Electric Corvette from Chevrolet remains a figment of imagination as of now
In 2023, Chevrolet unveiled the E-Ray, a partial-electric version of the iconic Corvette, marking a step towards electrification for the sports car. However, official plans for a fully electric Corvette that meets Chevrolet's high-performance standards have not been announced yet.
Tony Roma, Chief Engineer for High-Performance Vehicles at General Motors, emphasizes the importance of maintaining the emotional connection and personality of a Corvette in an electric vehicle. He stated that an electric Corvette must be "compelling" and worthy of the brand's over 70-year history.
The current generation of the Corvette, introduced in 2020, continues to use a gasoline engine, either as a pure combustion engine or with a hybrid element like the E-Ray. As of now, a fully electric version of the Corvette is not being considered by Chevrolet.
Roma believes that electric cars are the future, but plans for a pure E-Corvette have not been officially worked out yet. He also expressed that he will not build an electric Corvette if it is not worthy of the brand's history.
The Corvette will become fully electric when an electric car is better than the current model, Roma said. The electric Corvette's performance must align with the brand's high standards. However, Roma highlighted that a fully electric Corvette is not within reach due to high demands in performance-to-weight ratio, cost, and range.
While Chevrolet is exploring electrification in some Corvette models with hybrids, a fully electric Corvette meeting their high-performance standards has not been slated for release yet. The latest models discussed for 2025 and 2026 focus primarily on powerful gasoline and hybrid variants rather than fully electric ones.
Roma also mentioned that many electric cars lack a soul due to excessive electronic control. He emphasized the need to maintain the Corvette's unique sound, which he believes should not be lost in an electric vehicle.
The electric Corvette's introduction is delayed due to the need to meet high standards and the current limitations in technology. If politics introduce a bonus for a certain electric range, Chevrolet may consider plug-in hybrids. However, Roma finds a plug-in hybrid system not worth it due to its mass, cost, and complexity.
When the electric Corvette is eventually introduced, it must appeal to all global markets. Roma stated that the Corvette will continue to be a symbol of American performance and a testament to Chevrolet's commitment to innovation and excellence.
[1] [Source 1] [2] [Source 2] [3] [Source 3] [4] [Source 4]
- Tony Roma, the Chief Engineer for High-Performance Vehicles at General Motors, insists that an electric Corvette must maintain the emotional connection and personality of the brand, aiming for a "compelling" vehicle that aligns with the Corvette's over 70-year history.
- Roma believes that electric cars are the future, but expects a fully electric Corvette to be delayed due to high demands in performance-to-weight ratio, cost, and range, and the need to meet the brand's high-performance standards.
- Although Chevrolet is exploring electrification in some Corvette models with hybrids, no official plans for a fully electric Corvette have been announced yet, with the latest models in 2025 and 2026 primarily focusing on powerful gasoline and hybrid variants.
- Roma expressed concerns about many electric cars lacking a soul, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the Corvette's unique sound in an electric vehicle, and stated that the Corvette will continue to be a symbol of American performance and a testament to Chevrolet's commitment to innovation and excellence, regardless of whether it is powered by gasoline, hybrid, or electric technology.
