EVs Conquer Dirt at Mint 400: Chevy Silverado EV vs. Rivian R1T
- For the first time in the Mint 400's 56-year history, two electric vehicles—the Chevy Silverado EV ZR2 concept and Rivian R1T—completed the challenging desert race.
- Both vehicles achieved an identical efficiency of 0.6 miles per kilowatt-hour despite different configurations, with the modified Silverado using Hummer EV components and the Rivian running in near-stock condition.
- The event showcases the potential for future electric off-road racing, with Chevrolet using the race to highlight its upcoming Silverado EV Trail Boss and opening possibilities for other manufacturers to join the competition.
The iconic Mint 400 desert race witnessed a historic shift this weekend as two electric vehicles competed for the first time in the event's 56-year history.
The Chevrolet Silverado EV ZR2 concept and a Rivian R1T took on the punishing Nevada terrain, marking a significant milestone for EV capabilities in extreme off-road conditions.
Since its 1969 inception, the Mint 400 has been exclusively dominated by fossil fuel-powered vehicles, from V8 Trophy Trucks to Volkswagen Beetles.
That tradition changed last year when a group of privateers entered a Rivian R1T, prompting organizers to create an EV Production class. This year, Chevrolet joined the electric revolution with its modified Silverado EV ZR2 concept truck.
While the vehicles didn't directly compete—the Rivian ran in EV Production while the pre-production Silverado was placed in EV Open—both demonstrated impressive desert performance.
The nearly 10,000-pound Silverado EV, featuring components borrowed from the Hummer EV including its tri-motor system producing 1,100 horsepower, completed a single 73-mile lap in 2 hours and 10 minutes with 40% battery remaining.
The more stock Rivian R1T, piloted by a team of "delightfully nerdy privateers," completed two laps despite mechanical challenges.
The team blew an air spring around mile 50 and later a front damper but managed repairs while charging at a nearby Electrify America station.
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The R1T finished with 10% battery remaining, even after hitting speeds of 128 mph on the dry lakebed.
Remarkably, both vehicles achieved an identical efficiency of 0.6 miles per kilowatt-hour in the harsh desert conditions—better than Chevrolet's pre-race estimates.
The Rivian team even spotted and passed the Chevy at one point, triggering a brief but spirited race between the electric trucks.
As class winners, both teams will take home first-place trophies, but the real victory may be proving that EVs can handle extreme off-road racing conditions.
The achievement raises exciting possibilities for future electric competition, with the author wondering when other manufacturers like Ford, Jeep, Tesla, and Porsche might join the electric off-road racing movement.
For Chevrolet, the race served as a dramatic showcase for its upcoming 2026 Silverado EV Trail Boss, the brand's first off-road-oriented EV variant scheduled for release this summer.
The Rivian team, competing for their second year, further cemented the R1T's capabilities as a legitimate off-road performance vehicle, even in largely stock configuration.
Edited by Annette George
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