The Chevrolet Silverado EV Is Getting A Diagonal Driving Feature

The Chevrolet Silverado EV is already making waves as one of the most capable electric trucks on the market, but GM isn’t done innovating. The automaker has revealed a new diagonal driving mode that promises to take the Silverado EV’s off-road prowess to the next level. While the technology itself is certainly impressive, the name that GM is using to describe it may leave you scratching your head.

GM calls this new driving mode “CrabWalk” – an evocative moniker for a feature that will allow the truck to move diagonally without having its tires turn. The ability to drive in this way may sound niche, but GM is adamant that it could benefit off-road enthusiasts in a number of scenarios, such as navigating tight spots or traveling over uneven terrain.

Here’s how it works: The CrabWalk system utilizes the Silverado EV’s electric motors, which provide independent torque control for each wheel. By engaging CrabWalk, the driver can input a signal that essentially causes the rear wheels to rotate in a direction that is slightly offset from the front wheels, resulting in the truck being able to drive diagonally.

This isn’t the first time that a car manufacturer has tried to incorporate a “crab” driving feature in their vehicles. Other automotive brands have also tried their hand at this technology with features like Honda’s “Crab Walk” or even Rivian’s “Tank Turn,” although none have seen the same level of success or consumer adoption as GM’s. It remains to be seen whether this mode will be as beneficial and user-friendly as GM hopes. Nevertheless, it does underscore the innovation and forward-thinking of GM and highlights their commitment to designing future-proof electric vehicles.

GM says the diagonal driving mode is coming in the near future, but has not shared specifics about when the feature will be released. Stay tuned for more information from Chevrolet and GM. In the meantime, you can get up to date on the latest advancements of the Silverado EV from the official Chevrolet website.