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Silverado EV towing

There’s a lot to go over with Chevy’s Silverado EV, but what makes it really unique is the huge 200+kWh battery and the 450+ mile range that it provides. But that monster battery also has a few well disguised drawbacks, including putting the truck at a whopping 8500 lbs. Let’s dive in…

Chevy flew us out to Ann Arbor to learn about the Silverado EV work truck and then off to a local farm to see the Silverado in its native habitat, complete with country music and BBQ. There we got to tow a 10,000 lb. John Deere tractor, head out on some dirt roads, and drive the Silverado through some small towns with even smaller parking spots.

Then we got to speak to some of the experts on Chevy’s team about the nuances of this vehicle. There is a ton going on here, but by far the biggest differentiator between this vehicle and the competition is the huge battery and the subsequent 450+ miles of range. I use the ‘+’ because throughout most of the testing, I was seeing greater than 450 miles of range sometimes close to 500 miles in very normal around town usage, similar to what a fleet work truck would do in a typical day; obviously when towing, that range gets cut as much as in half. But when starting out so high, all of a sudden towing long distances becomes way less stressful.

The downside of that huge battery is the weight and size. The driving dynamics were super impressive however, even on dirt roads. Chevy recommends a surprisingly high 61 PSI on the wheels and ours were showing 63 PSIs, yet the ride was incredibly smooth. Still, however, you are schlepping around a 200kWh battery everywhere which consumes a lot of extra energy and the inertia of a 8500 lb. vehicle becomes all that much more dangerous in an accident.

Silverado EV has 50% more battery than F-150 Lightning or Rivian R1T

There’s no denying the standout feature of the Silverado Work Truck is its huge, honking 200+kWh battery. To put it into perspective, it is 50% bigger than Ford’s F-150 Lightning long range battery at 131kWh and double the under 100kWh standard range battery. That’s an extra vehicle battery on top of an F-150 Lightning battery (Chevy’s Bolt is 65kWh for instance). Rivian clocks in slightly higher at 135kWh but that’s a rounding error, and its upcoming Max battery pack still falls significantly short at 180kWh.

Ford vs Chevy vs Rivian

That incredible Silverado 450 mile range isn’t just from battery alone however. It has the same size battery as the GMC Hummer EV which has a 329 mile range.

Curiously, Chevy was super-coy about the battery size and kept saying it was different than the Hummer EVs though they did concede it as the same module and kWh spec.

How did Chevy eek out a whopping 121 miles from the same size battery?

Well first of all, the Hummer EV isn’t an exercise in efficiency. Its huge tires, gaping drag coefficient, removable roof and absurd 10,000 lb. weight make a lot of low hanging fruit when optimizing.

But Silverado also has smaller, more efficient (and one fewer) motors. So this isn’t a speed burner with a mid-5 second 0-60 but will be fine for just about anyone. When towing 10,000 lbs., however, I had an 11+ second 0-60 time which might be troublesome for getting on highways, especially uphill.

The aerodynamics aren’t just good but they made “one of the most efficient trucks ever” with a .331 drag coefficient. Rivian claims a lower flat, .3, but both are great aero trucks.

Silverado EV Work Truck also drops almost a literal ton of weight from the Hummer EV with some simplicity which also helps with cost savings. Also we saw up to 180kW of regeneration power when using the 1 pedal driving mode and even higher with a trailer attached. That adds up.

Chevy Pro Power on Board Offboard power

The power system for these EV trucks still fascinates me even if we’ve mostly “seen this before.”

Chevy basically replicated Ford’s extremely popular power station on board. It is a similar amount of power 10kW in similar places – Rear bed, Interior, charging port and Frunk (Chevy calls it the E-Trunk but even the experts, see above, were calling it a “frunk”).

Overall you get 10.2kW of power including a 30A, 7.2kW generator plug output that can manually backup your home at launch. Chevy is working on something similar to Ford’s automatic home backup through the charging port and expects to have something that will coincide with the launch of the RST at the end of this year.

