GM's Decision to Opt for Hybrid Drivetrain in Latest Chevy Corvette Model Draws Criticism from Electric Vehicle Advocates

GM decided to hold off on making a fully electric Chevy Corvette for the latest model year. Instead, they went with a hybrid drivetrain. I get it, it's a bummer that we're not getting an all-electric version yet. But, hear me out. The hybrid drivetrain was chosen for a few reasons. First off, performance. An all-electric Corvette wouldn't have been as capable as the hybrid design. The lead design engineer at GM said, "The mission of this vehicle was performance, performance, performance… Every kilogram or pound had to earn its way in from a mass standpoint. … [an all-electric platform] hurt performance, plain and simple."

Another reason was cost. An all-electric Corvette would've required a brand new performance-oriented EV architecture, electric motor, and battery design. Basically, starting from scratch.

Lastly, GM didn't want a plug port on the new mid-engine supercar. After ditching the Chevy Volt in 2019, they made it clear they were done with PHEV technologies. So, while the American supercar isn't going all-electric yet, let's remember that the Corvette has defined what American sports car technology looks like for decades. It's affordable compared to other supercars and has a unique powertrain. Let's hope that an electric Corvette will continue its legacy of engineering greatness.