Chevrolet Performance has unveiled the new Electric Connect and Cruise package, a fully electric crate motor and battery combo that will allow car enthusiasts to build their own battery-powered projects.
The electric crate motor package, which will go on sale in the second half of 2021, includes the following:
- 60-kWh lithium-ion battery pack
- 200 horsepower electric motor
- DC-to-AC power inverter
- DC-to-DC power converter
- Wiring harnesses, controllers and water pumps for battery heating and cooling
Chevy also said that it is “evaluating additional eCrate packages with higher-performance options and new battery configurations to fit a wider range of aftermarket applications.” Additionally, it plans to one day integrate General Motors‘ modular Ultium battery system into its Electric Connect and Cruise packages, as well, giving buyers more battery capacity and range.
Chevrolet Performance will train certified Electric Connect and CrAuise installers for customers who do not have the expertise to work with a high-voltage electric powertrain like this. It says participating Chevrolet dealers and aftermarket companies tuners “will receive the training, tools and equipment needed to work with high-voltage systems and charging stations to service customers’ vehicles,” via this training course.
The first company to take the training and certification program will be Lingenfelter Performance Engineering in Brighton, Michigan. GM describes this as a “pilot” training program that will help inform the certification process for future installers that may be interested in taking it.
The Electric Connect and Cruise package was announced by Chevrolet Performance this week ahead of the upcoming SEMA360 online show, which will be held from November 2nd through to November 6th. This package was actually previewed at last year’s SEMA Show, when Chevy unveiled the fully electric E-10 Concept which combined two similar concept electric crate engine packages to create a 450 horsepower EV truck with a 120 kWh battery capacity.
Pricing for the Electric Connect and Cruise package has not yet been announced, but we may find out more about this new aftermarket program at SEMA360 next week.
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Comments
They should bring back the Volt Battery, that one was actually very sought after for after market Electric Conversions.
I’m shocked!
*Slow clap* lol
While it is not hard to put an electric motor in. The problem is fitting any battery. The flat batteries need to be almost engineered for the vehicle and the taller batteries really take up space.
GM made a wise choice here with the Blazer as it had the space to bolt this in. But try to do the same fit to say a 1970 Nova or 55 Chevy this would be a lot more work.
That’s why the move to the modular Ultium Batteries will be great. They can be very flexible with shape.
That works for cars that are still engineered for them.
In a retrofit you will need to find a place for them to fit and in a way the weight is not detrimental to the cars handling.
EV models are designed around the batteries no matter how flexible they are.
The eCOPO Camaro wasn’t engineered for an electric powertrain, yet the fit four 200-volt battery modules in, two where the rear seat used to be, and two in the trunk. Every ICE car being converted would no longer need a fuel tank, there’s some low space for you!
Wow, I can see a CTS-V e or STS-V e project forming in my mind 🙂 ……
I was thinking I need to make my ride hail reservations for a 59′ eCadillac limo!
That would be a great “joy ride”, is that still illegal?
Wow, this is amazing and from GM no less. I’d love this in my Buick Encore ST. But where to put the battery?
While I am not an electric vehicle enthusiast…..this is pretty damn cool to be offered.
Great but car “enthusiasts” probably would want more power than 200 hp why not offer more powerful versions, it’s in your ability.
more powerful motors and batteries will be offered in the future per Chevy.
Who’s to say one couldn’t put two motors in one vehicle; one to power the rear, another for the front? As Nebula mentioned, more powerful motors and batteries will be offered later.
To keep the price down I would suspect, the eCOPO Camaro design is scalable if that is what the crate motor is based on. Just detuned (?) for daily use. I wouldn’t think it would cost a whole lot to throw a second motor in, a future plan I’m sure, to build a nice 400HP with 500+lb-ft?
I can see a future in fleet retro-fits with this also, especially if there’s subsidies.
Awesome.
Since your basically turning you vehicle into a big cordless drill make the batteries and motor quick attach so that I can power all my old pickups with one motor and battery. I’m in for that.
🤣
Only those companies that drive enough miles per day, will find this cost effective. Expect a cost of $10,000 to $15,000. On some previous GM pickup trucks, GM went crazy of the price of the optional CNG package. It was $15,000 as a factory option. Since the distance you can travel on CNG nat gas, is far less than on LPG propane, the huge extra cost of the CNG option was too high. If any state or municipal vehicle gets federal grants to convert their old trucks to electric with this Electric package, the cost for them is not a huge factor. Cold northern states and Canada won’t find this a great option because at freezing temps of 32F, ( 0 C ) a battery is only at a 50 percent ability. You won’t be able to park these vehicles outside overnight during the winter, for them to be able to drive the normal distance required.
I was expecting this type of “crate motor” since the Chevy Volt came out in 2010.
I was expecting this type of “crate motor” since the Chevy Volt came out in 2010.
Kind of defeats the purpose if the cargo area is taken up by the batteries and other electronics.
Waste of time. I’d rather drive my big V8 Chevy Truck. You can’t beat the sound and the feel of a V8 engine. You can’t replace a V8 for a girly electric nerd toy.
i want this system for my 1971 el camino