For the moment, however, Chevy does have some cool charge port accessories like the 6kW charger cable that will charge another vehicle (one would assume you could also charge a vehicle using the 7.2kW generator port with an adapter). It also has some neat add-ons like charging port powerstrips with different charging options including the RV favorite NEMA TT-30 30A 110V plug.

To show its prowess, Chevy ran the two food trucks from its off board power, without breaking a sweat and barely registering on battery usage. This truck has enough power to run multiple food trucks for days while subtracting the traditional loud running, petroleum spewing power generation which isn’t a great pairing with food preparation and consumption.

Silverado EV pricing

Let’s start with the bad news: To everyone’s shock and surprise (/s), Chevy will not be selling a Silverado EV starting under $40,000 like they originally planned. I’m not sure how many of the 185,000 reservation holders were banking on that but with a few years of inflation, parts shortages, delays, etc, here we are. I do think that they will get into the $50+K range starting next year when they offer a significantly lower range model Work Truck. After incentives that will get close to $40K. Chevy says range and price will be competitive with Ford’s standard offerings which currently start at 230 miles/100kWh and $55K.

The 450-mile work truck we drove will start at $77,905 and be available to fleets in the coming weeks. That’s notably a few weeks later than Chevy’s planned “spring rollout,” but compared to the years of delays Tesla has shown on its models like Cybertruck, it is just a blip. Meanwhile the slightly smaller battery 350+ mile Work Truck will debut at the end of the year with a $72,905 price tag.

Chevy Silverado RST First Edition

Also at the end of the year, Chevy will unleash the RST First Edition for a whopping $105K which is getting pretty close to a Hummer EV lite. Here’s a quick look at the RST which features the mid-gate for increased storage and a whole lot of other options. I imagine a large percentage of our audience is here for this:

E-Trunk is a Frunk

Just like the F-150, Chevy’s Silverado has a large frunk, but again, they are giving it a name which won’t stick called the “E-trunk” (Being a first mover has its advantages). While notably smaller than the F-150 – 14 cubic feet vs. 10 – it also offers a plug in front for charging tools even while driving or idle via the app. Chevy said those wider sidebars were to house a better front suspension than Ford’s. I think for most work uses, 10 cubic feet will be enough, but for a few this might be a dealbreaker.

Silverado DC Fast charging at 350kW

On every EV drive, one of the first places I go is the DC fast charging station, even if it isn’t on the itinerary (it never is).

We were only given vehicles with over 50% charge, but I still wanted to see what kind of speed I could get out of an EA station and maybe piece together a charging curve. From 61-63% charge, it charged steady at about 208kW, which is an impressive speed until you realize it would take an hour to fill a full battery at that speed. Of course the charging will be much faster at the beginning and much slower at the end of the charge. Chevy put together this small clip on the matter:

And that’s the thing about having a huge battery like this: you can charge it at really high power, but it still takes a long time to really fill up. Chevy says at its fastest pace, you can add 100 miles in 10 minutes. Condolences if there’s only a 50kW fast charger around – that’s a 4+ hour “fast” charge to go from empty to full.

Home and work level 2 AC charging goes up to 80A here which will take over 10 hours to go from empty to full. On a more typical 40A charger, it will take 20 hours, but again that’s adding over 450 miles of range. Most fleet truck scenarios draw way less power in a day so 40A is probably sufficient to add ~300 miles in a 12 hour night.

Silverado EV Drive dynamics

Maybe the biggest surprise of the Silverado EV, besides its range, is its ability to drive like a commuter car (not that it should be used for commuting!) I was shocked at how easy it is to drive and how quick my stress levels went down to a typical car levels. The car drives smooth and is very responsive for an 8500-lb beast with 61+ PSI tires. The suspension folks at GM should be commended. It should not be this easy to drive an 8500-lb vehicle!

Turning is satisfactory, but I can’t help but think 4-wheel turning should be an option in the Work Truck like the Hummer EV. Parking was tough and it took me an extra pass or 2 to slip into the EA station and parallel parking in town wasn’t fun. However, 4 wheel steering will be offered in higher end consumer versions of this truck.

