Chevy Silverado EV vs. Rivian R1T: Mint 400 Race

Electric Vehicles Tackle the Mint 400

A significant event unfolded in the desert near Las Vegas this past weekend: for the first time, two electric vehicles participated in the renowned Mint 400.

A Historic Shift in Desert Racing

Since its inception in 1969, the Mint 400 has traditionally featured vehicles powered by internal combustion engines. The distinctive aroma of racing fuel has long been a hallmark of this challenging desert endurance race.

Spectators and competitors are accustomed to witnessing a diverse range of vehicles, from powerful V8-equipped Trophy Trucks to modified Volkswagen Beetles, navigating jumps, rocky terrain, and expansive dry lake beds.

The Arrival of EVs

This tradition was altered in 2024 when a team entered a Rivian R1T, and Mint 400 organizer Matt Martelli established an EV Production class.

Chevrolet subsequently joined the competition, entering a Silverado EV ZR2 off-road race truck concept – a specially modified version of their electric truck.

This unveiling coincides with Chevrolet’s preparations for the launch of the 2026 Silverado EV Trail Boss, their inaugural off-road-focused EV model, scheduled for release this summer.

Vehicle Modifications

The Rivian R1T competed with minimal modifications, primarily featuring upgraded 35-inch BFGoodrich tires.

In contrast, the Silverado EV underwent substantial alterations to enhance its off-road capabilities.

Silverado EV ZR2 Enhancements

Longer control arms, sourced from the Hummer EV, were implemented to achieve 13 inches of wheel travel.

The air suspension system was replaced with dual coil springs in the front, boasting a spring rate of 1,600 pounds per inch, and single coil springs in the rear, rated at 978 pounds per inch.

This adjustment was necessary due to the truck’s substantial weight, approaching 10,000 pounds.

Equipped with 37-inch BFGoodrich tires, the Silverado EV race truck achieves a ground clearance of 15 inches.

Its considerable size initially led to an underestimation of its height, demonstrating the impact of proportional scale.

Powertrain Specifications

The Silverado EV utilizes a tri-motor system, with two motors powering the rear wheels and one motor driving the front wheels.

Chevrolet reports a combined output of 1,100 horsepower and 11,500 pound-feet of torque.

Torque Considerations

It’s important to note that the stated torque figure refers to wheel torque, a metric differing from the industry standard.

While Chevrolet has not released all the necessary data for precise calculations, it is estimated that the motors generate over 1,000 pound-feet of torque – a substantial amount.

Battery Performance

The 205 kWh battery pack remained unchanged from the production model, offering a theoretical range of 440 miles.

This range was considered sufficient to complete all four laps of the Mint 400.

However, factors such as ride height, tire size, tread pattern, tire pressure, and the challenging terrain were expected to impact energy consumption.

Testing and Expectations

Preliminary testing conducted by Tim Demetrio, group manager for Off Road Performance at Chevrolet, revealed an average energy consumption rate of .5 miles/kWh in off-road conditions.

The long-term performance of the battery and drive units under the stresses of intense desert racing remained uncertain.

A Disparity in the Desert Race

The anticipated head-to-head competition between Rivian and the customized Chevy Silverado EV at the Mint 400 was affected by a classification issue. Despite both trucks participating in the race, they were categorized separately.

Rivian entered the race within the EV Production class, while the Chevrolet, being unavailable for public purchase currently, competed in the EV Open class. Each truck ultimately found itself as the sole entrant in its respective category.

Furthermore, the Rivian R1T was permitted to complete two laps of the 73-mile course, whereas the Chevrolet was limited to a single lap. It is typical for production vehicles to receive fewer laps compared to the larger Trophy Trucks.

However, a desire existed to observe both trucks compete over two laps to evaluate their efficiency and charging capabilities. This did not come to fruition.

When questioned regarding this difference, race director Martelli explained, “Rivian has prior experience, having completed a lap in last year’s event. When introducing a new class, our approach is to gradually integrate participants.

