It’s no secret that automakers test competitive models and benchmark them against their own. But it’s always fun to see vehicles where they would otherwise not belong- like a Tesla Cybertruck at the General Motors Milford Proving Grounds.
That’s exactly what our spy photographer recently captured—a GM-owned Tesla Cybertruck flanked by a Blazer EV and BYD Seal entering the company’s Milford Proving Ground.
The Tesla Cybertruck, first unveiled in 2019, marks Tesla’s innovative entry into the electric pickup truck market. With a distinctive, angular design that sets it apart from traditional pickups, the Cybertruck boasts a stainless steel exoskeleton aimed at providing both durability and passenger protection. Its performance metrics are impressive, with Tesla claiming the top model can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 2.9 seconds. Additionally, the truck features a maximum towing capacity of around 14,000 pounds and an estimated range of over 500 miles on a single charge for its highest variant. The Cybertruck’s practical design includes a versatile cargo area with an adaptive air suspension system, enhancing its functional appeal in various driving conditions.
Comparatively, the Chevrolet Silverado EV, General Motors’ foray into the electric truck segment, juxtaposes the futuristic styling of the Cybertruck with a more conventional pickup appearance that might appeal to traditional truck buyers. The Silverado EV is built on GM’s Ultium platform, which allows for impressive performance specifications similar to those of the Cybertruck, including a GM-estimated range of up to 400 miles on a full charge. The Silverado EV also offers a variety of high-tech features, such as an optional 17-inch free-form touchscreen and Super Cruise driver assistance technology. In terms of capability, it matches up well with its competitor, promising a maximum towing capacity of up to 10,000 pounds and a versatile, multi-flex midgate for expanded cargo options. This makes the Silverado EV a significant contender in the rapidly evolving market of electric trucks, holding its ground against Tesla’s avant-garde model.
Our Spy Photographer Reports:
We caught a GM EV development team benchmarking the Tesla Cybertruck, re-entering the Milford Proving Grounds after a public road jaunt as part of a multi-car shakedown drive.
Along with the Cybertruck—which was last to enter (with a #6 label affixed to its tailgate)—GM engineers were driving Chevy Blazers, a Cadillac Optiq, and even a BYD Seal EV. The presence of the BYD sedan was likely associated with with the Cadillac Optiq’s upcoming launch into the Chinese market, for which marketing will begin in the coming days.
Automakers have been eager to get their hands on the radical Cybertruck, with the Tesla truck being spotted at Toyota and Ford development sites, as well.
