Chevrolet has built a one-off racing version of its Silverado pick-up truck with more than 1,000bhp and 11,500lb ft of torque.
The Silverado EV ZR2 was created to compete in the EV Open class of the Mint 400 – a scaled-down version of the Baja 1,000 off-road race held in the Nevada desert. It also showcases the capabilities of Chevy’s electric truck ahead of an off-road focused model arriving later this year.
Engineers fitted the EV ZR2 pick-up with a new tri-motor electric drivetrain producing 1,085bhp and 11,500lb ft of torque. This marks a significant upgrade over the regular Silverado’s two-motor setup, which generates 750bhp and 785lb ft of torque.
To handle the event’s rough terrain, Chevrolet borrowed longer control arms from the Hummer EV, allowing for 13 inches of travel. The team replaced the standard Silverado’s air suspension with dual-coil springs up front and single coil springs at the rear.
The truck rides on 37-inch BF Goodwich tires, sitting 15 inches off the ground. The modified Silverado weighs nearly 4.5 tonnes.
Driver Chad Hall and co-driver Mark Stielow completed just one lap of the 73-mile Mint 400 course in 2 hours and 10 minutes. The truck finished with 40% battery remaining, averaging 0.6 miles per-kilowatt hour and approximately 34 mph.
“What we learn from racing is applied to vehicles consumers can buy,” explained Hall. “An off-road race like The Mint 400 is equivalent to a lifetime of vehicle wear and tear.”
Chevrolet entered this experimental Silverado to test the limits of an EV pick-up in extreme conditions before unveiling its Silverado EV Trail Boss this summer. The production Trail Boss will feature 35-inch tires, a factory-installed lift kit, race-inspired red tow hooks, and a dedicated ‘terrain’ mode. Chevrolet plans to release additional details closer to launch.
Rivian also participated in this year’s Mint 400, entering an R1T in the EV Production class. The Rivian completed two laps — covering 146 miles.
EV pick-up trucks are becoming increasingly common in American motorsport. In 2024, Ford entered an all-electric version of its F-150 Lightning at Pikes Peak. The tri-motor SuperTruck produced over 1,600bhp and won the King of The Hill title with former Le Mans winner Romain Dumas driving. Ford will return to the event this year with a NASCAR-derived version of its Mustang Mach-E, again with Dumas at the wheel.
