Title: General Motors Electrifies Next-Generation Corvette to Keep Pace with Competition
In response to the growing popularity of electric supercars from rivals McLaren, Porsche, and Ferrari, General Motors has decided to electrify the upcoming generation of the iconic Corvette. The move was prompted by the need to stay competitive and maintain the Corvette’s position as a top performer in the sports car market.
The Chief Engineer of the C8 Corvette, Josh Holder, explained that the decision to turn the first mid-engine Corvette into a hybrid supercar was driven by the idea of simplicity and practicality. The new Corvette, named the E-Ray, features an electric front axle and a mid-mounted battery, allowing for modular use and the capability to recapture kinetic energy independently of the internal combustion engine.
Designing the drive unit for the E-Ray came with its own set of challenges. It had to be small, lightweight, and powerful, leading to the implementation of a three-phase radial flux motor with two stages of reduction gears. General Motors utilized its in-house expertise to construct the E-Ray, except for the battery cells, taking advantage of its ability to produce electric and hybrid vehicles.
The E-Ray’s battery is a 1.9 kWh rectangular pouch-style lithium-ion pack, consisting of eight 10-cell modules wired in series to achieve high pack voltage. These cells prioritize instantaneous power rather than energy density, enabling bursts of up to 525 amps and continuous output of 400 amps. To ensure proper cooling, the battery pack and power electronics are cooled using a combination of an AC condenser and a radiator known as a “conrad,” repurposed from full-size trucks.
This hybrid supercar is equipped with advanced software controls, including a Charge+ mode that maximizes regenerative braking and limits battery discharge, extending the car’s range. Additionally, the E-Ray’s hybrid system is designed to be modular, allowing for easy removal and repair of all batteries and power electronics.
Despite the integration of electric components, the E-Ray impresses with its compact, lightweight design and remarkable performance. It weighs just 260 pounds more than a comparable model and boasts a zero-to-60 mph time of 2.5 seconds.
However, some enthusiasts feel that the E-Ray could benefit from more driver control and customization options. These include the ability to adjust current levels within safe limits and apply regenerative braking as desired.
Overall, the E-Ray has been hailed as the most impressive Corvette ever built from a technical perspective. It serves as a testament to the fact that hybrid supercars can effortlessly blend high performance with conceptual simplicity. With this bold move, General Motors seeks to carve a niche in the electric supercar market while upholding the Corvette’s reputation for excellence.