Silverado EV interior

The Work Truck interior is what you’d expect from a work vehicle. Something you could hose down after a day in the mud. Dark plastic and vinyl as far as the eye can see, but in a good way.

That doesn’t mean you can’t drive in comfort, and I found all four seats to be comfortable. Not once during the hours of driving did the driver’s seat feel uncomfortable. The sound system and front screen were fine, though nowhere as good as the RST version coming at the end of the year. Though it won’t come with a mid-gate option, the Silverado Work Truck does have ample storage under the rear seats and still sports the biggest-in-its-EV-class 5’11” long bed.

Carplay/Android Auto

One of Chevy’s most controversial recent moves was to announce the removal of the phone projection in its EVs. However the Silverado EV Work Truck, which still uses Google’s Android Car system, will allow projection of CarPlay and Android Auto, this year anyway. Interestingly its consumer facing Silverados starting next year won’t allow projection. I think this an easily correctable mistake by GM and you can tell that most at Chevy are taking a wait and see approach with the reception this decision gets.

Note: in the video above I was initially told CarPlay would be removed in a software update but it would only be “removed” in a model year update.

Electrek’s Take

For some workers who drive really long distances and have towing, cold weather, etc. requirements, this is the only electric pickup that will meet their needs. Not only did we hit 450 miles, but we often succeeded it with up to 485 miles shown in Chevy’s estimator, in my experience. Nothing else like it even comes close.

But that capability of range isn’t free. Not only does the extra weight make for a more expensive truck that also costs a bit more on $/kWh. That 8500 lbs of weight also affects the handling though I will concede that Chevy suspension engineers worked miracles here.

So I wonder how many fleets actually need 450+ miles of range or even 350+miles. Sure it is nice to have for that rare instance, but it also means you are carting around and paying for a big, unused battery around town most of the time.

Then there’s the whole, why are people driving around 8500-lb. trucks when something like a Ford Maverick size vehicle will do. And we all know that there are a ton of these that are going to be used for commuting when a third of the sized vehicle with a third of the battery will do just fine. But that argument is for another day, and this Silverado EV will take a ton of ICE pickups off the road. And we’re here for that.

The Silverado EV is a super-compelling, no compromise work truck that will meet the needs of fleets that no other EV pickup can.

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Jackery Father’s Day Sale takes up to $3,300+ off power stations, Ride1Up e-bikes $400+ off, EcoFlow 48-hour flash sale, more

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June 11, 2025

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Jackery Father's Day Sale takes up to ,300+ off power stations, Ride1Up e-bikes 0+ off, EcoFlow 48-hour flash sale, more

Green Deals for Dads are in full swing, as today’s savings are led by Jackery’s Father’s Day Sale that is taking up to $3,300 off power stations alongside three tiers of bonus savings and reward point benefits for members for even more discounts, free gear, and more. Among the lineup we’re seeing, the brand’s upgraded Explorer 2000 v2 Solar Generator bundle with a 500W panel is back at $1,424, which can cover most of your off-grid backup power needs this summer and beyond. There’s also the Father’s Day savings from Ride1Up, which is taking $400 off e-bikes and offering up to $300 in extra savings when buying two together – all from $995. EcoFlow has also launched a 48-hour flash sale on three offers, giving you either the RIVER 3 Plus power station, an expanded DELTA Pro setup, or a 500W solar panel add-on starting from $239. Lastly, we spotted the first savings on Greenworks’ 24V 12-inch Cordless String Trimmer/Edger with a brush cutter bundle for $100. Plus, there’s all the rest of the hangover Green Deals in the links at the bottom of the page, like yesterday’s Heybike Father’s Day e-bike sale, the six (now extended) Bluetti flash offers, and more.

Head below for other New Green Deals we’ve found today and, of course, Electrek’s best EV buying and leasing deals. Also, check out the new Electrek Tesla Shop for the best deals on Tesla accessories.

