Earlier this month, GM unveiled the Chevy Silverado EV ZR2, an all-electric race truck concept designed specifically for off-road competition in the Mint 400. The purpose behind the concept truck was to test GM’s racing technology and the Silverado EV’s off-road capabilities in extreme desert conditions. Behind the wheel was legendary off-road racer Chad Hall, who successfully piloted the truck through a 73-mile lap as the only vehicle competing in the EV Open Production Class. Now, Hall is sharing his thoughts on the experience in a new video.
The video emphasizes the power and performance of the Chevy Silverado EV ZR2, while also highlighting its quick development timeline. GM’s team of engineers made the concept a reality in less than six months, integrating race-ready Multimatic dampers, electronic locking differentials, and specialized off-road driving modes.
According to Hall, the truck’s instant acceleration is one of its standout features, with all four tires spinning at 30 mph under hard acceleration. GM states that running a truck in the harsh conditions of the Mint 400 desert race provides an opportunity for engineers to identify weaknesses, refine components, and improve durability. GM also states that the process directly influences Chevy’s production models, ensuring that lessons learned from motorsport translate into better vehicles for its customers.
As covered previously, the Chevy Silverado EV ZR2 Concept ran in the EV Open Production Class, where it was tested on a 73-mile Limited course, rather than the full 400-mile race. Providing the motivation was a tri-motor all-electric propulsion system delivering an estimated 1,100 horsepower and 11,500 pound-feet of torque, figures similar to those attached to the GMC Hummer EV. Additional off-road-ready specs and components include 37-inch BFGoodrich KM3 Mud Terrain tires, over 13 inches of wheel travel, and underbody skid protection. Interestingly, the truck completed its race lap with 40-percent battery charge remaining after starting with a full 100-percent charge.
Check out the full race impression video here:
While GM has not officially confirmed that it will offer a production-spec Chevy Silverado EV ZR2, the concept’s participation in the Mint 400 suggests that a consumer-ready version is likely in development. What is confirmed, however, is the 2026 Chevy Silverado EV Trail Boss, which will launch this summer with a factory-installed lift, 18-inch wheels wrapped in 35-inch all-terrain tires, red tow hooks, and a new Terrain Mode for enhanced off-road performance.
Comments
Oh puhleeze. Until the battery dies in the middle of a race or in the middle of nowhere.
GM will build a 10,000lb off road EV with 1100hp but won’t build a 650hp Silverado ZR2 to compete with the F150 Raptor.
Well ya because it does not impact the Cooperate CAFE.
The truth is the Raptor is not fixing any of Fords issues. They sell in small numbers per way o a sharver priced by dealer mark ups. While the Chevy sells well at discounts and still makes GM money.
The cool cars are great but Ford needs more than that as they can budge their stock over $9 a share and they are about to lose $5 Billion dollars in Europe as they were not smart enough to leave when GM sold out. Europe is a protectionist market and American cars outside the Corvette struggle.
I have driven the new EV and it is really the best riding and quiet truck on the market. The opening cab works better than the Avalanche.
But the $91K price is just way to much but then again now the High Country is almost that price in a half ton and more in a 3/4 ton.
Not to mention @91K, they still loose money on it. I agree that the ZR2 EV is a “good” truck, but I also saw a custom power wagon on HotRod today that is way more appealing. The cost must be justified, and with EV’s, it’s not justified so much.
They don’t lose money on it because parts are shared with other Ultium vehicles.
Who gives a rats. Why do they keep shoveling this stuff down out throats?
Nobody is shoveling any stuff down your throat. It is whatever is in your brain flowing downwards.
LOL, on flat, smooth fire roads and flat pristine desert. LOL
Put that 10,000 lb. behemoth in real off-road conditions and watch the parts fly off.
Yeah, because some nobody in a comment section who has never touched an EV knows mire, about how it performs off road than an experienced off road racer who actually drove the truck.
Excuse me he’s being PAID to make nice comments about this cartoon whale joke. You think he’s going to say one bad word about it? LOL