Chevrolet has built a wild 1,085bhp electric race truck

Chevrolet has built a pumped-up racing version of its fully electric Silverado EV to compete in Nevada’s mini version of the Baja 1000.

Say hello to the Silverado EV ZR2, which comes complete with a new tri-motor electric powertrain that generates 1,085bhp and 11,500lb ft of torque. Should be fun. Bear in mind the regular Silverado EV makes do with a dual-motor powertrain and only 750bhp and 785lb ft of torque. 

With the new ZR2 set to compete in The Mint 400, it has also been given lifted front and rear suspension with Multimatic's fancy continuously adaptive dampers. We're told that allows for up to 13 inches of front and rear wheel travel. Oh, and there's proper underbody protection and locking differentials too. 

Chad Hall Racing will run the Silverado EV ZR2 alongside two of its non-electric siblings, the Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 and smaller Colorado ZR2. 

"What we learn from racing is applied to vehicles consumers can buy," said team owner and the man tasked with taming 1,085bhp in the desert, Chad Hall. 

"An off-road race like The Mint 400 is equivalent to a lifetime of vehicle wear and tear."

The Silverado EV ZR2 sits on 37in off-road tyres too – slightly bigger than the 35in items that’ll be worn by the new Silverado EV Trail Boss, launching this summer. The Trail Boss is a production truck said to be ‘more off-road capable’ than the standard Silverado EV. Though not quite as extreme as this Mint competitor, it'll feature a factory-installed lift, red tow hooks and a ‘terrain mode’. We're promised more info is coming soon.