We reported in April on the introduction of a new trim level and battery in the Chevy Silverado EV lineup. Specifically, it was the fleet-only 3WT Standard + Range trim lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack. The new LFP battery was expected to provide significant cost savings compared to the nickel-cobalt-manganese-aluminum (NMCA) battery chemistry used across the rest of the Silverado EV lineup.
However, GM Authority has learned that there won’t be a 3WT Standard + Range trim level for the 2026 Silverado EV after all, leaving 4WT as the base work truck trim. The first hint that the new trim and battery might not happen this year was when pricing came out last week for the 2026 Chevy Silverado EV. Pricing was confirmed for every trim except for 3WT.
The new trim and battery weren’t just rumors; the 3WT Standard + Range trim was on the order guide for the 2026 Chevy Silverado EV. Its standard and available equipment was similar to the 4WT Standard Range truck, with the biggest difference being an LFP Battery Pack (RPO code EEW). Now, the introduction of an LFP battery pack in the Silverado EV has been pushed back to the 2027 model year.
The shift to an LFP chemistry would have marked a major departure from the batteries used across the rest of the Silverado EV lineup, specifically the pouch-style, nickel-cobalt-manganese-aluminum (NMCA) chemistry batteries produced under the Ultium Cells LLC joint venture between GM and LG Energy Solution. While typically less energy-dense than NMCA batteries, LFP cells are more affordable to produce and offer robust thermal stability and longevity – ideal traits for fleet applications where cost and durability take priority.
As for pricing for the rest of the lineup, the 2026 Chevy Silverado EV starts at $54,895 for the WT Standard Range trim and climbs to $76,295 for the WT Max Range variant. The LT lineup starts at $62,995 for the Standard Range, moving up to $71,195 for the LT Extended Range, and topping out at $91,095 for the LT Max Range. Pricing for the new Trail Boss trim is set at $72,095 for the Extended Range variant and $88,695 for the Max Range variant.
Scheduled to begin production in 2027.
There's some uncertainty in the future of GM's manufacturing in Mexico.
More than 80 recalls so far.
Some ZR1 orders are getting pushed to 2026.
View Comments
Tariffs?
LFP batteries produces fewer miles per charge. If the range is cut by a higher percentage than the price tag, then I'm not sure it will generate the levels of excitement needed in the EV space.
Not necessarily. They are less energy-dense, which is energy per volume. Since it is cheaper, you could make a larger battery for the same price. Either way, none of this is going to create "excitement". These are options that will allow them to tweak their offerings to the specific use cases - in this one, the work truck is the target, which needs to be cheap and reliable - so this new batt can provide - within an extended range option - that would be cheaper and possibly bigger than the equivalent NMCA version. In other words, it's a more appropriate for the purpose (rather than using the 'top-of-the-line' batt).
Lastly, don't forget the other variables - more thermally stable and more robust. My understanding is that the "normal" fire risks that come with EV cars is much reduced with an LFP batt.
Wouldn’t have this probably if they kept the diesel.