Shock! Chevrolet Corvette going electric

General Motors isn’t afraid of evolving its most famous models but its next step may be one of the most controversial - an electric Chevrolet Corvette.

Yes, you read that right, the Chevy Corvette will ditch its iconic V8 engine in favour of electric motors and batteries. General Motors President Mark Reuss confirmed the ground-breaking move in a LinkedIn post, saying a “fully electric” Corvette is coming sometime in the near-future.

But before that happens, a hybrid version of the current C8 model will be revealed in 2023.

“Yes, in addition to the amazing new Chevrolet Corvette Z06 and other gas-powered variants coming, we will offer an electrified and a fully electric, Ultium-based Corvette in the future,” Reuss’ post read. “In fact, we will offer an electrified Corvette as early as next year. Details and names to come at a later date.”

While there was no timing revealed for the fully-electric ‘Vette, given he has begun talking about it publicly it’s likely to come during the lifecycle of the current eighth-generation model. The ‘Ultium’ Reuss mentioned is GM’s new electric vehicle platform that will underpin a range of models including the new GMC Hummer as well as Chevrolets and Cadillacs. 

It’s a modular package of motors and batteries of various sizes, so it’s likely it can be adapted to fit within the chassis of the C8, but exactly when that will happen remains a mystery.

In the meantime, as Reuss confirmed, Chevrolet will launch a hybrid Corvette next year as it continues to expand the C8 range. This has been long rumoured and spy shots of test prototypes have been seen throughout the US and Europe over the past year. Chevrolet showed off its own video of the prototype testing in the snow.

This highlights what appears to be a front-wheel drive system, likely to be a front-mounted electric motor that will combine with the Stingray’s standard 369kW 6.2-litre LT2 V8. According to reports from the US the combination of V8 and electric motor will be good for almost 450kW and have all-wheel drive.

The hybrid is tipped to wear the E-Ray badge and will slot between the standard Stingray and track-focused Z06 that have already been launched.