Chevy’s Electric Pickup Goes Racing
Chevrolet is upping the ante in the electric truck arena by entering a race-ready Silverado EV ZR2 in the renowned Mint 400 off-road race. This marks a significant step in showcasing the performance capabilities of its electric vehicles.
Developed in just five months, the Silverado EV ZR2 features a tri-motor powertrain that generates an astonishing 1100 horsepower. The race truck boasts substantial upgrades over the standard Silverado EV, including beefed-up front and rear suspension components, 37-inch BFGoodrich KM3 mud-terrain tires, and Multimatic semi-active spool-valve dampers, allowing for over thirteen inches of wheel travel. Locking differentials and underbody skid plates provide essential protection during the grueling race.
Chevrolet’s entry into the Mint 400, which kicks off this week in Nevada, isn’t just about racing; it’s also a preview of upcoming road-legal models. The race truck’s tri-motor powertrain offers a significant boost compared to the dual-motor setup of the Silverado EV RST, which produces 754 horsepower.
Chevrolet claims the ZR2’s powertrain produces 11,500 pound-feet of torque, a figure believed to be measured at the wheels. Measured traditionally, engineers predict the output to be around 1,000 to 1,100 pound-feet of torque, still remarkably impressive.
This strategic move allows Chevy to test its EV technology under extreme conditions, with the learnings expected to inform future production vehicles and performance accessories, demonstrating the brand’s commitment to electric vehicle innovation.
Trail Boss is on the Horizon
The Silverado EV ZR2 also heralds the upcoming launch of the 2026 Silverado EV Trail Boss, slated for release this summer. The Trail Boss will have a factory-installed lift, 18-inch wheels wrapped in 35-inch all-terrain tires, red tow hooks, and a dedicated Terrain mode. The Trail Boss will feature a redesigned front bumper and model-specific wheels.
While the electric pickup truck market is still emerging, Chevy hopes this race-focused initiative will generate greater interest. Sales of the Silverado EV began in 2024, with 7,428 units sold, a fraction of the conventional Silverado’s 560,264 sales. Despite the lower initial numbers, Chevrolet is confident that this new racing version, and the upcoming Trail Boss, can encourage more buyers to embrace electric trucks.
