Auto enthusiasts received a treat recently as Chevy accidentally posted a visualization of its new electrified Corvette, which will be released this 2023. The new model is called the 2024 Corvette E-Ray, and the leak provided not just the build, but the colors it will be in and how it might be "electrified."
I don't usually post leaks but did Chevrolet just accidentally allow people to build their unreleased Electric Corvette? pic.twitter.com/ALBa2gAoo9
— Drew (@aKellyBrand) December 9, 2022
What's Known About the Car
Chevrolet officially announced that they will release an electrified Corvette in early 2022, but they did not specify whether it was going to be a regular hybrid or a plug-in. In the visualizer that briefly appeared, there was no charging port in sight, which might mean that it's a regular hybrid.
If it is indeed not a plug-in hybrid, then "electrified" could point to the car's regenerative braking. Although, Chevrolet said that it is already working on a fully electric car, as mentioned by The Verge, and it might come soon after the hybrid version. Reports say that hybrid cars will include the 800 HP ZRI in 2024, and 1,000 HP Zora in 2025.
It's also possible that the E-Ray would use the V8 engine found in a C8 Corvette. Reports also say that the car would use an electric motor which will be on the front axle, providing all-wheel drive. The visualizer also showed parts of the car's interior, which might've hinted at a regenerative brake button.
The leak revealed that there is a ZER Performance Package that will include Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires in the purchase, according to Engadget. There is also the option of aluminum and carbon fiber wheels.
GM's Future in EVs
Chevrolet is one of the brands owned by General Motors, and that includes Buick, Cadillac, and GMC. According to the website of General Motors, the company aims to have an all-electric future where there are no crashes, no emissions, and no congestion.
They claimed to be positioned to design, engineer, and produce EVs. They aim to build a competitive advantage in batteries, software, vehicle integration, and customer experience. This mission appears to be motivated by climate change, which GM Chair and CEO Marry Barra acknowledged.
The company has a partnership with LG Energy Solution wherein they'll mass produce battery cells, eventually lowering its price equivalent to gas-powered cars. They expect to make Ultium packs that will have twice the energy density at more than half the price.
To help with the issue of battery waste, GM enabled the reuse and recycling of all their returned batteries. With its collaboration with Li-Cycle, it's possible that it could recycle 100% of the material scrap from battery cell manufacturing.
Collectively, GM plans to invest around $35 billion globally in EVs and AVs through 2025. This helps with their goal to sell a million EVs per year by 2050. They have already revealed a new business called BrightDrop as well.
BrightDrop ventures to electrify the delivery of goods and services by providing "first-to-last-mile" products, software, and services to deliver goods more efficiently. This goes in line with the company's plan to reduce carbon emissions.