Jackery Father’s Day Sale returns Explorer 2000 v2 bundle with 500W panel to $1,424

Jackery has launched its Father’s Day Sale running through June 18 with up to $3,300 in savings on power stations, solar generator bundles, and accessories – plus, there are three different tiers of extra savings, and members can use reward point benefits to score additional savings, gear, and more. Among the many solid backup options we’re seeing, one of the best middle-ground options is the Explorer 2000 v2 Solar Generator bundle with a 500W panel for $1,424.05 shipped, after using the code DAD5 at checkout for an additional 5% off. At full price, you’d have to shell out $2,499 for this newer package, which we’ve only seen beaten out once before during the brand’s Earth Day Sale when it was offered for $25 less. This is otherwise the best deal we have tracked, giving you a $1,075 price cut and beating out Amazon’s current pricing by $175.

Jackery’s Father’s Day Sale is offering a nice array of extra savings opportunities, starting with the three bonus discount tiers. You can use the code DAD5 at checkout for an extra 5% off orders over $1,300, while the code DAD7 takes an extra 7% off orders over $2,500 and the code DAD10 takes 10% off orders over $3,000. On top of these, those who are registered members (free signup) can trade in collected points to get up to $450 off coupons, Jackery gift cards, third-party gift cards, or free gear.

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Jackery’s Explorer 2000 v2 was redesigned last year with LiFePO4 battery cells and comes as a well-rounded option to cover outdoor leisure, off-grid living, jobsite needs, emergency backup during power outages, and more. It has a 2,042Wh capacity and delivers up to 2,200W of steady output through the seven port options, able to go as high as 4,400W. The battery can be recharged to 80% in around 66+ minutes through a wall outlet, with a supercharge feature that can boost speeds to reach a full battery in 102+ minutes. You can even plug it into your car’s auxiliary port for a 24-hour charge, or invest in solar panels (max 400W input) to utilize the sun’s rays to refill the battery.

Thanks to Jackery’s honeycomb design paired alongside exclusive CBT tech, it comes in a much smaller and lighter form factor than you may expect, complete with 62 different forms of charging protections and a silent mode for when you plug it in while you sleep.

***Note: The following prices have not had any of the extra savings factored in, so be sure to use the three promo codes DAD5, DAD7, or DAD10 where eligible to score the biggest savings during this event.

Jackery’s Father’s Day Sale compact travel backup deals:

Jackery’s Father’s Day Sale appliance backup deals:

Jackery’s Father’s Day Sale home backup deals:

Jackery’s Father’s Day Sale add-on accessory deals:

You can browse Jackery’s entire Father’s Day Sale lineup of deals by heading to the landing page here.

Ride1Up Portola folding e-bike

Ride1Up’s Portola folding e-bike makes a great budget-friendly and space-saving commuter for Dad at $995

Ride1Up has some Father’s Day savings that are carrying over the e-bike deals we saw during its Memorial Day Sale, with the added bonus of select extra savings at up to $300 off when buying two models together. The most budget-friendly model amongst the bunch is the Portola Compact Folding e-bike that starts from $995 shipped for its 10.4Ah model, while the upgraded 13.4Ah model is down at $1,095 shipped. Going for $1,095 and $1,195 normally, it doesn’t often see price cuts, with most of the discounts we have spotted being these $100 markdowns, aside from the $200 markdown we last saw during Black Friday. You’re looking at the second-lowest price we have tracked, which will get an additional $100 in savings when two are bought together.

A well known option among the brand’s models, the Portola Folding e-bike brings budget-friendly pricing along with space-saving capabilities. As I previously mentioned, there are two battery configurations to choose from, with the standard 10.4Ah battery giving you up to a 40-mile travel range, while the 13.4Ah battery increases that to 45+ miles – achieving the best mileage when its PAS levels are activated. Speaking of the PAS, when its turned on you’ll gain assistance up to its max 28 MPH speeds, while using the throttle for pure-electric riding only reaches 20 MPH.

There’s plenty of solid features here for the low prices, with both models sporting 3-inch wide cross-country tires with fenders over each, a suspension travel fork, dual piston hydraulic brakes, Shimano Altus 8-speed derailleur, front and rear LED lights (with brake lighting), an integrated rear cargo rack (which is compatible with the brand’s passenger kit), the folding frame, and a 2.2-inch LCD display for setting adjustments and real-time performance data. You can learn more in our hands-on review.

