General Motors has already unveiled the Chevrolet Silverado EV and will soon take its game to the heavy-duty category with the GMC Sierra EV. But somehow, Magna has built an EV version of the Sierra as a technology demonstrator. That Fast Lane Truck had the opportunity to take a closer look at this EV HD and race it against a conventional counterpart.

A Demo Truck For Magna’s EtelligentForce

Built as a demo truck by Magna, the GMC Sierra EV is essentially a prototype truck that started its life as a conventional 2020 GMC Sierra HD 2500 AT4 truck. Except for the markings on its sides, Magna’s HD demo truck looks like a standard model. There are no changes on the exterior, since modifications are all found underneath.

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As a technology demonstrator, the Magna Sierra EV showcases the company’s new all-electric eBeam rear axle and the eDS Mid+ front drive unit – together known as the EtelligentForce. The eBeam rear axle offers 335 hp of output and 7,375 lb-ft of axle torque, while the front eDS Mid+ unit delivers 228 hp of output and 2,780 lb-ft of axle torque. Magna’s latest software allows all systems to work seamlessly as an AWD unit.

From An ICE Sierra HD To An EV HD

Magna EtelligentForce on 2020 Sierra HD
Via That Fast Lane Truck on YouTube

To show the difference between the Sierra EV and regular truck, a GMC Sierra HD 2500 Denali with an internal combustion engine (ICE) was present at the scene. According to That Fast Lane Truck, this white Sierra HD was basically similar to the black Sierra EV, except for the internal combustion powertrain and driveline.

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The Sierra EV used to feature a 6.6-liter V8 engine under its hood, providing 401 hp of max output and 464 lb-ft of peak torque – the same as the Denali. This engine came with a six-speed 6L90 automatic transmission. Complemented with Magna’s active AWD transfer case, Magna removed all of these, including the driveshafts and the standard rear axle.

Interestingly, Magna’s EtelligentForce comes as a direct drop-in replacement for the conventional powertrain and driveline.

Quicker And Faster But Still As Capable

2020 GMC Sierra HD vs Magna Sierra EV drag race winner
Via That Fast Lane Truck on YouTube

Magna employed its latest software to let all components work seamlessly. As per Magna, the 547 hp Sierra EV can accelerate from nil to 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds. The EV showed this prowess when it engaged the ICE Sierra HD in a drag race.

The result is as expected, with the Sierra EV easily leaving the conventional truck behind. While quicker, the Sierra EV is as capable as the ICE Sierra in terms of towing and hauling capabilities.

Source: That Fast Lane Truck