E-Ray Introduces Electricity to Corvette for First Time Ever

For the first time since its debut back in 1953, the Chevy Corvette is introducing electricity to its powertrain, and while it won’t be completely electrified, the first-ever hybrid variation of the iconic sports car is capable of some impressive performance specs. It will also feature some other appealing features (SPOILER ALERT: stealth mode) that make the hybrid well worth the seven-decade wait.

This electrifying new addition to the Corvette family has officially been titled the 2024 Chevy Corvette E-Ray. While the name does imply a fully electric powertrain, it will still draw most of its power from the 6.2-liter LT2 pushrod V8 that comes as standard equipment in the Corvette C8. The electric motor will be tied exclusively to the front wheels, and will help to deliver an extra, fuel-free boost of power.

Working in tandem, the gas V8 and electric motor will combine to give the Corvette E-Ray a total of 655 horsepower, which equates to a zero to 60 time of 2.5 short seconds and a quarter-mile time of 10.5 seconds. The gas engine alone churns out 495 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. Run the numbers and it’s an extra 160 horsepower that comes from the electric motor, making it quite the welcome addition.

As you can likely guess, with the electric motor tied to the front axle, power is distributed to all four wheels through an innovative electric all-wheel drive (e-AWD) system. Not only does it allow the E-Ray to perform more effectively in all four seasons, but it turns up the performance dial a few notches even when the road is dry. The intelligent system constantly monitors feedback and makes slight adjustments to improve stability and balance in real time, giving you more nimble control behind the wheel.

Unlike its gas engine, the electric motor draws its power from a 1.9 kWh lithium-ion battery. As a true hybrid, the battery is self-charging, meaning it absorbs energy throughout the drive to keep it running with no extra work from the driver. Similar to the e-AWD system, the battery carries some intelligence in the from of an integrated power electronics system that aids in responsiveness and efficiency, as well as performance. It’s the electric system that helps to shave off a full half-second from the 0 to 6 time.

The full details on the Chevy Corvette E-Ray have been unleashed, and it’s expected that the first-ever hybrid Corvette will be arriving at dealerships toward the end of 2023, and it will be released as a 2024 model. Here at Glenn Polk Auto in Gainesville, Texas, we’re eagerly awaiting the arrival of the electrified sports car and are excited to assist you in custom building a 2024 Chevy Corvette E-Ray. To learn more, be sure to reach out to us so we can connect you with one of our Chevy experts to get you started.