The Silverado EV is a genuine technological achievement - 400-plus miles of range, up to 754 hp, and a frunk large enough to serve as a job-site cooler. But at a starting price around $74,000, it costs nearly double what a base gas Silverado asks.
For drivers in Paramus, Hackensack, and across Bergen County, the real question is simpler: which Silverado actually fits your life, your driveway, and your daily use case?
Bottom Line: The Silverado EV is the smarter choice for high-mileage commuters and light-duty work; the gas Silverado wins on towing capacity, payload, and total flexibility.
- Silverado EV starts around $74,000 vs. gas Silverado from approximately $36,000
- Gas Silverado tows up to 13,300 lbs; Silverado EV caps at 10,000 lbs
- EV buyers in NJ may qualify for federal tax credits that reduce the effective cost gap
What the Silverado EV Actually Offers
The Silverado EV runs on GM’s Ultium platform and uses a two-motor all-wheel-drive system in higher trims. In 4WT (four-wheel-drive) trim, it delivers an EPA-estimated 400-plus miles of range - a number that holds up better than most EVs because of the truck’s large battery pack.
Instant torque is the EV’s biggest real-world advantage. From a standstill - merging onto Route 4 or pulling away from a Hackensack traffic light - the Silverado EV delivers its full torque immediately. Gas engines, even powerful V8s, ramp up through their power band.
The frunk (front trunk) adds roughly nine cubic feet of lockable storage - a genuinely useful feature for contractors who want to secure tools away from the bed. It also powers accessories via 120V and 240V outlets using the truck’s bidirectional charging capability.
Silverado EV Towing: Capable But Not Class-Leading
The Silverado EV’s 10,000-lb tow rating is strong for an electric truck - but the gas Silverado 1500 with the Max Trailering Package exceeds it by 3,300 lbs. More significantly, towing reduces EV range dramatically.
Expect range to drop by 40-50% when towing. A 10,000-lb boat trailer on the Garden State Parkway will shrink a 400-mile range estimate to roughly 200-240 miles. That may be fine for a day trip to the shore - but it requires more planning than filling up at a Paramus gas station.
Browse current Silverado inventory at Paramus Chevrolet to see which models are available and in stock.
What the Gas Silverado Still Does Better
The 2026 gas Silverado 1500 remains the more versatile work truck for most Bergen County buyers. It carries more payload, tows more weight, and costs significantly less to purchase outright.
Configuration flexibility is the gas Silverado’s strong suit. Choose from four engine options - 2.7L Turbo, 3.0L Duramax diesel, 5.3L V8, or 6.2L V8 - each tuned for different use cases. Payload tops out at 2,250 lbs, and the Max Trailering Package unlocks the full 13,300-lb tow rating.
Fueling is also seamless across Bergen County. Gas stations on Route 17, Route 4, and Route 46 cover virtually every route you drive. DC fast charging is growing in New Jersey, but highway charging between Paramus and the Delaware Water Gap still requires more planning than a gas stop.
Total Cost of Ownership Comparison
The EV’s lower fuel costs are real. Charging a Silverado EV at home in Mahwah costs roughly $3-5 per 100 miles at average NJ electricity rates, compared to $10-14 per 100 miles for the 5.3L V8 at current gas prices.
Over 100,000 miles, that fuel savings can approach $7,000-$11,000 depending on electricity rates and gas prices. Add potential federal tax credits - which can reach $7,500 for qualifying buyers and vehicles - and the effective price gap narrows meaningfully.
Maintenance is another advantage for the EV. No oil changes, fewer brake jobs due to regenerative braking, and a simpler drivetrain translate to lower routine maintenance costs over a typical ownership period.
"The Silverado EV makes a compelling case for high-mileage commuters and drivers who do light-duty towing - but for contractors who need maximum payload and tow capacity every day, the gas platform is still the right tool for the job."
General Manager, Paramus Chevrolet
EV Infrastructure in Bergen County: Honest Assessment
New Jersey has invested meaningfully in public EV charging, and Bergen County has more charging stations than most of the state. Shopping centers in Paramus, Hackensack, and Ridgewood have added Level 2 chargers in recent years.
Home charging is the real game-changer. Silverado EV owners who install a Level 2 (240V) charger in their garage - a one-time investment typically between $600 and $1,200 including installation - can top up the truck overnight and start every morning with a full charge. That eliminates most range-anxiety concerns for local use.
The challenge remains longer road trips. Fast chargers along major NJ highways are improving, but trip planning is still more involved than it is for a gas truck. Drivers who regularly travel to Pennsylvania, upstate New York, or New England should factor in charging stop time.
Which Driver Profile Fits Each Truck?
The Silverado EV fits best if you drive 50-150 miles per day mostly within Bergen County and nearby areas, have or can install home charging, do light towing under 8,000 lbs, and want to reduce fuel and maintenance costs over a five-plus-year ownership period.
The gas Silverado fits best if you tow heavy loads regularly, need maximum payload capacity for your work, take frequent long road trips, or the price difference between the two platforms matters to your budget.
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Midpoint Check: Is Certified Pre-Owned a Factor?
The Silverado EV does not yet have a significant CPO market - it is too new. Gas Silverados, however, have a robust certified pre-owned ecosystem at Paramus Chevrolet.
A 2021-2024 CPO gas Silverado can offer much of the same capability as a new truck at $8,000-$15,000 less, with GM’s 172-point inspection and powertrain warranty backing it. For buyers weighing the EV’s price premium against the gas truck’s capability, a CPO gas Silverado is a third option worth considering.
Schedule a test drive at Paramus Chevrolet to compare both platforms back-to-back.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far can the Silverado EV actually go on a charge? In 4WT trim with the dual-motor AWD system, the Silverado EV is EPA-estimated at 400-plus miles. Real-world range depends on temperature, speed, and load - cold Bergen County winters can reduce range by 15-25%, and active towing cuts it more significantly.
Does the Silverado EV qualify for the federal EV tax credit? Tax credit eligibility depends on the buyer’s income, vehicle MSRP, and assembly location - rules that have shifted in recent years. Consult a tax professional and check IRS guidance to confirm your specific eligibility before relying on the credit in your purchase math.
Can I tow with the Silverado EV? Yes - the Silverado EV is rated for up to 10,000 lbs. Plan your range carefully when towing, as heavy loads significantly reduce battery range. For routine towing over 10,000 lbs, the gas Silverado 1500 with the Max Trailering Package is the stronger choice.
What is the price difference between the two trucks? The gas Silverado 1500 starts around $36,000 for the base Work Truck trim. The Silverado EV Work Truck starts around $74,000. Well-optioned trims of each truck narrow the gap somewhat, but the base price spread is roughly $38,000.
Is charging infrastructure good enough in Bergen County? For daily driving with home charging, yes. Public fast-charging access is improving along NJ highways and at major shopping centers in Paramus and Hackensack. Long road trips still require more planning than refueling a gas truck.
Which Silverado is better for resale value in New Jersey? Gas Silverados have a longer resale history and a wider used-truck market. EV resale values are harder to predict as technology evolves. Both trucks hold value reasonably well, but the gas Silverado’s resale trajectory is more established.
Both Silverados are strong trucks. The choice comes down to your daily mileage, towing needs, and charging setup. View current Silverado inventory at Paramus Chevrolet or contact our team to discuss which platform suits your Bergen County lifestyle.