We aim to prevent failures, as that benefits no one. Therefore, we incrementally increase their participation with each race.”

Dubbed the Mint 73

Immediately following the start of the race, I proceeded to the Silverado EV provided by Chevrolet for weekend testing.

The initial pit stop is located at the 21-mile mark, and the beginning portion of the track is characterized by high speeds. Competitors are able to maintain full throttle across a dry lakebed and navigate sections featuring whoops and sandy washes.

Upon reaching the first pit, the truck had already passed.

The second pit area is readily accessible for support vehicles, requiring the Chevy to cover only 16 miles of the race course. We secured a parking spot just in time to observe the Silverado EV quietly accelerate from the pit area, enveloped in a cloud of dust.

The vehicle completed the race with a remaining battery charge of 40%. This translates to an average efficiency of 0.6 miles per kilowatt-hour, exceeding the team’s initial projections.

The team’s total completion time was 2 hours and 10 minutes, resulting in an average speed of approximately 34 miles per hour. This is a commendable performance for a large truck.

Both driver Chad Hall and co-driver Mark Stielow expressed positive sentiments following the event.

“The run was remarkably smooth,” stated Stielow. “We encountered no issues whatsoever.”

Rivian’s Performance at the Mint 400

Following my observation of the Chevrolet, I promptly proceeded to the Electrify America charging stations to assess the Rivian’s status.

The Rivian R1T requires charging of its 149 kWh battery to complete the two race laps. Fortunately, a 350 kW charger is conveniently located only a quarter mile from the racing track.

Upon arrival, I encountered a situation of organized activity.

An air spring on the R1T failed around mile 50 of the course. The team was actively engaged in repairs while simultaneously charging the vehicle.

Driver Nick Paris shared that they reached the charging station with a 20% battery state of charge. This indicates a lap 1 efficiency of .6 miles per kWh, mirroring that of the heavier Silverado.

Paris acknowledged a somewhat aggressive driving style, reaching speeds of 110 mph on the dry lakebed. Co-driver Brett Rieser explained, “We spotted the Chevy ahead and decided to overtake it,” resulting in a swift pass.

After charging to 90%, the Rivian commenced its second lap. A front damper subsequently failed, but the team managed a quick 15-minute repair.

The Rivian team crossed the finish line with a 10% state of charge. Despite achieving speeds of up to 128 mph on the lakebed, their lap 2 efficiency remained consistent at .6 miles/kWh.

Considering the charging duration, determining an exact average speed proves challenging. However, it’s estimated to be slightly slower than the Chevrolet’s pace. Chad Hall, after all, is a seasoned professional race truck driver.

The Rivian team consists of enthusiastic, technically-minded privateers.

Ultimately, both trucks successfully completed the race, earning them each a first-place trophy as class winners.

The Absence of Major EV Brands in Electric Off-Road Racing

Despite advancements in battery density and the expanding charging infrastructure, electric vehicles currently don't possess the capabilities to directly compete with internal combustion engine (ICE) race cars and trucks.

However, there remains significant potential for additional EVs to participate in off-road racing events, providing a valuable platform to evaluate their charging speed, range, and overall durability.

Calls for Participation from Leading Manufacturers

Questions are being raised regarding the involvement of prominent manufacturers. When will Ford Performance introduce the Lightning into competition?

Similarly, there's anticipation for Jeep to enter a Wagoneer S in upcoming races. Even the inclusion of Tesla's Cybertruck would be welcomed.

Expanding the Field of Electric Competitors

Beyond these brands, other manufacturers could contribute to an exciting spectacle. GMC could field the Hummer EV, and Porsche might consider entering a Taycan Cross Turismo.

Having previously assisted Volkswagen in completing the Mexican 1000 with the ID4, its inclusion would also be compelling. The vision is to witness a captivating contest for electric dirt supremacy, featuring a diverse range of vehicles.