I Just Picked Up the First EV of My Life Today. I Bought the Max Range GMC Sierra Denali, But Now I’m Feeling a Bit Of Anxiety Never Owning an EV Before

Imagine buying your first EV, and it's a top-of-the-line GMC Sierra Denali pickup. It's a lot of money, and now you're unsure if you made the right decision. 

New EV owner Jerry Knowles has anxiety about his new GMC Sierra Denali. This report dives into the real-world experiences, challenges, and learning curve of first-time EV buyers on the road ahead.

Jerry Knowles on the GMC Sierra EV Group Facebook page says, 

"I just picked up the first EV of my life today. I bought the max range 2025 GMC Sierra Denali. I'm still feeling a bit of anxiety, having never owned an EV before.  Everyone tells me in a few months it will all be good." 

Jerry's recent post on the GMC Sierra EV Group Facebook page perfectly captures the feeling that countless new electric vehicle owners experience, and he's not alone. 

That feeling he has is completely natural. It's what we in the industry call "range anxiety," but it's often more psychological than practical. We've spent a lifetime conditioned to think about refueling our vehicles in a specific way: when the tank is low, you go to a gas station. 

With an EV, that entire paradigm shifts. 

Your home becomes your "gas station," and that change requires a mental reset. The good news is, his instincts are correct—in a few months, it will all feel second nature. In the meantime, let's explore how to get you there faster.

It's Not About the Tank, It's About the Cord

The first step in overcoming range anxiety with the GMC Sierra EV or any electric vehicle is to stop thinking about your battery as a gas tank. Instead, think of it like your smartphone battery. You charge it every night, and it's always full when you wake up. The same applies to your new EV. With a Level 2 home charger, you can easily top off the battery overnight, ensuring you start every day with the vehicle's full, capable range. 

The vast majority of your driving will be done within your daily commute and errands, and for those, the GMC Sierra Denali's impressive range is more than sufficient.

What About Road Trips?

When it comes to longer journeys, a little planning goes a long way. Let's talk about GMC Sierra EV long-distance travel tips. The key is to shift your mindset from a single, long fuel stop to shorter, more frequent "power breaks." Stop for 20-30 minutes at a DC Fast Charging station to grab a coffee, take a bathroom break, or enjoy a quick bite to eat. This isn't wasted time; it's a new, more integrated way of traveling.

For those longer trips, you need a solid plan. 

That leads us to another key to owning an EV: planning an electric vehicle road trip. Many new EV owners are surprised to learn that planning an EV road trip is easier and more reliable than they think. 

The truck's native navigation system is smart enough to factor in charging stops along your route. Additionally, third-party applications have become incredibly robust, providing real-time information.

This brings me to a crucial piece of advice: know your apps. 

The best apps for finding EV charging stations are essential for any EV owner. Apps like PlugShare, Electrify America, and ChargePoint provide detailed maps of charging locations, information on connector types, charging speeds, and real-time availability. 

They also include user reviews, which are invaluable for knowing if a station is reliable. Using these tools gives you a huge advantage and removes the guesswork from long-distance travel.

What About Charging Costs?

One of the most significant financial benefits of an EV is the reduced cost of "fueling." People often ask, What is the cost of charging a GMC Sierra EV at home? The answer depends on your local electricity rates, but on average, charging at home is significantly cheaper than buying gasoline. 

You can often take advantage of off-peak electricity rates, charging at night when demand (and cost) is lowest. This is one of the most effective ways to save money over the vehicle's lifetime.

Beyond cost, you can take steps to maximize your truck's performance. When it comes to maximizing the life and performance of electric truck batteries, it's all about adopting smart habits. Using regenerative braking efficiently is a game-changer; it turns deceleration into free energy, sending it back to your battery. 

Also, preconditioning your cabin while the vehicle is still plugged in reduces the strain on your battery once you're on the road. Extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, can impact battery performance, so preconditioning is particularly important in those conditions.

DC Fast Charging

For Jerry and other new owners, a common question is about charging speed. What is the real-world GMC Sierra EV charging speed and time? DC Fast Charging (DCFC) is where the magic happens for long trips. 

While your home Level 2 charger provides a steady top-up overnight, DCFC stations can add hundreds of miles of range in a short period. The Sierra EV is designed to accept high charging rates, allowing for a significant charge in approximately 20-40 minutes, depending on the station's power output and your battery's state of charge. 

The charging speed isn't linear—it's fastest when the battery is low and tapers off as it gets full. This is a deliberate safety measure to protect the battery, which is why it's more efficient to charge from 10% to 80% and then continue your journey rather than waiting for a full 100% charge.

What's Next?

Jerry's feeling of anxiety is just a temporary phase. As with any new technology, it takes time to get used to it. He chose the 2025 GMC Sierra Denali. It's a powerful, capable truck, and he'll find that its electric drivetrain offers a level of performance and low-cost ownership that a gas truck can't match. 

In The End

The charging infrastructure is expanding daily, and you're joining a community of owners who are happy to share their knowledge and support. As you drive more, you'll naturally learn your truck's rhythms, how it performs in different conditions, and how to use the charging network to your advantage. 

Your "gas station" is now everywhere you are, and that's a freedom that EV owners find hard to beat.

Now It's Your Turn

Are you a new EV owner? What advice do you have for buyers who are reluctant to leap into an electric vehicle? If so, click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.

Check out my EV truck story: I Didn’t Buy a Sierra or Lightning EV Even With Better Truck Stuff Than Cybertruck, and Tesla Isn’t Luxurious Like Denali or Higher F-150 Trims, But CT’s Eco Is Hands Down Better

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news, covering owner stories, and providing expert analysis, ensuring that you are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on X @DenisFlierl, @WorldsCoolestRides, Facebook, and Instagram

Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Jerry Knowles