Electric pickup trucks are still struggling to match the popularity of their gasoline-powered counterparts. The Chevrolet Silverado EV debuted in 2024, but its sales—only 7,428 units—pale in comparison to the traditional Silverado, which sold 56,264 units in the same period. Despite this, Chevrolet is pushing forward, aiming to stir excitement with an all-new high-performance off-road version: the Silverado EV ZR2.
A Race-Ready Electric Pickup
The Silverado EV ZR2 is built for extreme off-roading and will compete in the legendary Mint 400 race in Nevada this week. More than just a race truck, it serves as a sneak peek at the upcoming Trail Boss off-road trim, set to launch later this year. Developed in just five months, the ZR2 consists of 98% General Motors production parts but has been heavily modified for off-road dominance.
Extreme Off-Road Upgrades
This electric beast features reinforced front and rear suspension components tuned for rugged terrain. It rides on massive 37-inch BF Goodrich KM3 Mud-Terrain tires, giving it an aggressive stance and improved ground clearance. One of its standout features is the advanced Multimatic semi-active spool valve dampers, which provide an impressive 13 inches of front and rear wheel travel. The truck also comes equipped with locking differentials and reinforced skid plates for extra durability.
Unmatched Electric Power
Under the hood, the Silverado EV ZR2 packs a jaw-dropping 1,100 horsepower, thanks to a tri-motor electric powertrain—a significant leap from the 754-hp dual-motor setup in the most powerful street-legal Silverado EV RST. This drivetrain is likely adapted from the Hummer EV’s tri-motor system, utilizing the same GM electric vehicle platform.
Chevrolet claims 11,500 lb-ft of torque, though this figure is measured at the wheels—a method that tends to exaggerate torque numbers. A more realistic estimate suggests a true torque output of 1,000 to 1,100 lb-ft, which is still incredibly impressive for an electric truck.
Competing Alongside Gas-Powered Siblings
The Silverado EV ZR2 will race alongside its gasoline-powered counterparts—the Silverado ZR2 and Colorado ZR2, all fielded by Chad Hall Racing. Chevrolet engineers will work closely with the team to gather performance data, which will help refine future production vehicles and accessories.
The Silverado EV Trail Boss is Coming Soon
While the ZR2 steals the spotlight, Chevrolet is also preparing to launch the 2026 Silverado EV Trail Boss, a rugged off-road trim first teased in 2022. Production delays pushed back its release, but it’s now on track to debut soon.
Key features include:
✅ Factory-installed lift
✅ 18-inch wheels wrapped in 35-inch all-terrain tires
✅ Red tow hooks
✅ Specialized terrain driving mode
✅ Bold red-orange exterior with a redesigned front bumper and exclusive wheels
More details on the Trail Boss will be revealed soon. Stay tuned for updates! 🚘⚡