The Mint 400, a legendary desert endurance race, witnessed a historic moment this weekend as two electric vehicles (EVs) took to the track for the first time. A Rivian R1T and a Chevrolet Silverado EV ZR2 off-road race truck concept participated in the iconic race, marking a significant milestone in the EV industry.

Since its inception in 1969, the Mint 400 has been dominated by vehicles powered by internal combustion engines. However, with the growing popularity of electric vehicles, this year's race saw the introduction of an EV Production class, created by Mint organizer Matt Martelli. The Rivian R1T, a stock truck with upgraded 35-inch BFGoodrich tires, and the Chevrolet Silverado EV, a modified version of the truck EV, were the first EVs to participate in the race.

The Chevrolet Silverado EV, with its tri-motor system producing 1,100 horsepower and 11,500 pound-feet of torque, underwent significant modifications to prepare it for the race. The truck's air suspension was replaced with dual-coil springs in the front and single coil springs in the rear, allowing for 13 inches of travel. The longer control arms were taken from the Hummer EV, and the truck sits 15 inches off the ground with 37-inch BFGoodrich tires.

Despite the excitement surrounding the EVs' participation, the race did not quite live up to expectations. The Rivian R1T and the Chevrolet Silverado EV were in different classes, with the Rivian competing in the EV Production class and the Chevrolet in the EV Open class. Additionally, the Rivian completed two laps of the 73-mile course, while the Chevrolet only managed one lap due to a technicality.

When asked about the discrepancy, Martelli explained that the Rivian had already raced and completed one lap in last year's race, and they wanted to ease the new class into the competition. The Rivian team averaged 0.6 miles/kWh, similar to the Chevrolet's average of 0.6 miles/kWh, despite the Silverado EV being a heavier truck.

The Rivian team's experience was not without its challenges. The truck blew an air spring at race mile 50, requiring a 15-minute repair. However, the team's lap 2 efficiency remained at 0.6 miles/kWh, despite pushing the truck to 128 miles per hour on the lakebed.

Both the Rivian R1T and the Chevrolet Silverado EV finished the race, with the Rivian crossing the finish line with a 10% state of charge and the Chevrolet with a 40% state of charge. As a result, both trucks are considered class winners and will take home a first-place trophy.

The participation of these EVs in the Mint 400 marks a significant milestone in the industry. As battery density and charging infrastructure continue to improve, it is likely that we will see more EVs entering the fray to test their charging speed, range, and durability. The question now is, which other manufacturers will join the electric revolution in off-road racing?

Imagine the spectacle of Ford's Lightning, Jeep's Wagoneer S, Tesla's Cybertruck, GMC's Hummer, and Porsche's Taycan Cross Turismo battling for electric dirt supremacy. The future of off-road racing has never looked more exciting.