Chevrolet is putting its Silverado EV all-electric pickup truck to the test by campaigning it in the grueling Mint 400 off-road competition. To do this, the bow tie brand built a new concept version of this battery-powered rig, the Silverado EV ZR2. Drawing inspiration from other off road-ready pickups in the Chevy lineup, this big rig benefits from a host of upgrades that make it even tougher.
This Electric Truck Is Built To Survive
Giving the Silverado EV ZR2 concept what it takes to survive the severe Mint 400 race, this truck features a lifted suspension – both front and rear – plus the tuning is tailored specifically for off-road use. Cutting-edge Multimatic Adaptive Spool Valve continuously adjustable dampers are included, too, as are locking differentials for additional traction in the roughest of conditions. Of course, there are also underbody skid plates to protect delicate components from damage. Overall, this truck has more than 13 inches of wheel travel.
“The Silverado EV ZR2 race truck concept, which uses 98 percent GM production parts, showcases some of the best of Chevrolet to produce a beyond-capable pickup to tackle a challenging race of the Mint 400’s magnitude,” said Scott Bell, vice president of Chevrolet in a media release shared by the automaker. “There is no better proving ground to test the limits of our vehicles than competitive racing.”
What we learn from racing is applied to vehicles consumers can buy.
As Bell mentioned, the Silverado EV ZR2 is made with 98 percent production parts from the GM catalog. As such, engineers were able to bring this concept vehicle together in only about five months, a breakneck pace for any vehicle, even one using largely off-the-shelf components.
Huge Performance Potential
Giving this pickup vigorous go-power is a tri-motor drivetrain that provides a whopping 1,100 horsepower. Helping put all that giddy-up to the ground is a set of 37-inch-tall BF Goodrich KM3 Mud-Terrain tires.
This all-electric truck will compete in the Mint 400 with the Hall Racing team. This group first started racing a Chevy Colorado ZR2 back in 2017. Competing in stock classes, the team has completed 53 out of the 54 races they’ve participated in.
From The Mint 400 To Customers’ Driveways
“What we learn from racing is applied to vehicles consumers can buy. An off-road race like The Mint 400 is equivalent to a lifetime of vehicle wear and tear,” said boss Chad Hall in a media release. “Working with the Chevy engineers is always a good day at the office,” he added.
The Silverado EV ZR2 race truck concept looks poised to dominate the Mint 400, though this design study is about more than just pride or taking the checkered flag. This vehicle will almost certainly help engineers as they develop the upcoming 2026 Silverado EV Trail Boss, an off-road-focused production model that features a lifted suspension, 35-inch tires, and numerous other upgrades.
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