The Chevy Corvette C8 E-Ray is a fascinating exercise in bringing modern engineering and technology to the iconic sports car. In addition to being the first electrified Corvette, the hybrid E-Ray’s AWD system makes it the first-ever Corvette with powered front wheels. However, as much as we love it, buyers are voting with their wallets in favor of the more traditional Corvette powertrains in the C8 lineup. Based on data provided by GM and the National Corvette Museum, the hybrid Corvette E-Ray makes up a small, single-digit percentage of all Chevy Corvette production.
Unsurprisingly, the Stingray is the most popular, making up over 70 percent of all Corvette production in the 2024 model year, with the coupe being much more popular than the convertible. It’s followed by the track-ready Z06, making up just under a quarter of Corvette production for the year, with an almost dead-even split of coupes and convertibles. Finally, the E-Ray only comprises 3.3 percent of all Vette models for 2024. Interestingly, the E-Ray is the only C8 variant where the convertible is more popular than the coupe, if only slightly.
| Model | Units Produced | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Stingray Coupe | 18,139 | 42.3 |
| Stingray Convertible | 12,803 | 29.8 |
| Z06 Coupe | 5,327 | 12.4 |
| Z06 Convertible | 5,248 | 12.2 |
| E-Ray Coupe | 599 | 1.4 |
| E-Ray Convertible | 818 | 1.9 |
| Total | 42,934 | 100 |
One could argue that price is one reason for the Corvette E-Ray’s unpopularity, but the C8 Z06 has a significantly higher take rate despite its higher price tag, lower torque rating, worse fuel economy, and lack of AWD. Another possible culprit is the fact that production of the 2024 Corvette E-Ray was delayed from the originally planned October 2023 timeframe up to December of that year, and that GM may have purposely limited production of the E-Ray.
Based on these production numbers, it appears that the Corvette faithful simply prefer a non-hybrid V8 and RWD, and the E-Ray isn’t moving the needle much on attracting new, first-time Corvette buyers.
According to a discussion and first drive shared by Jay Leno and recently retired Corvette Executive Chief Engineer Tadge Juechter, the hybrid drivetrain was introduced to give the E-Ray thrilling performance off the starting line rather than for environmental reasons. The hybrid AWD setup develops 655 peak horsepower and delivers a zero-to-60 mph time of 2.5 seconds and a quarter-mile time of a mere 10.5 seconds.
To achieve these impressive results, the 2024 Corvette E-Ray is motivated by the naturally aspirated 6.2L V8 LT2 gasoline engine, located as usual behind the cockpit. The E-Ray shares the LT2 with the C8 Corvette Stingray, but pairs the ICE powerplant with a single front-mounted electric motor and 1.9 kWh battery pack. The V8 powers the rear wheels, while the electric motor motivates the front wheels.
Comments
Corvette buyers could care less about fuel efficiency. Try a new Spark instead.
It suffers from terrible marketing. Even a lot of car people I talk to think “E-Ray” means it’s an EV and they aren’t interested. They are surprised to learn it still has a V8 and also AWD.
As a parallel hybrid, it is an EV.
My local Chevy dealership has a ERAY 3LZ sitting at $50K over MSRP for weeks now. Don’t think that’ll help with sales, lol.
Yeah, that’s ridiculous.
I’d stay as far away of that dealership as possible!
Probaly only 2% of us population can afford one and most just rather get regular one.
Dealer markups over MSRP is killing sales.
Personally the E-Ray a very exciting automobile. However, the price is a dealbreaker for me. Cheers!
How can you buy it if they are not making them!!! I’ve had an order in from my dealership for over a year now and they haven’t gotten one allocation. I purchased a Z06 instead.
Chances are, the less produced, the longer the value will remain–who knows. Was hoping the MY25 would have the Interior Upgrade–I’m holding out for that. The current C8 interior is great but due for a change IMO–yours may vary.
I was fortunate to be able to purchase a 2024 E-Ray. My E-Ray is a fantastic car. It is the most stable car that I have ever owned. It is almost impossible to get that car “crosswise” and I have had her on the track four times this year. When I am halfway on the racing line, there is nobody that can stay with me (as full disclosure, I am an intermediate driver). Several instructors have driven my car and they are also impressed. I have had zero problems with my car and she turns heads wherever she goes. My dealer has had only one allocation for an E-Ray (mine) and he has been unable to get any more. To answer your question, “ Yes she deserves more love”. I am assuming that GM has some kind of constraints which are limiting availability.
Any real Corvette enthusiasts does not associate a EV and a Corvette together. A Corvette has been an icon in the automotive industry associated with a V8. Another case where these will set around even without dealers marking up the MSRP.
They never should have put the blue E in the name. Many people simply don’t understand what the car is. I wish instead they would have named it the C8 Grand Sport. I personally love the addition of AWD on the E-Ray. The ZR1 combined with the E-Ray AWD system aka Zora is going to be an absolute beast!
G’day Mate!
Need to pack the e-ray electronics into a hybrid Colorado, or similar.
Actually we are a first time Vette buyer and just ordered a 2025 E-Ray. For us it’s a great fit slotting in between the Stingray and the Z06, pricewise and performance wise. 640hp, AWD, don’t have to charge it ever and it’s a widebody like the Z06. Cannot wait to get it.
I thought they had a carbon brake shortage issue so that kept production down on the ERay. Also kept the production down on the ZO6 with the ZO7 package. It really sucks that they made the 2023 Corvette an extra 6 months. The 23 Corvette, no matter what model, should be a lot rarer with more 24s.