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For a lot of truck owners, the leap from a reliable gas or diesel pickup to an electric truck feels like too big of a jump. Many of us picture long charging stops, unfamiliar technology, and wondering if we’ll miss the sound and feel of an internal combustion engine. But for one driver, that hesitation vanished almost instantly. While browsing the “GMC Sierra EV Group” on Facebook tonight, I came across a post from Perry Murphy who had just bought a 2025 GMC Sierra EV Denali Max after more than two decades with his 2002 Chevy Avalanche. As a first-time EV owner, he’s been learning the ropes through GMC’s resources, EV Concierge support, and community groups. Here’s his detailed experience:
“I purchased my 2025 Sierra EV Denali Max about 3 weeks ago. So far, I’m loving the truck! My previous truck was a 2002 Chevy Avalanche that I purchased new and owned for 23 years. (It was a great truck, but I finally decided it was time to upgrade.) I was originally looking at new ICE trucks as I had no experience with EVs. I saw the Sierra EV on a dealer lot, gave it a test drive, and immediately decided it was what I wanted.
I have no friends or family that own EVs and I’ve had much to learn over the past few weeks, but I’m feeling fairly good with everything now. I first watched a lot of the videos and read the Quick Start Guides in the Help Center on the myGMC app and found these to be helpful. I came across the GMC EV Concierge phone # (833-647-6937) and called them with several “newbie” questions. The support person who answered my call was very knowledgeable, stayed on the phone with me for 20 minutes and answered all my questions. I was very pleased with their service. Joining this GMC Sierra EV Group on Facebook has also been very helpful. I’ve learned many things by reading the posts in this group, as well as watching several good YouTube videos.
I love the smooth ride with air suspension, 4-wheel steering, 360-degree camera system, and especially Super Cruise. My wife’s car has Apple CarPlay and we’ve really enjoyed that over the past few years. I thought I would miss CarPlay, but I’ve been perfectly happy with the Google-based Infotainment system and really haven’t missed Apple CarPlay at all.
I took my first long trip last week from Huntsville to Memphis, which was approximately 200 miles. I used my GMC PowerUp 2 Charger (installed in my garage 2 weeks ago) to charge to 100% before I left. The drive was mostly a 4-lane highway the entire trip. I used Super Cruise for most of the trip and it worked great. I also used the Regen on Demand paddle on the steering wheel as much as possible (I’m not quite comfortable with One-Pedal Driving yet). When I arrived in Memphis, my battery was at 63% with an estimated range remaining of 311 miles. Apparently using the Regen on Demand does help a good bit with extending the range.
I’m planning to take the truck on a long trip next week (over 1,000 miles roundtrip). I’ve done a few tests at public charging stations over the past few weeks to make sure I’m prepared for the trip. I’ve tried 3 different charging stations so far: (1) GM Energy with EVgo app; rated 350kW speed; actual result was 300 kW charge speed; (2) Tesla Supercharger; rated 250 kW; actual result was 186 kW speed; (3) Electrify America; rated 350 kW; actual result was 170 kW. I did a Google search and it states the EV charging station indicates its maximum power output in kilowatts, and the actual charging speed will vary based on several factors (charging curve, battery temperature, station/site load, etc.). I’m curious if the results I’m seeing so far between the station rated speed and my actual results are typical for what others typically see.”
The cautious curiosity followed by an unexpectedly quick decision once he got behind the wheel is a journey that I’ve noticed mirrors many first time EV buyers. His immediate connection with the Sierra EV echoes stories we’ve heard from other owners who were initially skeptical but ended up praising its technology, comfort, and capabilities. In fact, one of the biggest questions people have before making this switch is whether the technology can match or exceed what they’re used to from traditional trucks, as discussed in this Sierra EV tech-focused experience.
A Smooth Transition to Electric
What stands out in Perry’s story is how seamlessly he’s adapted despite never owning an EV before. GMC’s EV Concierge clearly made an impact, offering direct, knowledgeable answers to his questions in real time. Having a resource like this is critical, especially when many buyers don’t have EV-owning friends or family to lean on.
The smooth ride from GMC’s adaptive air suspension and the added maneuverability of 4-wheel steering makes the Sierra EV a truck that can handle both highway cruising and tight urban parking lots. And for drivers used to Apple CarPlay, Perry’s experience shows that GMC’s Google-based infotainment system can win over even longtime CarPlay fans.
First Real-World Road Trip
On his 200-mile Huntsville-to-Memphis trip, Perry saw impressive efficiency numbers, arriving with 63% battery and a projected 311 miles of range still available. This is where features like Regen on Demand come into play. By using the paddle frequently, he recaptured energy during deceleration without committing fully to one-pedal driving, which some drivers take time to get used to.
