2024 CHEVROLET SILVERADO EV: WIDE OPEN WATTS MODE EXPLAINED

The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV RST First Edition was announced with a headlining figure of up to 664 horsepower and 780 lb-ft of torque, which would propel the truck from 0-60 in just 4.5 seconds. Access to the full gamut of power is granted through a special setting called Wide Open Watts Mode, or just WOW Mode for short. If you think WOW mode sounds similar to the GMC Hummer EV’s Watts To Freedom Mode, or WTF Mode, that’s because it is–except for one key difference.

While the Hummer’s WTF mode is only intended for short periods of time, representatives from Chevrolet have told MC&T the Silverado EV’s Wide Open Watts mode will enable the max power and acceleration figures to be “sustained over longer periods of time” compared to the Hummer. Both previewed 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV models will share the same 24-module 200-kWh battery pack as the Hummer EV Pickup, albeit without the available high-performance tri-motor setup. Unlike WTF mode, there’s no mention of the Silverado’s WOW mode using sound effects and graphics.

The more basic 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV WT uses the same battery pack as the RST and the Hummer Pickup but will only produce up to 510 hp and 615 ft-lb of torque. As a truck made for hauling tools and towing things, the work truck does not have Wide Open Watts mode.

The total range for the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV RST is GM-estimated at 400 miles, which is more than the Hummer Pickup’s 350-mile range from the same battery–of course, the Hummer weighs more than 9,000 pounds. Weight for the Silverado EV wasn’t disclosed, but the extra 50 miles of range could indicate a lighter curb weight, and likely a DOT Class 2a rating, which means the EPA is likely to officially certify the estimated driving range of the Silverado EV, which is not the case with the Hummer.

We’re expecting lower-powered and single-motor two-wheel-drive model variants will arrive in the coming years. A likely candidate is the Hummer SUV’s 20-module 167-kWh battery pack, which when paired with a tri-motor setup delivers up to 830 horsepower and up to 11,500 lb-ft of wheel torque. We’re also hopeful for crazy things like a performance-oriented dual-motor rear-wheel-drive option, or a quad-motor all-wheel-drive monster.

Image via Chevrolet

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