Ride1Up’s other Father’s Day e-bike deals:

  • Roadster V3 Lightweight Premium Belt-Drive e-bike: $1,395 (Reg. $1,495)
    • 25 MPH for up to 40 miles
  • Roadster V3 Lightweight Premium chain-drive e-bike: $1,395 (Reg. $1,495)
    • 28 MPH for up to 40 miles
  • Prodigy v2 Brose Mid-Drive 9-Speed e-bike: $2,095 (Reg. $2,495)
    • 28 MPH for up to 50 miles
    • gets extra savings when buying two
  • Revv 1 Full Suspension Moped-Style e-bike: $2,395 (Reg. $2,595)
    • 20+ MPH for up to 60 miles
    • gets extra savings when buying two
  • Revv 1 DRT Off-Road Moped-Style e-bike: $2,495 (Reg. $2,595)
    • 20+ MPH for up to 60 miles
    • gets extra savings when buying two
  • Prodigy v2 Brose Mid-Drive Gates Belt CVT e-bike: $2,595 (Reg. $2,795)
    • 28 MPH for up to 50 miles
    • gets extra savings when buying two
EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus portable power station

EcoFlow 48-hour flash sale offers up to 46% off two power station setups and a solar panel option starting from $239

As part of its ongoing Father’s Day Sale, EcoFlow has launched its one scheduled 48-hour flash sale that will run through June 12, with up to 46% off three offers. Things start with the new RIVER 3 Plus Portable Power Station for $239 shipped. It released back in February at a $299 full price, which we’ve seen discounted a few times already and which is seeing a 20% markdown here during this flash event. While we have seen it go as low as $189 in the past, you’re still looking at a solid $60 price cut at the best rate we can find, with Amazon currently offering it for $269.

If you’d prefer to travel or go camping with a more compact means to get backup power for your devices and small appliances, EcoFlow’s RIVER 3 Plus is the latest model to serve that need at 10 pounds. It starts with a 286Wh LiFePO4 capacity that can be invested in and expanded as high as 840Wh with either the EB300 or EB600 expansion batteries (sold separately). With six output options to connect to (three ACs, two USB-As, and a high-speed USB-C), it dishes out a steady stream of power at up to 600W, surging to 1,200W when necessary, thanks to the equipped X-Boost tech.

Plugging it into a standard wall outlet goes much faster with its X-Stream charging tech, taking just an hour to get the battery back to full. There’s also the 220W max solar input that can do the same in 1.5 hours with ideal conditions. You’ll also have a nice array of protection from any surging that may happen when it’s connected to an outlet, with the unit also giving you both LED and app-based notifications should it ever occur, keeping you in the know while ensuring nothing gets fried.

The second of these offers takes the backup power game to much larger levels, as you can get the DELTA Pro Portable Power Station bundled with a Smart Extra Battery for $3,499 shipped, coming down from $6,498. You’ll be getting a 3,600Wh starting LiFePO4 capacity that is doubled to 7,200Wh with the expansion battery, and which can go as high as 25kWh with more. Through its 14 port options you’ll get up to 3,600W of steady power and as much as 7,200W when it surges for larger needs, covering home appliances in emergency cases. It recharges either through a wall outlet, with a max 1,600W solar input, or with a car’s auxiliary port. Of course, you can take advantage of the last of these flash offers to grab it with solar capabilities while the brand’s 500W Bifacial Modular Solar Panel (125W x 4) is at $549 shipped from $899, which normally only gets discounted to $600 to $649 during sales.

You can browse EcoFlow’s entire Father’s Day Sale lineup in our original coverage here.

Greenworks 24V 12-inch cordless string trimmer/edger

First savings on Greenworks’ 24V 12-inch cordless string trimmer/edger with brush cutter attachment bundle at $100

Amazon is now offering the first chance at savings on an all-new bundle that gives you the 24V 12-inch Cordless String Trimmer/Edger with a 4.0Ah battery, brush cutter attachment, and 20 replacement blades for $99.99 shipped. It landed at Amazon back in April carrying a $130 price tag in full, which is where it’s kept at until now. This is the first deal we’ve spotted, giving you a solid $30 in savings – plus, it’s not available directly from Greenworks’ website at the moment either, only the tool with a lesser 2.0Ah battery for $4 more.

