Latest news with #Silverado1500
Car and Driver
13-05-2025
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
GM's New Battery Cells Could Make Future EV Trucks and SUVs More Affordable
Kurt Kelty, the vice president of propulsion and sustainability at General Motors, told us his goal is to see electric and gas-powered vehicles achieve price parity. To create a market where the Chevy Silverado EV is as affordable as a V-8-powered Silverado 1500 means erasing the $20K discrepancy between their current starting prices. Doing that will take time. It will also require new chemistry. But if anyone can do it, it's probably Kelty, who started his career in batteries over 30 years ago at Panasonic and eventually helped create the world's first Gigafactory during his 11 years at Tesla. Today, as part of an extended partnership with LG Energy Solution, GM announced it will produce a new battery cell that promises to lower the cost of production with a new lithium-manganese-rich (LMR) prismatic battery cell. It's a step to lower the price of electric vehicles. Let us explain. Manganese, Manganese, Manganese We'll use the Silverado EV as an example, as GM said these new LMR prismatic cells will first appear in electric pickups and full-size SUVs in 2028. The 2025 Silverado EV has a 205-kWh battery pack with 24 modules, each of which carries 24 pouch cells that contain a careful blend of lithium, nickel, manganese, cobalt, and aluminum (NMCA). Cobalt is the most expensive ingredient, with the cost of nickel not far behind, as it makes up the majority of the battery recipe. According to GM, the new LMR prismatic cells replace a substantial amount of pricey nickel with the more affordable manganese. Steve Fecht for General Motors Each LMR prismatic cell looks similar to an old Phillips DVD player. They weigh approximately six to 11 pounds and are significantly larger than the outgoing pouch cells. GM told us that these larger prismatic cells have 33 percent higher energy density than comparable lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) prismatic cells, which are currently used in the Tesla Model 3. The new format would also dramatically reduce the number of modules needed in a Silverado EV's battery pack from 24 to six. Element 25 Limited The reduction in nickel content comes at an interesting time, as companies such as Porsche have attributed the higher level of nickel in their nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) battery packs for 2025 Taycans to boost energy capacity, increase charging speed, and lower weight. Also, tariffs. Though GM assured us that the announcement of bolstering domestic battery production wasn't a reaction to President Trump's tariffs, as LMR R&D goes as far back as the same year former President Biden was elected. More recently, GM signed an agreement with Element 25 in 2023 to build a manganese sulfate facility in Louisiana to process manganese mined and transported from Australia, for which GM invested $85 million as a means to optimize its production chain of EVs. For now, GM's plan to incorporate these new LMR cells into future vehicles is part of a larger strategy to offer specific battery types for specific use cases. For example, using more affordable LFP cells in entry-level EVs that won't be burdened with the need for maximum range for towing, perhaps for the upcoming second-generation Chevy Bolt EV. NMCA cells are at the other end of that spectrum, for use in higher-cost vehicles that also require the most range, such as the Cadillac Escalade IQ. LMR fits between those extremes, as a balance of cost and range. That type of flexibility is likely paramount as GM is responsible for 10 of the 74 electric vehicles sold in the United States today. Practice Makes Perfect We toured the Wallace Battery Cell Innovation Center at GM's Technical Center in Warren, Michigan, where validation of the new cells will occur in 2027. While there, we saw each stage of the production process of these new LMR prismatic cells. There are several rooms for each step, which allows GM to fine-tune the process before mass production. In one bank of rooms, they perfect the mixing of materials for cathode and anode production. Another room pulls a sheet of aluminum some 0.5 nanometer thick, without tearing it from the spool, to create electrodes. In a building behind Wallace, while still under construction, the entire assembly line will be built to maximize efficiencies. General Motors Our favorite part of the field trip was during the tour of the nearby Estes Global Battery Systems Lab, where the hardcore chemistry happens. Stuff I don't even dare attempt to explain, as I'm not someone qualified to speak about cathode material synthesis, material surface modulation, or electrode characterization. The three rooms with those labels sound like classes I failed in college. Within one of these labs, among the electrolysis thing-ah-muh-whos and electrospinning how-do-ya-dos, sat a bright red toolbox with an Edelbrock sticker slapped on its sides—an unintentional metaphor for GM's ongoing evolution of propulsion. GM's 15-year joint venture with LG Energy Solution has produced over 100 million battery cells in its Ultium Cells plants in Warren, Ohio, and Spring Hill, Tennessee. GM wouldn't spill the beans about where their new LMR prismatic cells would be produced, but it did promise that future vehicles using these new LMR prismatic cells would be capable of the same uber-quick DC fast-charging speeds and existing 100,000-mile battery warranty offered today. Austin Irwin Technical Editor Austin Irwin has worked for Car and Driver for over 10 years in various roles. He's steadily worked his way from an entry-level data entry position into driving vehicles for photography and video, and is now reviewing and testing cars. What will he do next? Who knows, but he better be fast.
