Congratulations, you've made it through the holiday season! If you're fortunate, you only have a few minor injuries to show for it. But fear not, there's always the possibility of a pumpkin-spice-themed chaos awaiting you during next year's festivities. At least that's the way the saying goes. 

Yet amidst the current climate of heightened political emotions, a Tiny Tim-like miracle unfolded in our home. Remarkably, the extended family decided to put aside political discussions at the dinner table, weary of the chaos that permeates our lives, driven by the relentless news cycle and a cadre of ineffectual sycophants—present on both sides of the aisle—who mistake civic responsibility for a brutal contest.

I veer off topic. 

Welcome to Kinardi Line, mouthpiece of the free world’s most curious auto writer. Home to questionable takes, quiet revelations, and shitbox worship.

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This year, everyone maintained exemplary conduct, despite the underlying political tensions simmering just beneath the surface.

Whether you embrace them or not, electric vehicles (EVs) have emerged as a contentious topic. The presence of battery-powered cars ignites passionate opinions, often influenced by political affiliations. Their advancement is propelled by government policies, while sales are incentivized through subsidies. This, in turn, draws either admiration or criticism from the public.

And with the highly visible head of our largest EV automaker playing an increasingly… uh… curious role in the national political conversation, we can’t separate this conveyance from conflict. 

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As I drove into the driveway of my childhood home behind the wheel of the 2025 Chevrolet Silverado EV, an unsettling mix of excitement and anxiety washed over me. Would this truck be the catalyst for change?

Once the initial greetings were exchanged and the first cold lagers were opened, bubbling and frothy, I was taken aback by a shout that echoed from the other side of the yard.

“Hey, what’s going on with that truck?” my wife’s cousin exclaimed.

He comes from a long line of wheat farmers and has dedicated his life to cultivating the land. As we look ahead to 2024, it's likely you can predict his voting preferences. However, it hasn't always been this way. 

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Throughout the majority of the 20th century, The Blue Team effectively connected with the working population in Washington, offering substantial subsidies and thereby securing the support of rural voters in the region.

Historically, the Big R has been less generous with farming subsidies, yet the majority of farmers in my extended family align themselves with the party on ideological grounds. Nevertheless, one constant remains: pickup trucks are a vital part of farmers' daily lives.

Perhaps I shouldn’t have been taken aback by how seamlessly this electric vehicle pickup infiltrated our family gatherings. Personally, I find its design a bit off-putting—too sharp-edged, too intent on showcasing its distinctions from traditional body-on-frame trucks rather than inviting comparisons. However, the rest of my family was captivated by the Silverado EV’s Avalanche-inspired aesthetics, eagerly examining it while balancing drinks in their hands. 

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In general, the exterior of the RST received widespread acclaim, and the interior was equally impressive.

This truck doesn't quite fit the mold of a traditional work vehicle as seen with its internal combustion engine (ICE) counterparts, featuring more luxurious interior materials compared to the rugged surfaces found in the F-150s, Silverados, and GMC 1500s parked alongside it in the driveway.

While modern trucks have certainly become more luxurious, the RST takes it a step further by offering every conceivable comfort. Remarkably, it also delivers on one of the key advantages of a vehicle of this size—ample space—even with a battery-lined floor.

A significant advantage of upgrading from a mid-size to a full-size truck is the increased interior space. While it may not be a common topic of discussion, many American families prefer Silverados because midsize trucks serve merely as adequate family vehicles, rather than exceptional ones. 

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Absolutely, you can fit a couple of car seats in the back of your Tacoma, Colorado, Ranger, and other similar models, while still maintaining a usable truck bed. However, considering the minor trade-offs in efficiency and initial investment, a full-size truck provides significantly improved seating comfort and overall performance.

The Silverado EV follows this pattern. Unlike the majority of electric vehicles I've experienced—and nearly all hybrids—that sacrifice passenger and cargo room for battery storage, the RST provides an expansive interior and trunk space, comparable to any standard full-size truck. 

In summary, the RST manages to maintain its truck capabilities while transitioning to an electric vehicle. This is a crucial factor for many Americans. 

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Another standout feature of this truck is its “midgate,” which is a convertible opening located at the back of the cab. This clever design allows you to extend the cargo space and transport longer items, such as lumber, that wouldn’t fit in the bed with the tailgate closed. While taking out the midgate can be a bit tricky and time-consuming, it’s undeniably a creative and innovative solution. 

This feature—or at least the idea of this feature—will sell a few trucks to weekend warriors into specific hobbies like woodworking or kayaking who value a specific type of hauling versatility. 

It became a holiday favorite as well. I really wasn’t in the mood to go through the hassle of taking out, appreciating, and then putting back the midgate parts—especially after enjoying a few drinks. However, the eager family crowd insisted on it. 

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The following day, after we had all recovered from the previous night's drinks, I decided to take some family members for a spin to showcase the RST's luxurious comfort, serene quietness, and impressive speed.

The cabin erupted with excitement as I pressed down hard on the accelerator, causing the RST to surge forward with its hefty weight, speeding toward the majestic Olympic Mountains. The Super Cruise function performed perfectly throughout the 200-mile trip back home. By the end, everyone parted ways on a high note—no arguments about politics—and showcasing the RST's impressive capabilities was definitely the highlight of my weekend.

At nearly $100,000 for a fully loaded RST with 460 miles of range, this thing is mostly an abstraction, unlikely to lure many traditional truck buyers away from what they know and trust. At that price, the stakes are too high for what-ifs.

Still, I could sense the gears shifting in my relatives' minds, slowly coming to life. For the first time, they were actually contemplating the idea of incorporating an electric vehicle into their lives. That's quite a significant development.

Although my family was captivated by the RST, I couldn't help but notice that electric vehicles still face a significant marketing challenge. There are genuinely attractive EV choices available in almost every category (as a side note, the RST isn't one of them; the more affordable $75,000 Silverado EV definitely qualifies). However, not everyone has the opportunity to gather on a bright winter day to enjoy drinks and explore an electric truck until the excitement kicks in.

However, we certainly ought to.