Despite how much time and resources GM has put in their Ultium EV brand, the E-Ray does not use any of GM's Ultium technology.
The recently unveiled 2024 Corvette E-Ray is a break from the norm in the Corvette world, as this model is the first Vette ever to offer AWD and a hybrid powertrain. That being said, an important distinction to make is that this hybrid beast doesn’t utilize GM’s recently developed Ultium battery and Ultium Drive motor technologies.
This is an interesting discrepancy, as GM has been transitioning to an all-electric lineup through the use of its Ultium tech. While the C8 Corvette E-Ray features a 1.9 kWh battery pack located in the tunnel between the seats, it isn’t an Ultium battery. This is because development of the E-Ray’s powertrain began before The General starting heavily investing into electric vehicle technologies. Thus, the Ultium Cells brand, which was created in conjunction with LG energy Solution, hadn’t been fully fleshed out yet. Same goes for the front-mounted electric motor, which isn’t an Ultium Drive unit.
This creates an interesting conundrum for GM’s future Corvette plans. As previously reported by GM Authority, the Detroit-based automaker has plans to create a Corvette brand that would include the likes of an all-electric Corvette sedan, as well as an all-electric Corvette crossover. However, unlike the hybrid C8 Corvette E-Ray, these future Vette variants would be based on the GM BEV3 architecture while utilizing GM Ultium tech. What’s more, GM also moved Corvette engineers from C8 development to its Autonomous and Electric Vehicles program team back in 2020.
As a reminder, the 2024 Corvette E-Ray combines the naturally aspirated 6.2L LT2 V8 engine, which produces 495 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, with an electric motor on the front axle. This combination raises overall output to 655 horsepower. Under the skin, the E-Ray rides on the GM Y2 platform, which underpins all C8 variants.
The C8 E-Ray is set to go on sale later this year, and will be built alongside the C8 Stingray and C8 Z06 at the GM Bowling Green plant in Kentucky.
The recently unveiled 2024 Corvette E-Ray is a break from the norm in the Corvette world, as this model is the first Vette ever to offer AWD and a hybrid powertrain. That being said, an important distinction to make is that this hybrid beast doesn’t utilize GM’s recently developed Ultium battery and Ultium Drive motor technologies.
This is an interesting discrepancy, as GM has been transitioning to an all-electric lineup through the use of its Ultium tech. While the C8 Corvette E-Ray features a 1.9 kWh battery pack located in the tunnel between the seats, it isn’t an Ultium battery. This is because development of the E-Ray’s powertrain began before The General starting heavily investing into electric vehicle technologies. Thus, the Ultium Cells brand, which was created in conjunction with LG energy Solution, hadn’t been fully fleshed out yet. Same goes for the front-mounted electric motor, which isn’t an Ultium Drive unit.
This creates an interesting conundrum for GM’s future Corvette plans. As previously reported by GM Authority, the Detroit-based automaker has plans to create a Corvette brand that would include the likes of an all-electric Corvette sedan, as well as an all-electric Corvette crossover. However, unlike the hybrid C8 Corvette E-Ray, these future Vette variants would be based on the GM BEV3 architecture while utilizing GM Ultium tech. What’s more, GM also moved Corvette engineers from C8 development to its Autonomous and Electric Vehicles program team back in 2020.
As a reminder, the 2024 Corvette E-Ray combines the naturally aspirated 6.2L LT2 V8 engine, which produces 495 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, with an electric motor on the front axle. This combination raises overall output to 655 horsepower. Under the skin, the E-Ray rides on the GM Y2 platform, which underpins all C8 variants.
The C8 E-Ray is set to go on sale later this year, and will be built alongside the C8 Stingray and C8 Z06 at the GM Bowling Green plant in Kentucky.