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Solana Motors Invites Customers to Test Drive the 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 in Brady, Texas
The 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is now available for test drives at the Solana Motors dealership in Brady, Texas. BRADY, Texas, March 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Solana Motors welcomes customers to experience the power and capability of the 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. Built for strength and innovation, this truck delivers advanced technology, impressive towing capacity, and a bold design. Drivers in Brady, Texas, can now schedule a test drive and explore the new features up close. The 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offers performance and durability for work and adventure. Customers will find multiple engine options, including a TurboMax™ 2.7L engine and an available 6.2L V8, delivering up to 420 horsepower. The 10-speed automatic transmission ensures smooth shifting and efficiency on any terrain. Towing remains a top priority. The 2025 Silverado 1500 boasts a maximum towing capacity of 13,300 pounds when properly equipped. Trailer technology, including Trailer Sway Control and an available Advanced Trailering System, provides confidence on long hauls. Inside, the Silverado 1500 combines comfort and convenience. A 13.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system integrates wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. The available 15-inch Head-Up Display keeps essential information within the driver's line of sight. Safety remains a priority with Chevy Safety Assist. The suite includes Forward Collision Alert, Automatic Emergency Braking, and Lane Keep Assist. Off-road enthusiasts can choose the Z71 Off-Road Package, featuring skid plates, all-terrain tires, and an upgraded suspension. Customers can book a test drive of the 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 online at Solana Motors. The process is quick and simple. Choose a date, fill out the form, and confirm availability. Those who prefer to schedule by phone can call 833-860-1900 for assistance. Truck buyers can explore various 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 models at Solana Motors, 2110 S. Bridge St, Brady, TX 76825. Friendly experts assist with financing, features, and trim options. Website: View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Solana Motors
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Here's How Much Car Prices Could Rise Due to Tariffs
President Donald Trump has confirmed that 25% tariffs targeting the global automotive trade are scheduled to take effect on April 2, 2025. Car price tracker iSeeCars has compiled a table of vehicles that could see price increases if these tariffs go into effect as planned. This table assumes that the tariff will be applied directly to the sticker price and be passed onto the consumer. It seems like the tariff moratorium is running out of time. President Donald Trump has signaled that the promised 25% tariff on imported automobiles is coming on April 2, 2025. Initially scheduled to take effect at the start of March, the Trump administration gave automakers a month's reprieve. Now, as the tariffs on imported cars are coming into effect, the team at iSeeCars has compiled a list of vehicles that will see significant price increases if the tariffs play out as most are expecting. According to the iSeeCars table, popular vehicles like the Chevrolet Silverado, Ram 1500, and Toyota RAV4 could see big bumps in price. The table shows that the current Silverado 1500 could add as much as $13,903 onto the bottom line, which would bump the average list price up to $69,515. The average list price of a Ram 1500 pickup could rise to an eye-watering $75,475. Of course, the list from iSeeCars, above, isn't comprehensive. Going outside of the brand's list and looking at base-price examples of imported Performance cars might be eye-opening for some. The Porsche 911 could see its base price climb to $162,438, which is a $32,487 jump from the current $129,950 sticker. That said, it's hard to say exactly how much these tariffs are going to directly affect shoppers. It's probably a safe assumption that most automakers won't eat the entirety of the 25% tariff, but absorbing some of these costs could help soften consumer pricing fears. It's also worth noting that these price hikes won't just affect new cars but will also affect used cars. According to iSeeCars Executive Analyst Karl Brauer, 'New car prices will quickly rise, with used car prices also increasing as buyers shift to the used market, following the same pattern we saw during the pandemic when new car production was restricted.' Do you think these tariffs are a good idea? Tell us your thoughts below.
