Electric trucks have promised to change everything about pickup ownership, from eliminating range anxiety to turning work vehicles into high-tech tools. What really matters though is what happens after the excitement fades and the miles start adding up. That’s exactly why one long-term ownership story by Gregg McCambley stood out to me today, as he shared a detailed breakdown of his experience owning a GMC Sierra EV Denali for 1.5 years and over 23,000 miles, offering a rare look at what daily life with one of these trucks actually feels like.
Here’s how he described it: “I’ve owned the GMC Sierra EV (Denali Max Trim) for 1.5 years and driven over 23,000 miles. Here's my breakdown/honest review:
RANGE Range on this vehicle has got to be the most significant benefit to this vehicle. This truck’s range is as follows:
Non-towing: (5/5)
- City: ~480-510mi
- Hwy: ~380-420mi
Towing (10,000lbs): (4/5)
- ~150-180mi
INTERIOR/INFOTAINMENT The interior has held together well, far better than I ever saw with my Tesla Model S. The interior photos of this truck are from last week. One note, the driver's seat does have a minor seem beginning to split, which I will be getting replaced under warranty at my next visit. Further, I did have peeling on the steering wheel, which was also covered under warranty. (4/5)
The interior cabin is incredibly quiet and smooth. I didn't realize how much so until I was driving a loaner vehicle. It is noticeable! (5/5)
The removable midgate has been a game changer! Whether using it to fit my kayak or for real work like working on the kitchen/bathroom! All trucks should have this period. (5/5)
The infotainment center and app do not match the quality of Tesla, and I have to say, the app is pretty awful with how slow it is. The infotainment center still holds up well, on its own, but if you're switching over from Tesla, it'll be a bit of a downgrade. (3.5/5)
The same can be said for the Super Cruise (GMC’s version of Full Self Driving), but Super Cruise is still surprisingly good/convenient. The number of apps available are convenient too (Prime Video, youtube, etc). (4/5)
EXTRA OPTIONS 4-Wheel Steering: This is a real game-changer! The size of this truck and its ability to pretty much turn on a dime is incredible! I can U-turn on a typical road without having to do a 3-point turn. Impressive. (5/5)
Air-Suspension: I have used this far more often than I ever thought, and it’s super handy when being off-road. (5/5)
Tires/wheels: Some folks complain about the 24" rims affecting the drive, but I haven't noticed. Regarding the tire tread with EVs, they usually fade quickly especially with my Tesla, but that's not the case for this truck! The tread is still holding strong on these tires, and will likely last till at least 50K miles. (5/5)
Cameras: The cameras on this vehicle get the job done, and the 360° is spot-on! The blind-spot cameras are epic, and even better when hauling a trailer. 1 downfall though is that the cameras do not double as a security/dashcam (yet). Supposedly, that'll be in a future OTA update. (4/5)
HUD: The HUD is a convenient addition, and is set up so only the driver sees it. (5/5)
TOWING This is the best vehicle I have ever towed with! Even driving through the Rockies and towing 10,000lbs up to the ridgelines, you didn't even realize you were towing! Strong and smooth pull! Yes, this kills the range going uphill, but you gain so-much back on the way down with re-gen braking. (5/5)
FRUNK The frunk is a huge area of space I use on almost a daily basis! You don't realize how convenient that frunk is until it becomes available! The auto open/close of the hood is great! (5/5)
TRUCKBED The bed extends from 6' to 10' 10" and has multiple outlets with multiple power supply, both 120V and 240V. (5/5)
COSTS The fuel savings on this vehicle are incredible! While it does increase your electric bill, it is fairly minimal, being below $50/month for me. If you own solar, it's practically free. (5/5)
Maintenance costs are at a minimal so far. The total costs on Maintenance for the last 1.5yrs has been $26.72 for a tire rotation. (5/5)
SIGNIFICANT ISSUES At 1,500mi I received a "Service High Voltage" notification and this led to the battery needing to be replaced. With the 100K mile battery warranty, this was covered. I was without the truck for 3.5 weeks. This was the only significant issue I've had with this truck so far. While it was a major issue, it is (pretty much) a 1st-gen vehicle, and these issues can be expected. (1/5)
OVERALL EXPERIENCE While not perfect, this is one of the best vehicle's I've ever owned, and it's likely the best EV on the market. From the lack of range anxiety to the quiet/smooth/comfortable interior, and solid selection of options, this truck is convenient. With the removable midgate, 4-wheel steering, air-suspension, and extra power supplies, the practicality of this truck is next-level (especially if you need a truck). After 1.5 years with this truck, I don't regret this purchase for a moment! (4.8/5)”
A Truck That Quietly Solves Real Range Anxiety
What stands out immediately is just how strong the real-world range numbers are. Nearly 500 miles in city driving is something most EV owners still don’t experience, and even highway numbers pushing past 380 miles put this truck in a different category entirely.
That becomes even more important when towing enters the equation. While a drop to 150–180 miles may sound steep (and it is), it’s actually pretty competitive in the EV truck space considering how much energy is regained through regenerative braking on downhill stretches.
I've even explored similar towing confidence in another real-world experience where a GMC Sierra EV owner shared how confidently the truck handled towing after switching from a Ram 2500, which reinforces just how capable these trucks are in situations that used to belong exclusively to gas pickups.
