GM has unveiled the new Chevy Silverado EV ZR2 race truck concept, a high-performance off-roader set to compete in The Mint 400, a legendary annual desert race that takes place near Las Vegas, Nevada. The new Silverado EV ZR2 will be wheeled by Chad Hall of Chad Hall Racing, who will compete in the Open Production EV class with a team of Chevy engineers on hand to analyze the truck’s performance. Additionally, GM has announced that the upcoming Silverado EV Trail Boss will launch for the 2026 model, confirming earlier GM Authority coverage.
“There is no better proving ground to test the limits of our vehicles than competitive racing,” said Chevrolet vice president Scott Bell. “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.”
Mechanical highlights include an all-electric, tri-motor propulsion system rated at 1,100 horsepower and “11,500” pound-feet of torque (a rating similar to the GMC Hummer EV), as well as 37-inch BF Goodrich KM3 Mud Terrain tires and prototype Multimatic Adaptive Spool Valve continuously adaptive dampers with over 13 inches of front and rear wheel travel. The Chevy Silverado EV ZR2 race truck concept also boasts locking differentials and extensive underbody skid protection.
Chevy states that the race will provide a learning opportunity to refine its off-road EV technology and apply those lessons to its production vehicles, performance parts, and accessories.
“Working with the Chevy engineers is always a good day at the office,” said racer and team owner Chad Hall. “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.”
GM has also confirmed that the new Silverado EV Trail Boss will launch this summer for the 2026 model year, corroborating earlier GM Authority coverage. The new Silverado EV Trail Boss will be equipped 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 maneuverability.
Comments
Throw it into the trash pile next to the Blazer EV.
This will have teething issues like all GMC/Chevrolet products, don;t worry….just like the Blazer EV had.
Why will it have teething issues? The drivetrain is the sane as the Hummer and most of the rest of the truck is the same as the Silverado. Other than the new suspension, everything else has already been tested.
GN, I volunteer to be a test driver. Free of charge.
“Free of charge” Good one!
The pun was unintentional.
This looks like fun!
What if Chad Hall wins?
400 miles at WOW.
Where are they going to recharge it.
Like it . GM should do a Z71. Or trail boss EV blazer . As 4runner / wrangler/ bronco competitor . try to keep the luxury out of it and more utility in .
Wait until you’re stuck in the middle of nowhere with a bad battery, then who’s coming to get you with a vehicle that cannot be towed. Sadly, the EV joke continues at GM. Put a gas motor in this truck and you’d sell a ton of them.
They can be towed and gain electricity while they are at it. They can also in many cases be charged from other vehicles. It is no different than running out of gas except it take a little longer to recharge enough or can gain electricity by being towed, especially if you are out with a buddy and on a downhill section of trail. In most cases you are prepared though. You can probably get a storage battery box to bring with when going out in the back country, just like when off roaders bring spare gas cans. No big deal. They can also use solar panels to add some charge which ICE vehicles cannot in addition to the being towed to add range. As they become more prevalent the costs will come down as I know you would being that up in a rebuttal.
Why can’t it be towed?
I think this is a great test and a good comparison for possible buyers of a Rivian or Tesla truck. Driving all out at a “Mint 400” with “98 percent GM production parts” is an excellent torture test and testament to durability. Good Job Chevrolet!