Yahoo
18-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
2027 Chevy Silverado Interior Sports Huge Screens in New Spy Photos
Our spy photographers caught a glimpse of the next-generation pickup truck. The new photos show a heavily camouflaged crew-cab configuration and give us our first look at the interior screen setup for the upcoming truck. The new pickup is expected to arrive sometime next year as a 2027 model-year vehicle. The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is immensely popular. Across the Silverado lineup in the United States, Chevy sold more than 540,000 trucks last year alone. Now, our spy photographers have caught a glimpse of what appears to be the next-generation Silverado 1500, which we expect to show up late next year as a 2027 model. The overall size and shape of the Silverado appear to stay in line with the current truck, but it's hard to gather specifics without seeing under the prototype's heavy camouflage. We can see what look to be production-ready headlights peaking out from behind the coverings. The new units appear to emulate the jagged LED design found on the current crop of Chevy HD trucks. The back of the truck sports a new quad-tip exhaust design that replaces the current dual-exhaust look. The photos also give us our first look at the Silverado's updated interior, which will clearly feature ample screen acreage. From what we can see, the dashboard houses one continuous slab of glass extending from in front of the driver toward the center of the cabin. We've seen General Motors implement a similar design on a number of Cadillac models that feature a giant 33.0-inch screen stretching across the dash. Under the hood, we don't expect Chevy to make any drastic engine changes with the arrival of the next generation. Instead, we expect the four powertrains available now to continue on, with minor updates to fuel economy and performance. You Might Also Like Car and Driver's 10 Best Cars through the Decades How to Buy or Lease a New Car Lightning Lap Legends: Chevrolet Camaro vs. Ford Mustang!
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Tesla Cybertruck Nabs 5-Star Scores in U.S. Government Crash Tests
Tesla's Cybertruck may boast a polarizing design, but the federal government says it's certainly not an unsafe one. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration's testing, the Cybertruck has received five-star ratings in multiple safety trial crash tests — and appears even safer than most pickup trucks in at least one category. In its testing, NHTSA reviewed the Cybertruck's frontal and side crash protection along with its rollover risk. In frontal crash tests, the pickup scored five stars overall, with five stars for driver safety and four stars for front passenger safety. That test simulates what happens when the Cybertruck hits another similar vehicle head-on at 35 mph. In every category tested, the Tesla's occupants were inflicted with well below the maximum allowable force also performed tested side impacts on the Cybertruck, where it scored five stars across the board. One test considered how the Tesla performed when it was hit at 38.5 mph by an object angled at 27°, in essence testing what it would be like to be hit by crossing traffic at an intersection; in the other test, the Cybertruck is directed at a 75° angle into a rigid pole at 20 mph, comparable to a situation where the truck veered off of the road and into a telephone pole or tree. These scores fall right in line with other Teslas tested by NHTSA, all of which have been five-star performers in their own right. Notably, these five-star marks aren't out of the ordinary for full-size pickup trucks, either; in fact, full-size trucks from Chevrolet, Ram, and Ford all have five-star crash test ratings. In some cases, like the F-150 and Silverado 1500, the trucks even performed better overall than the of the other U.S.-made full-sizers came close to matching the Cybertruck in terms of rollover risk, though. The Ram 1500, Silverado 1500, and F-150 all have a rollover risk greater than 19%; the Tesla's rollover risk is just 12.4%. You Might Also Like You Need a Torque Wrench in Your Toolbox Tested: Best Car Interior Cleaners The Man Who Signs Every Car