Hardware Wins but Software Still Trails
One of the most interesting contrasts in Gregg’s experience is how clearly the truck separates physical quality from software execution. The interior holding up better than a Tesla Model S says a lot. Build quality, materials, and long-term durability still matter, and in this case, the Sierra EV seems to deliver where some tech-focused vehicles fall short.
At the same time, the slower app performance and infotainment limitations highlight a reality we’ve been seeing more often. Software is becoming just as important as horsepower or towing capacity.
This isn’t the first time we’ve seen mixed experiences with this truck either. In fact, in a separate report I covered at Torque News, one GMC Sierra EV owner experienced a breakdown shortly after purchase that ultimately led to the vehicle being scrapped internally, showing that early reliability can still vary widely with first-generation platforms.
Features That Actually Change Daily Driving
Beyond range and performance, what really defines this truck is how usable it becomes in everyday situations.
The midgate, 4-wheel steering, and air suspension are not just features on a spec sheet as they fundamentally change how the truck behaves. Being able to extend the bed or make tight U-turns in a full-size truck is something most drivers wouldn’t expect until they experience it themselves.
These are the kinds of features that turn a truck into something more versatile than traditional pickups, especially for owners who use their vehicle for both work and lifestyle activities.
That Early Battery Failure Still Matters
Despite all the positives, the battery replacement at just 1,500 miles is impossible to ignore. Even though it was covered under warranty, being without the truck for 3.5 weeks is a serious inconvenience. It’s the kind of issue that can leave a lasting impression. I'm honestly surprised it didn't change the equation for Gregg entirely since it happened so early.
That's where the “first-generation” reality comes into play though. New platforms often come with unexpected issues, and while many are resolved under warranty, they still test owner confidence early on.
Owners Are Split Between Excitement and Hesitation
Looking at community reactions adds another layer to this story.
Steve Waddell pointed out something that doesn’t always get enough attention:
“Covered it well. I think your biggest miss if I had to add something would be how much fun it is to drive. For me, coming from a 2019 Ram Laramie with the 5.7L Hemi, the change from 395 hp to 760 hp is dramatic! It always brings a smile to hit Thor’s Hammer and then punch it a few times.”
That perspective highlights that these trucks are genuinely exciting to drive in ways traditional trucks often aren’t beyond practicality.
On the other side, Jason Blankenship shared a more cautious viewpoint.
“I have been on the fence with switching from the Lightning as I like how much nimbler the Lightning is, but I could really use the range. This post makes me want to switch.”
That hesitation reflects a broader conversation happening right now among truck buyers. Range, handling, and overall usability are forcing people to rethink what matters most.
I've analyzed similar transitions in another Torque News report where a Ford F-150 Lightning owner replaced their gas fleet and saw major operational cost reductions, showing how these decisions are often driven by real-world economics as much as performance.
Why This Ownership Story Feels Different
I think what makes Gregg’s experience stand out is how balanced it is. It doesn’t read like hype and it doesn’t read like a complaint. It feels like someone who has genuinely lived with the vehicle long enough to understand both its strengths and its limitations.
We’ve also seen the other side of this ownership spectrum, where some drivers walk away completely impressed. In another example we covered, one Sierra EV Denali owner described the truck as the best vehicle decision they’ve ever made, so it just shows how varied these experiences can be.
That's the EV truck experience right now from my perspective. These trucks are no longer experimental but they are not fully mature either. They deliver incredible capability and cost savings but they still rely heavily on software and support systems that are evolving in real time.
What This Means for Buyers Right Now
I believe buying an EV truck today is not just about the vehicle itself but about whether you’re comfortable being part of a platform that's still evolving.
The Sierra EV clearly delivers on its promises in terms of range, comfort, and practicality for many owners, but early issues like battery replacements remind us that even the most advanced vehicles are still works in progress.
For some buyers, that trade-off is completely worth it. For others, it may be a reason to wait or skip joining the EV movement entirely.
Key Takeaways for Readers
- Range is no longer the biggest limitation for EV trucks. Vehicles like the Sierra EV are proving that long-distance driving is becoming far more realistic.
- Real-world usability matters more than specs. Features like the midgate and 4-wheel steering can have a bigger impact than horsepower numbers.
- Software still plays a major role in ownership satisfaction. Even great hardware can feel limited if the digital experience falls behind.
- First-generation issues are still part of the equation. Early failures may be covered under warranty, but they still affect the ownership experience and raise critical warning signs.
Join the Conversation
Would you feel comfortable buying a first-generation electric truck knowing issues like early battery replacements can happen?
And if you’ve driven or owned an EV truck, what mattered more to you in the long run? Range and capability or software and overall tech experience?
Let us know what you think in our comments below.
About The Author
Aram Krajekian is a young automotive journalist bringing a fresh and analytical perspective to the evolving automotive landscape by reporting on real-world ownership experiences and providing industry analysis. Based in North Carolina, he covers electric vehicles, trucks, and broader automotive trends with a focus on contributing a balanced evaluation. His reporting cuts through brand bias to provide readers with grounded insight into how vehicles perform for everyday drivers beyond marketing narratives.
Aram can be reached on X and LinkedIn for ongoing automotive coverage.
Image Credits
The “GMC Sierra EV Group” Facebook group.
Set Torque News as Preferred Source on Google
Follow us today...
