It's deeply satisfying watching a new EV not just meet expectations, but passing those expectations too. That’s what happened when I came across a post from John Davey in the “GMC Sierra EV Group” on Facebook this morning. So John had just completed a multi-day journey that began with him driving his Tesla Model Y to Illinois to pick up his brand-new GMC Sierra EV. After picking up a trailer the next day, he charged the truck and towed the Tesla 405 miles back to northern Wisconsin. He pulled 6,300 pounds and averaged 1.2 miles per kWh without breaking a sweat.
In John’s own words: “Drove down to Illinois in my Tesla to buy my truck last Wednesday, bought the trailer Thursday, drove my truck around Friday and Saturday, charged the truck at my Illinois home to 100%, and left for northern Wisconsin on Sunday. 405 miles with 6,300 lbs of weight behind it. Averaged 1.2 miles per KW. I’m very impressed. Hardly even noticed it back there. No significant change in acceleration or braking.”
A Real-World Test That Tells a Bigger Story
What’s so striking about John’s trip isn’t just that it went smoothly, but that it also happened without compromise. Towing over 6,000 pounds across more than 400 miles is a test for any car straight out of the factory, let alone a fully electric one. But the GMC Sierra EV didn’t flinch.
That 1.2 miles per kWh figure may sound modest compared to EVs running solo, but for a truck loaded with a trailer and moving through varied terrain, it’s proof of decent torque distribution, battery calibration, and power management. And perhaps more importantly, it wasn’t just about numbers, it was about the feel.
John wasn’t sweating range, acceleration, or braking. In fact, his most telling remark was that he “hardly even noticed it back there.” That kind of seamlessness is what traditional truck owners hope for, but rarely expect, from an electric pickup.
Community Reactions and Real-World Comparisons
The story drew attention from other GMC Sierra EV owners and enthusiasts, some of whom shared their own towing experiences. Kenny Kuehl jumped in with a bold comparison: “This truck's performance has exceeded expectations, fulfilling all operational requirements, and demonstrating impressive range.” ![Kenny Kuehl's Profile Image Placeholder]
But what really added weight to his praise was the side-by-side real-world comparison to Tesla’s Cybertruck: “It couldn't make it 200 miles towing that 28-foot trailer, but my GMC EV Series 1? It handles the Charlotte to North Myrtle trip, over 225 miles, with no problem. We're up to 12,000 miles on it now.” It’s a revealing sentiment in the broader debate around whether the Cybertruck can truly hold up to daily-use truck standards. In fact, it adds even more context to stories like this one where a Tesla Cybertruck was critiqued for falling short on towing expectations.
Chris Eldridge raised an important logistical question: “How many times did you have to stop to charge the truck?” To which John replied: “Twice… Once in Madison and then in Stevens Point.” That answer not only suggests some solid efficiency but also highlights a practical charging route. No range anxiety here.
Przemyslaw Chaberek added his own experience, saying: “I got 1.7 with a 3500 lb dump trailer, but stayed under 60 always.” While John's haul was heavier and likely included faster highway speeds, it shows how driving behavior significantly affects real-world efficiency. Drivers optimizing speed and throttle input can squeeze even more out of the Sierra EV.
How This Compares to Other Sierra EV Use Cases
We’ve already seen a variety of owners putting the GMC Sierra EV to the test. From snow-covered roads to heat-heavy southern highways, owners continue reporting how the truck performs in conditions far removed from lab tests. In another one of my reports, a driver took their Sierra EV on a towing test and declared it outperformed any gas truck that he's driven. That story, like John’s, paints a compelling picture of electric capability in this space.
It also raises the question: can EV trucks replace gas-powered haulers not just on paper, but in emotional confidence? For John and Kenny, the answer is already yes. Now I'm not saying that this will replace the power of a 3500 HD, but it is still quite impressive to see in the EV world.
The Broader Landscape: Sierra EV’s Rise Amidst Range Doubts
GMC has been making intentional moves to position the Sierra EV as more than a niche product. Their most recent strategy update reveals they’ve beefed up the 2026 Sierra EV while slashing its price, indicating they see long-term volume potential. It’s not just about early adopters anymore it seems, but about proving that this platform can stand tall against established gas trucks in value and practicality.
That makes John’s story feel even more significant. It’s a firsthand snapshot of what this EV platform is already doing in the hands of real customers. And at a time when some early EV adopters are questioning the reliability or usability of electric trucks, stories like where a Sierra EV broke down after a short Costco run become important counterbalances too. It's not all positive or negative.
As someone who spends a lot of time writing about the EV space, and who’s watched countless automakers make promises that don’t always materialize, I find John’s story genuinely encouraging. Not because it paints a perfect picture, but because it offers something real. It was one guy, a real truck, a heavy load, and an honest outcome.
That’s the kind of feedback that matters in this industry. Real-world use, honest data, and no drama. Just straightforward ownership impressions that help people decide what’s actually worth investing in.
Key Takeaways for Readers
- Towing capacity is no longer just about power—it's about stability, energy use, and control. John’s story shows how the Sierra EV maintains driving confidence even with 6,300 pounds in tow.
- Route planning still matters, but range anxiety is quickly fading. With just two charging stops across 400+ miles, even longer-distance EV towing is becoming normal.
- Tesla may have dominated early EV headlines, but GM’s EV truck strategy could quietly catch up. And with stories like these, they’re earning buyer confidence the old-school way, through performance.
- Real owners are becoming the new reviewers. These stories often reveal more about a vehicle’s capability than any commercial or influencer ever could.
Time For Your Thoughts
What’s your honest take on the GMC Sierra EV? Does it feel like a true disruptor in the truck world, or just another electric experiment waiting to prove itself?
And if you're considering one, what's holding you back from buying?
Don't hesitate to jump into the comments and let us know.
Aram Krajekian is a young automotive journalist bringing a fresh perspective to his coverage of the evolving automotive landscape. Follow Aram on X and LinkedIn for daily news coverage about cars.
Image Sources: The "GMC Sierra EV Group" public Facebook group and GMC's Gallery, respectively.
