General Motors announced on Monday, Apr. 25, plans to distribute two varied electric iterations of Chevrolet's Corvette by 2023. The news comes per GM President Mark Reuss's words on CNBC's Squawk Box, wherein the executive laid details on how the company is gearing to deliver an electrified version, somewhat akin to either a hybrid or plug-in EV, as well as a fully electric Corvette in 2023.
"We will have an electrified Corvette next year, so it's not coming very quick. This is in addition to all the great performance that Chevrolet and Corvette have been known for, for many, many years with our internal combustion engines," Reuss explained.
Reuss did not clarify specifically what "electrified" might mean in EV terms, as the model could pertain to either a plug-in hybrid electric ride or a traditional hybrid, nor did he accurately detail when specifically the all-electric Corvette will be made available, but those plans may be pushed into 2024 depending on auto parts allocation. The executive did clarify that Chevrolet isn't stopping production of its traditional combustion engine Corvettes, as the two varied models will be made in tandem going into the future.
The automaker debuted in 2021 a brand new powertrain in the form of the mid-engine Corvette C8 Stingray, a $60,000 sports vehicle built for performance at a reasonable bargain. Its forthcoming electric Corvettes, however, will be a whole new arena for the Chevrolet as it tries to catch up with alternative rivals, like Acura and its all-wheel-drive V8 electric NSX. Ford likewise has plans to unveil its own EV, the F-150 Lightning pickup truck, on Tuesday, Apr. 26, amid a scheduled press release.
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General Motors has been bullish on EV distribution plans since announcing an entire roadmap amid CES 2022 in early January. The automaker detailed its own Ultium battery pack and collaboration with FedEx to bring about more eco-friendly delivery parameters across the US. Its own forthcoming Ultifi EV Silverado will be made available in 2023 at a rather affordable starting price point of $40,000.
In addition to words made by Reuss on CNBC, Chevrolet itself also debuted the electrified Corvette via social media with a video showcasing performance on what seems to be a salt track. The electrified Corvette shows ample moves, mainly a potential all-wheel drive suspension that will put any form of road situation to the test. While Reuss himself did not specify this detail, it's clear GM is thinking outside the box for the future of the Corvette and its ultimate widespread adoption of EVs.
The company has made several plans to build a more streamlined EV distribution roadmap, with 2035 its main target for exclusive EV sales. GM set aside $35 billion to release a total of 30 new EVs globally by 2025, proving its commitment to thinking eco-friendly and commercially.
