The Sierra EV Feature INSIDE EVs Thinks All EV Trucks Should Copy

The practicality of an EV pickup truck depends entirely on how you plan to use it, but they likely work great for more people than they currently realize. For many, they are likely to work better than a conventional gas-powered truck in terms of operating costs, maintenance costs, and, as InsideEVs.com discovered, utility in the case of the Sierra EV, which is what pickup trucks are all about. Valley GMC tells you what they found.

When designing their EV trucks, GM revived a feature first introduced on earlier but distinctive gas-powered trucks, specifically the Chevrolet Avalanche and Cadillac Escalade EXT pickups. This is the MultiPro Midgate. Well named, as unlike a tailgate, this gate is located in the middle of the truck, separating the bed from the cabin. Inside the cabin, the rear seat cushions flip forward, allowing the rear seatbacks to fold flat. The midgate then folds over the seatbacks to create a floor level with the truck bed floor. It is similar to how folding the rear seats greatly increases an SUV’s cargo capacity. In this case, it extends the cargo bed length from its normal 5’11” to 10’10”. Additionally, the MultiPro Tailgate comes standard, providing even more length options along with all the versatility that the feature offers.  

There’s more. If your load is long but low, such as lumber, sheetrock, or InsideEV’s example, a queen-size mattress, the rear window can stay in place, reducing cabin noise and wind currents. However, if your cargo is taller than the space provided under the window, the window can be removed and safely stored within the inner side of the midgate. With the removal of the tonneau cover bar, this opens up the entire rear of the cabin for whatever large things you need to haul. To be sure, having the rear of the cabin may be a bit tedious when driving on extended trips across a state or two, but for most tasks in and around town, you will be grateful for this capability.

As mentioned, GM first did this on conventionally gas-powered vehicles, so an EV drivetrain isn’t required for this ability. However, the packaging of EV drivetrains makes this ability much more practical as the underfloor battery is easier to package around than the transmission tunnel, driveshaft, and exhaust routing of gas-powered trucks.

At the same time, the Sierra EV will accomplish tasks around town much more efficiently. With a combined fuel economy of 18 mpg, a V8-powered 2WD Sierra costs about $24.92 to travel 100 miles, based on current average gas prices in Auburn, Washington. Using average electric rates in Auburn, the Sierra EV will cost just $8.84 to cover the same distance. And no gas-powered Sierra can match the 760 horsepower and 785 lb-ft of torque offered by the Sierra EV. Plus, if you charge at home—which is the ideal way to own an EV—there are no gas stops to worry about.

Cross-country trips will require advance planning for recharging, which you’ll probably want to sync with meals due to the time it takes to recharge. While you can tow a lot, up to 10,500 pounds, in fact, you can’t tow quite as far as a gas Sierra. But if most of your truck use is local, you won’t find a more versatile and efficient way to do it than the Sierra EV.

Take a look at the Sierra EV yourself at Valley GMC and see how it can meet your truck needs.