This 24V cordless string trimmer/edger from Greenworks makes a great option for first-time homeowners or just beginners taking care of uneven lawns and/or tight fence lines. It provides a 12-inch cutting swath, and can easily switch between trimming and edging with the press of a button. The included 4.0Ah battery delivers enough juice for up to 45 minutes of continuous use, with the whole thing weighing just over five pounds, making it easily manageable.

There’s a single-line auto-feed head that stands up to jamming, along with a push-button start, a safety lock switch to prevent accidental starts, a seven-position pivoting head, and a telescoping shaft to match users’ varying heights/postures. What’s more, it comes with the brush cutter attachment and 20 replacement blades so you can mow through tougher terrain and thicker buildups.

There’s plenty more Greenworks deals that we’ve already spotted this week, like the 80V 18-inch Cordless Electric Chainsaw at its $320 low, or the first discount hitting the 60V 30-inch CrossoverT Riding Lawn Tractor bundle with four 8.0Ah batteries, one 20.0Ah battery, a wall charger, and a rear add-on bagger system at $1,000 off.

Best Spring EV deals!

Best new Green Deals landing this week

The savings this week are also continuing to a collection of other markdowns. To the same tune as the offers above, these all help you take a more energy-conscious approach to your routine. Winter means you can lock in even better off-season price cuts on electric tools for the lawn while saving on EVs and tons of other gear.

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The 2025 Kia EV9 sold out faster than expected

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June 11, 2025

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The 2025 Kia EV9 sold out faster than expected

Kia-EV9-sold-out

Kia’s three-row electric SUV sold out faster than expected. The 2025 Kia EV9 is already sold out in the US, just as the 2026 model begins arriving at dealerships.

The 2025 Kia EV9 is sold out in the US

After setting its second consecutive US sales record last year, Kia boasted that it had “solidified its position within the EV market.”

Sean Yoon, CEO of Kia North America, credited the successful launch of its flagship EV9 for the company’s growing share of the EV market.

Kia sold over 22,000 EV9 models in the US in 2024. However, sales have slowed recently, with only 37 units sold in May. Now, we may know why.

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According to national inventory data (via CarsDirect), the 2025 Kia EV9 sold out sooner than expected. Although the 2026 models are starting to arrive at dealerships, they are still pretty hard to come by right now.

Up until last week, Kia was offering some pretty significant discounts on 2025 EV9 models, including a $10,000 customer cash rebate or 0% APR.

Kia-EV9-sold-out
2025 Kia EV9 GT-Line (Source: Kia)

Kia is offering a few discounts on the 2026 EV9, but not as substantial as those on the outgoing model. The 2026 EV9 is available with up to $5,000 in savings, including a $4,000 rebate and a $1,000 EV (or PHEV) conquest bonus. Or, you can opt for 3.49% APR financing for 72 months.

Since Kia is now building all EV9 models in Georgia, outside of the GT, it qualifies for the $7,500 federal EV tax credit. At least, for now.

Kia-EV9-sold-out
2026 Kia EV9 (Source: Kia)

Including the EV tax credit, you can potentially score up to $12,500 off MSRP, which is even more than the $10,000 on the outgoing model.

Kia improved the 2026 model year with a few upgrades, including more range and features at no extra cost. The base 2026 Kia EV9 Light Standard Range model starts at $54,900 with up to 230 miles of range.

Kia EV9 trim 2025MY price 2026MY price
EV9 Light Standard Range $54,900 $54,900
EV9 Light Long Range $59,900 $57,900
EV9 Wind $63,900 $63,900
EV9 Land $69,900 $68,900
EV9 GT-Line $73,900 $71,900
2025 and 2026 Kia EV9 price by trim

For $57,900, you can upgrade to the Long Range variant, which offers a range of 305 miles. All AWD models now come with Terrain Mode, offering various drive modes, including Snow, Mud, and Sand. This replaces the 4WD on the outgoing model.