This mirrors findings from other EV truck owners, such as those who have moved from large diesel pickups to electric models and noted how regenerative braking changes long-haul driving habits, as shared in this story about switching from a 3500HD to a Sierra EV.
Where the Sierra EV Fits in Today’s EV Landscape
Perry’s seamless shift to the Sierra EV may feel almost personal, but this truck arrives as part of a broader, fast-evolving field. The 2025 GMC Sierra EV Denali delivers up to 460 miles of range with the Max Range battery and 760 horsepower, capable of towing 10,500 pounds. Factor in ultra-fast 800 volt DC charging, and you’re looking at gaining 100 miles of range in approximately 10 minutes.
That puts it ahead of many peers when it comes to pure spec bragging rights. As reported by Edmunds, the Sierra EV Max Range is so heavy it exceeded their test scale’s 8,800-pound limit, yet still delivered an impressive 4.3-second 0–60 mph run thanks to its 760 horsepower and 785 lb-ft of torque. That’s only a tenth slower than the quickest Ford F-150 Lightning they’ve tested and about half a second behind a dual-motor Rivian R1T.
Yet not all EV trucks wear the Denali crown. GMC has expanded its lineup to include Elevation trim (starting around $64,495) and AT4 trim (starting around $81,395), both offering various battery options from Standard to Max Range. This move opens the Sierra EV’s appeal to those who want electric capability without flagship luxury pricing.
At the same time, models like the Chevrolet Silverado EV, its technical twin, push the envelope with clever features such as the Avalanche-style MidGate and competitive range benchmarks. And then there’s the GMC Hummer EV, which, while packing immense power and a unique presence, doesn’t match the Sierra EV’s balance of range, price, and everyday utility.
So where does that leave Perry’s Denali Max? Right in the sweet spot for buyers craving top-tier performance, refined comfort, and the flexibility to haul, tow, or road-trip without much compromise.
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Charging Speeds and Expectations
Perry’s charging station tests also highlight a common reality. Rated charging speeds and actual charging speeds rarely match perfectly. Factors like battery temperature, current state of charge, and the station’s load can significantly impact real-world results.
For prospective buyers, understanding that public fast charging for electric trucks involves variables beyond the posted numbers can help set realistic expectations. This is where connecting with communities and reading first-hand experiences becomes invaluable.
Community Reactions
Others were also quick to congratulate Perry, and some even offered advice of their own.
Jason Byers commented, “Nice truck, but in Canada the truck is almost double the price of my ICE truck. And it’s expensive to charge here. Same price as gas almost.” His point raises an important note for buyers outside the U.S. Regional energy pricing and vehicle costs can heavily influence the overall value equation.
Nhi Nguyen wrote, “Congrats on the new truck. The white color looks stunning. I’ve read your message in full. I’m driving a Ford Lightning and the different charge rates seem to be similar to your experience. I want a longer range and am drooling about the one you bought. I haven’t pulled the trigger yet because it’s quite a bit of money. Also, I was hoping to see version 2.0 battery to be released soon. But it seems like quite some time from now. I might give in sooner than anticipated.” It’s another example of how the Ford F-150 Lightning has been winning over enthusiasts, even those curious about GMC’s offering, as seen in this real-world EV truck comparison.
Ken Silverman added, “Wait till you get used to 1 pedal driving. Oh my goodness, I mean, I can go almost five hundred miles on an eighty five percent charge. It really keeps the thing charged up even on long trips. And I never touch my brakes. It’s awesome.” His comment underscores how regenerative braking mastery can extend range well beyond EPA estimates, which is useful for someone new like Perry to know.
What I love about Perry’s story is how it blends personal discovery with practical takeaways. It shows that even after 23 years in the same truck, a driver can find something completely new and feel confident with the change in just a few weeks. The Sierra EV is not just about swapping a gas engine for a battery. This EV is about rethinking what a truck can do. From feature-packed driver assistance to quiet, smooth rides that still deliver serious utility, it’s proof that the learning curve is manageable when you have the right resources and a willingness to adapt.
Key Takeaways
Test Drives Can Transform Opinions: Experiencing an electric truck firsthand can completely change long-held perceptions and hesitations.
Support Matters: GMC’s EV Concierge and community resources make the shift to an EV much smoother for first-time owners.
Charging Speeds Vary: Real-world electric truck charging speeds depend on many variables, so it’s best to keep expectations flexible.
Maximizing Range with Regenerative Braking: Using regenerative braking techniques can noticeably extend range over long trips.
Regional Costs Influence Value: Electricity and vehicle prices can vary widely by location, which can dramatically affect overall ownership value.
What Are Your Thoughts?
Have you ever gone into a dealership looking for one type of truck and walked out with something completely different?
And if you’ve switched from a gas or diesel pickup to an EV, what was the biggest surprise in your first month of ownership?
I’d love to hear about your stories in our comments below.
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.
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Source: torquenews.com
