General Motors will not offer a new lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack in the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado EV work truck lineup, despite earlier plans to do so. The fleet-only 3WT Standard Range model, which was set to introduce the LFP battery, has been removed from the upcoming model year’s offerings.
Instead, the 4WT configuration will serve as the base work truck for 2026. The recent pricing announcement for the Silverado EV hinted at this shift, confirming pricing for all trims except the 3WT—raising early questions about its availability.
An official GM order guide had listed the 3WT Standard Range model and outlined its standard and optional features, which closely resembled those of the 4WT version. The main difference was the battery: the 3WT was supposed to come with the LFP battery (RPO code EEW), unlike the current lineup that uses nickel-cobalt-manganese-aluminum (NMCA) batteries. However, GM now says the LFP battery introduction will be delayed until the 2027 model year.
The move to LFP batteries would be a major change for the Silverado EV. Unlike the NMCA batteries—supplied by Ultium Cells, a GM and LG Energy Solution joint venture—LFP batteries are less energy dense but are cheaper to produce, more thermally stable, and have a longer lifespan. These features make them well-suited for fleet vehicles, where cost and durability are top priorities.
In the meantime, pricing for the 2026 Silverado EV models is as follows:
- WT Standard Range: $54,895
- WT Maximum Range: $76,295
- LT Standard Range: $62,995
- LT Extended Range: $71,195
- LT Maximum Range: $91,095
- Trail Boss Extended Range: $72,095
- Trail Boss Maximum Range: $88,695
The Silverado EV continues to evolve, but fleet buyers will have to wait until at least 2027 for the cost-effective LFP battery option.
