Electric Power vs Gas Grit: Silverado EV and Ram Power Wagon Face Off

Daily Car

05/03/2026

Two heavy-duty trucks, the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado EV Trail Boss and the 2025 Ram 2500 Power Wagon, represent two different paths to off-road dominance. One uses cutting-edge electric technology, while the other relies on proven gasoline power. Despite their different hearts, these vehicles share similar dimensions, towing capacities around 10,000 pounds, and price tags that can exceed $90,000. A direct comparison in challenging terrain reveals how their distinct approaches perform under pressure.

The Competitors

The Ram 2500 Power Wagon is a modern version of a legendary name, built on decades of off-road heritage. It uses a 6.4-liter V-8 gasoline engine that produces 405 horsepower. Its off-road capability comes from a traditional, mechanical setup, including solid axles and locking differentials. A locking differential forces both wheels on an axle to spin at the same speed, providing maximum traction in slippery conditions. The Power Wagon is equipped with 33-inch all-terrain tires.

The Chevrolet Silverado EV Trail Boss is the newcomer, representing a high-tech vision for off-roading. It is powered entirely by electricity, with a large 205-kWh battery pack and electric motors that can generate up to 725 horsepower. Instead of mechanical lockers, it uses a sophisticated computer system called Terrain Mode, which applies brakes to individual wheels to control spin and manage power. It also features four-wheel steering for improved maneuverability and rides on larger 35-inch tires.

The Hill Climb Test

To test their real-world capabilities, both trucks were tasked with climbing a steep hill covered in deep, loose sand. This type of surface is a major challenge for any vehicle, requiring both power and traction.

The Ram Power Wagon went first. With its rear differential locked, the V-8 engine roared, and the truck charged up the hill. The rear axle hopped and shook the cabin—a common occurrence when a powerful truck fights for grip on a loose surface—but it never stopped moving forward, successfully reaching the top.

The Silverado EV Trail Boss attempted the same climb. After an initial strong start, its progress slowed dramatically on the steepest section. Even with the driver pressing the accelerator to the floor, the truck’s computer system detected wheel slip and cut power to prevent the tires from spinning. The power gauge showed only 40 of its available 725 horsepower was being used. The system, designed to be smart, ultimately prevented the truck from completing the climb.

Performance Analysis

This specific test highlighted a key difference between the two philosophies. The Ram’s straightforward, powerful mechanical system allowed it to brute-force its way through the obstacle. The driver remained in full control of the power.

The Silverado EV’s advanced software, while intelligent, was overly cautious in this scenario. In its effort to eliminate all wheelspin, it reduced power so much that the truck could not maintain momentum. This indicates that while the electric truck has immense potential power, its control software may need further tuning to handle a wider variety of demanding off-road situations. For now, in a direct contest on loose sand, the old-school grit of the Power Wagon proved more effective than the Trail Boss's advanced technology.

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