CHEVROLET SILVERADO EV CHIEF ENGINEER NICHOLE KRAATZ Q&A - AUTOLINE AFTER HOURS 585

EV Channels Review

Autoline After Hours features an in-depth discussion with Nichole Kraatz, Chief Engineer for the Chevrolet Silverado EV. The conversation highlights GM's accelerated development process, achieving the Silverado EV in a record 24 months by fostering a more collaborative and decentralized engineering approach, particularly during the pandemic. Kraatz emphasizes the Ultium platform's integration as a structural component, creating a new category of pickup truck distinct from traditional body-on-frame or unibody designs. Key takeaways include the vehicle's impressive 400-mile range target, flexible cargo capabilities enabled by features like the midgate, and the strategic decision to launch the work truck variant first to cater to fleet sustainability goals. While acknowledging the challenges of EV development, Kraatz asserts it's 'different' rather than 'easier' than ICE vehicles, focusing on innovation and customer needs. The discussion also touches on the dual-powertrain strategy, with gasoline Silverado models continuing alongside the EV.