phrase “power and performance.”
The Denali Factor
The Denali badge has been associated with excellence since it made its debut on the GMC Yukon in 1999. In the years following, drivers have come to expect great things from the Denali trim of any GMC model.
The Sierra EV Denali Edition 1 is no exception. From upholstery that is both cozy and resistant to an innovative Air Ride Adaptive Suspension system, drivers can expect a smooth and comfortable ride from the first-ever all-electric Sierra.
A panoramic fixed glass roof provides views of everything above, while tinted ultraviolet and infrared filters keep the cabin from getting too hot or too bright.
Technology is also a key focus of the Sierra EV Denali, with a huge 16.8-inch touchscreen tablet operating the infotainment system. For those who are reluctant to figure out yet another infotainment system, fear not, as this one is fully customizable for three split screens of data and includes physical buttons and knobs.
Also assisting with the driving duties are a 14.0-inch multicolor Head-Up Display and an 11.0-inch reconfigurable driver information panel. Between these three massive and personalizable displays, drivers can be sure to have all the information they need exactly where they want it.
And speaking of assistance with driving, the Sierra EV Denali Edition 1 includes a three-year subscription to the Super Cruise semi-autonomous hands-free driving technology.
A Full-Function Truck
Above all, the GMC Sierra EV is a fully functional light-duty pickup truck. While it is not capable of hauling massive loads, it was never intended to do so; the Sierra EV’s maximum towing capacity of 9,500 lbs is comparable to that of the current gas-powered Sierra 1500.
That being said, the Sierra EV’s cargo space has been maximized into a truly glorious storage solution that many drivers can appreciate. GMC’s MultiPro midgate makes its Sierra debut on the Denali Edition 1 trim, allowing drivers to fold their seats into the floor and remove the back windows. The result is an extended truck bed that can accommodate objects up to ten feet and ten inches in length.
The space formerly occupied by the engine becomes a lockable, weatherproof eTrunk compartment, which includes 11.0 cu.ft. of additional storage space that may revolutionize the concept of tailgating.
Additionally, Sierra EV Denali Edition 1 drivers will get to try out cutting-edge technology like 4-Wheel Steer, which allows drivers to control all four wheels at the same time for tighter turns and more precise maneuverability. With this comes GMC’s exclusive CrabWalk diagonal drive technology; initially a feature on the Hummer EV, CrabWalk aligns the rear and front wheels at the same angle, improving turning and overall stability in addition to diagonal driving.
A New Member of the Sierra Family
The GMC Sierra will explore new territory when the Sierra EV Denali Edition 1 is released. While it promises to be a simple, uncomplicated entry into the electrified world for many light-duty truck drivers, most drivers will probably need more details before being ready to commit.
Still, the Sierra EV makes a lot of interesting promises, with power that rivals performance-bred cars, features that take the stress and mess out of driving, and a more-than-adequate cargo carrier and trailer tower. With the electric future looming ever closer, it’s interesting to see favorites such as the GMC Sierra make the transition—and, given what we know now about the new Sierra EV, that future looks very bright.
