Can the Chevrolet Silverado EV be offered in Australia? Rivian R1T rival, Tesla Cybertruck and Ford F-150 Lightning enter the battle for electric vehicles

The Silverado EV relies on GM's custom Ultium electric platform.

The battle for electric trucks is heating up, with another new charged workhorse being unveiled in the US this week.

Chevrolet has taken the wraps off its all-new Silverado electric vehicle, which will compete with a range of all-electric pickups in the US when it goes on sale in 2023.

Competitors include the Ford F-150 Lightning, Rivian R1T and Tesla Cybertruck, as well as GMC's own Hummer EV.

The new Silverado EV is the latest electric truck from the big three Detroit automakers, and now the world is waiting for an electric version of the RAM 1500, which is expected to go on sale in the US in 2024.

The new Silverado EV is unrelated to the current generation version that hit Chevrolet showrooms in 2018 and is sold here in Australia through GMSV. The electric vehicle is based on the same dedicated Ultium electric vehicle platform that underpins the already unveiled Hummer.

Ultium is GM's scalable skateboard-style platform using a 24-module floor-mounted battery pack and two motors.

Since the US launch, two options have been offered: the more utilitarian WT (Work Truck) and the fancier RST.

Chevrolet says the WT has a range of 644 km and the powertrain puts out a total of 380kW/834Nm. It can tow 3629 kg and has a payload of 544 kg.

The RST has the same range, but more power and torque - 495 kW / 1058 Nm. It can tow 4536kg and has a payload of 590kg.

Chevy has an edge over the competition when it comes to range. The Rivian R1T has an estimated range of 505 km, while the Ford F-150 Lightning can travel 483 km on a single charge.

The Silverado EV has a 350kW fast-charging capability, allowing for approximately 160 miles of range in 10 minutes.

The optional Power Bar accessory turns the Silverado EV into a workstation, offering up to 10 outlets and a total of 10.2 kWh of electricity for tools and other gadgets or to power your home. You can even power another electric vehicle using the optional charging cord.

The 'Multi-Flex Midgate' cargo bay feature extends the platform of the pickup truck by folding the rear seats 60/40, allowing for a safe passage for longer items. When used this way, a 10-foot 10-inch cargo floor is obtained. The front trunk (or trunk) is also suitable for suitcase-sized items.

Other mechanical features include independent front and rear suspension, adaptive air suspension, four-wheel steering, and a tow/traction mode.

Inside there is a 17-inch multimedia screen, an 11-inch digital instrument cluster and a head-up display.

In order for the Silverado EV to be sold in Australia, it will likely have to be imported from the factory and converted to right-hand drive at the GMSV plant in Melbourne.

A GMSV spokesman has balked at the prospect of launching the SIlverado electric car in Australia.

"The Silverado EV is another vehicle in the General Motors lineup that demonstrates our vision for an all-electric future, however GMSV is not making any announcements about a new model at this stage," they said.

GMSV is currently selling the Silverado 8 LTZ with a V1500 petrol engine in Australia starting at $113,990 excluding travel expenses.

If the EV gets the green light, it will almost certainly have an advantage over the internal combustion engine model.