Chevrolet is about to go racing in an electric off-roader, but not one we can buy, yet. The vehicle is the Chevrolet Silverado EV ZR2 concept. It gives Chevys electric pickup the full off-road treatment, just in time to send it into the desert.

　　Chad Hall will take the truck to the Mint 400 in Las Vegas, competing in the Open Production EV class at the race.

　　Chevy Goes Electric Truck Racing

　　(Photo/Chevrolet) The concept pickup isnt ready for production yet, but the electric ZR2 isnt far off. Chevrolet says the concept uses 98% GM production parts.

　　The parts list includes a front and rear lift with off-road spring tuning and Multimatics adaptive DSSV dampers. The electric truck will get locking differentials at both ends and underbody skid protection to keep the battery and motors safe.

　　Since this is a concept truck, it gets some extra power, too. The three-motor system makes 1,100 horsepower, and it has GMs semi-misleading 11,500 pound-feet of torque. No matter how you measure, this is plenty to turn the 37-inch BFGoodrich KM3 Mud-Terrain tires on even the toughest terrain.

　　First-Ever Electric ZR2

　　(Photo/Chevrolet) Chevrolet didnt commit to building the Silverado EV ZR2, but its hard to imagine it wont. Otherwise, why would it bother using production parts?

　　The end result might depend on how it does in the race, though. Because, as driver and long-time GM off-road partner Hall says, An off-road race like The Mint 400 is equivalent to a lifetime of vehicle wear and tear. Its the perfect place to smash, bash, and thrash the electric ZR2, to find out not just if it will break, but also if the idea is any good in the first place.

　　You wont have to wait long to find out how this big and heavy off-roader fares in the crucible of racing. The Mint 400 runs March 7-8. Well be on hand to cover the action and share with you the glory of the podium or the crushing weight of defeat. Stay tuned!

　　Chevrolet Silverado EV Trailboss Coming Soon

　　(Photo/Chevrolet) We dont know about the ZR2, but we do know Chevrolet is building a Silverado EV off-roader. The Silverado EV Trail Boss (the red one in the photos) will launch this summer. Like the gas Trail Boss models, it will get a factory lift, 35-inch all-terrain tires, and red tow hooks.

　　Chevy says a new Terrain Mode will make it more maneuverable in tight spaces. Were guessing it combines the trucks four-wheel steer with individual wheel braking like Fords Trail Turn Assist.

　　The Technology March Accelerates: 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV First-Edition RST ReviewIt carries the Silverado name, but the Chevrolet Silverado EV shares virtually nothing with its internal combustion engine counterpart. Read more