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2024 Corvette E-Ray Isn’t Equipped With 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.

2024 Corvette E-Ray.

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.

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As a typical Florida Man, Trey is a certified GM nutjob who's obsessed with anything and everything Corvette-related.

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Comments

  1. Hybrids like this are options that we NEED. Not just for the Corvette, but other segments, too. For us muscle/sports car enthusiasts, something like this is a pretty big win in many ways. Still get the V8 sound and feel, still the convenience of ICE with some more power and efficiency from electric. Plus it’s awd.

    I’ll also add, I’ve seen many people, even “car people” think the E-Ray is an EV based on the name, not a hybrid. Have definitely seen some confusion in car circles with this name.

    Reply
    1. Wonder if that will impact sales? The corvette base is known for not being gracious towards BEV’s or anything Al gore promotes.

      Reply
    2. Other automakers have been offering hybrid performance/sports/super/hyper cars for years now, including AWD. GM is late to the party, and Ford and Chrysler/Stellantis haven’t even shown up yet in this segment.

      Reply
      1. Thank goodness FCA hasn’t showed up. That’s the whole attraction of FCA’s lineup, nothing but glorious American tire shredding (N/A) V8’s stuffed under everything you could possibly want to buy (excluding minivans).

        Reply
        1. Uhhh….news flash…..FCA/ Stellantis (Dodge, Ram, Chrysler, & Jeep) and Changan Ford aren’t really even AMERICAN car manufacturers anymore because they are owned by foreign shareholders and are just basically assembled in America.

          While it’s true that GM does have foreign investors, (shareholders) they still maintain majority American ownership with cars being assembled worldwide.

          So, out of the Big 3, (excluding Tesla with their limitations) GM is the only true AMERICAN multi-faceted, multidimensional automotive manufacturer left.

          Reply
  2. It’s just a matter of time before these components are replaced with cheaper, higher performance Ultium parts. My guess is a two module Ultium battery providing 17.6 kWh connected to a Ultium inverter to drive the 210 hp FWD motor (and differential) used in the Equinox EV.

    A better option is replace the single motor/diff with two hub motors and power them with an inverter capable of torque vectoring to provide differential torque to the front wheels to improve traction and provide active yaw control to improve handling.

    Reply
  3. I think the Z06 I ordered has depreciated before I get it.

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    1. When did you order? Any projected delivery date? I’m high on the order list but my dealer hasn’t had any allications yet.

      Reply
      1. I was number 11 on my dealers list for over a year. I’ve lost track of how many months I’ve been sitting at 1100. My Corvette dealer is the 4th largest in the country. It’s a no frills LZ2. I have no idea what’s going on and my dealer has nothing to say.

        Reply
  4. This makes sense.

    Reply
  5. GM discontinuing parts support is a real concern here…unless GM came out with an affirmative commitment to keep these batteries in production for a long time, I simply could not consider this car. Of course, the aftermarket often fills in when OEM parts are discontinued, but there has to be enough market for them too…

    Reply
  6. How long before we see reports of fires and owners told not to park their Corvettes indoors like the Chevrolet Bolt? Time will tell.

    Reply
  7. Does the eRay have the same electric motor that was used in the Volt? Or in the Bolt?

    Reply

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