With leases starting at $399 per month, the EV9 remains a relatively good deal for a three-row electric SUV, considering its MSRP of $54,900.

Looking to test one out for yourself? You can use our link to find Kia EV9 models at a dealer near you (trusted affiliate link).

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Xiaomi’s SU7 Ultra snags all-time fastest lap for a mass-produced EV at Nürburgring [Video]

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3 hours ago

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June 11, 2025

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Xiaomi's SU7 Ultra snags all-time fastest lap for a mass-produced EV at Nürburgring [Video]

fastest Nürburgring

Move over, Rimac. There’s a new all-electric speed leader at the famed Nürburgring track. Veteran smartphone manufacturer and young automotive arm Xiaomi recently achieved the fastest time for a production EV at the Nürburgring Nordschleife.

If you’re trying to prove to the world that you have the fastest EV, the Nürburgring is likely the proving ground. The world-renowned German track has seen an immeasurable number of hot laps in its nearly 100 years of existence.

As BEVs have emerged as not only the future of passenger mobility, but as a significantly faster and more powerful option to combustion vehicles, Nürburgring has seen some of the fastest laps of the past decade.

EVs like the Tesla Model S Plaid and Porsche Taycan Turbo GT have garnered blistering times at the Nürburgring Nordschleife (North Loop). Until today, the previous record for a production model BEV was 7:05.298, achieved by Martin Kodrić behind the wheel of a Rimac Nevera in 2023.

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Now, a new champion has emerged as the world’s fastest production EV at Nürburgring, and you may recognize its logo on Curve 12 of the track’s Grand Prix Circuit. The SU7 Ultra – the only model on the market from young EV automaker Xiaomi- has achieved the fastest time of 7:04.957 at the Nürburgring Nordschleife.

fastest Nürburgring
Source: Xiaomi Automobile/Weibo

Xiaomi delivers the fastest EV model at Nürburgring

Today’s record-setting news is part of a young but blossoming relationship between the automotive arm of Xiaomi Inc. and the renowned German race track.

In July 2024, Xiaomi founder, chairman, and CEO Lei Jun confirmed a production version of the SU7 Ultra was in the works and would arrive in the first half of 2025. At the time, Xiaomi shared plans to take a prototype version of the tri-motor BEV to Nürburgring that October, chasing records of some of the fastest models on the planet.

That version snagged its own record for a four-door vehicle, completing its lap around the Nordschleife in 6:46.874. After Xiaomi’s record-breaking drive on the Nordschleife last fall, the Chinese automaker was invited to join Nürburgring’s “Industriepool” – a members-only program where automakers and suppliers test and develop new vehicles and their components at Nürburgring sixteen weeks each year.

That invite was also part of a “far-reaching partnership” announced in May that included advertising around the site, including “Xiaomi Curve” on the Grand Prix Circuit. As an Industriepool member, the Xiaomi team recently took a production version of the SU7 Ultra around the Nürburgring Nordschleife before garnering a fresh title as the fastest. Per the company’s Weibo post:

7 minutes 04 seconds 957, the fastest mass-produced electric car in the history of the Nürburgring Nordschleife! The mass-produced version of the #SU7Ultra first lapped the Nürburgring Nordschleife, breaking the lap record of mass-produced electric cars on the Nürburgring Nordschleife.

With its official track time of 7:04.957, Xiaomi has usurped Rimac as the fastest lap for production BEV at Nürburgring Nordschleife. Some may argue that the Nevera is not a mass-produced BEV, so in that case, the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra also beat out the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT’s 2024 lap time of 7:07.55.

Either way, Xiaomi is the new speed leader for production EVs at Nürburgring, although it may not be for long. When announcing the new record on Weibo, Xiaomi founder Lei Jun said, “I believe this record will be broken again in the near future.”

Will that record be broken by Xiaomi or another BEV manufacturer? Time will tell. For now, you can check out Xiaomi’s unedited lap video here.

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