An Electric Corvette Will Only Come If It’s More Exciting Than A V8

For more than 70 years, the Corvette has been a part of the American fabric. An automotive icon, the ‘Vette has evolved into a true supercar killer, with the range expanding in recent years to include the electrified E-Ray and the insanely powerful ZR1. But what about a fully electric model? Well, it’s possible but, according to Chief Engineer Tony Roma, it won’t happen for the sake of making a Corvette EV.

When asked by CBS News whether the halo Chevy has to be a gas-powered vehicle, Roma said that it is something GM and Corvette engineers discuss often. “We talk about this a lot. I talk about this with enthusiasts, my friends, [and] other engineers.” But Roma said that it needs to be truly special to be considered.

An Electric Corvette Won’t Happen For The Sake Of It

“We’re not going to apply electrification for the sake of it,” said Roma. “We don’t put technology on for technology’s sake. So it kind of has to earn its way in [and] has to make the car better in some way that our customers are going to respond to.” While the E-Ray shows that Chevrolet is enthusiastic about electrifying the Corvette, the hybrid model doesn’t sacrifice the signature V8 sound and feel that loyal buyers have come to expect. Will these largely traditional customers be happy to spend nearly six figures (if not more) on a silent Corvette with an electric drivetrain?

That remains to be seen, but the current automotive trends suggest it’s too early for an all-electric Corvette. Sales of mainstream EVs have tumbled after an initial uptick, and several manufacturers have responded by rejigging their electrification plans. GM itself plans to introduce several plug-in hybrids by 2027, while Mercedes-Benz has altered its EV ambitions to include a mix of hybrids and PHEVs. However, GM CEO Mary Barra is confident things will change.

Corvette Spin-Off Is Highly Unlikely

Barra believes that legacy automakers can move fast enough to catch up with Chinese brands and Tesla. Speaking on EV sales and GM’s EV goals, the CEO said the automaker still aims to be all-electric by 2035 for light-duty vehicles. “We will be guided by the consumer but the plans that we have in place will get us there.”

Previously, rumors suggested that Corvette would be turned into a sub-brand. Aside from the sports car, the new spin-off would see the introduction of Corvette-branded SUVs and four-door sedans with electric drivetrains. In a recent interview with Jay Leno, GM President Mark Reuss hinted that while other body styles are a possibility, Corvette would never become a standalone brand. “The core of Chevrolet is offering people more than they thought for the money, and doing it with fantastic design and performance. That’s what Corvette is,” remarked Reuss.