If you thought electric pickup trucks weren't for serious off-roading, get ready to be surprised. Chevrolet has unveiled the Chevrolet Silverado EV ZR2 Off-Road Concept—a true off-road monster with 1,100 horsepower (820 kW) and rugged racing technology. Can electrics really rule the desert? Apparently so.
When we hear “Silverado ZR2,” we imagine brutal off-road performance. But this time, Chevrolet is taking things to a whole new level. Chevrolet Silverado EV ZR2 Off-Road Concept is not just another version of their electric truck – it is a racing prototype preparing for the famous Mint 400, one of the toughest desert races in the world.
Special feature? 98 % serial GM parts. This means that Chevrolet is not just building an exotic concept, but is actually testing technology that we will later see in production models.
Under the hood (or rather under the bottom) hides three electric motors, which together create 1,100 hp (820 kW), which is more than twice the power of the production Silverado EV RST! The beast is powered by an extremely powerful electric drivetrain with all-wheel drive and advanced torque control that allows for perfect adaptation to the terrain.
Suspension that swallows all obstacles
Electric power is only one side of the story – the true off-road capability lies within the chassis of the Chevrolet Silverado EV ZR2 Off-Road Concept. Chevrolet has developed a custom chassis for this concept with prototype Multimatic Adaptive Spool Valve (ASV) shock absorbers, which enable more than 33 cm (13 inches) of wheel travel front and rear.
They ensure maximum grip 37-inch (94 cm) BF Goodrich KM3 Mud-Terrain tires, which are designed to ride on the most extreme terrain – from dunes to rocky off-road.
And make no mistake – this is not just an experimental project. Chevrolet will be putting this beast into action in collaboration with the team Chad Hall Racing, which has been helping to develop the off-road capabilities of GM models for years. The lessons learned from the Mint 400 will later influence the production and optional equipment of future models.
The Future: Silverado EV Trail Boss
Chevrolet Silverado EV ZR2 Off-Road Concept is not just a demonstration of performance, but also a preview of the future. Chevrolet is already announcing Silverado EV Trail Boss, the first production version of an electric pickup truck aimed specifically at off-road enthusiasts. Although official details are not yet known, we can expect this model to use key elements of the concept – from advanced suspension to rugged off-road tires.
Is this the future of off-road pickup trucks?
The Chevrolet Silverado EV ZR2 Off-Road Concept brings an electric future to the world of extreme off-road racing. With 1,100 horsepower, premium suspension and a rugged design, it's more than ready for the toughest challenges. If it proves its worth at the Mint 400, we can expect electric pickup trucks to be even bolder and more capable in the future.
Will electric really rule the off-road world? Chevrolet clearly believes so – and judging by this concept, it might be right.