The Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray has an EV-only mode, but it is not commonly used. To activate this mode, it must be selected before fully turning on the ignition. In this mode, the car’s performance is limited to a maximum speed of 45mph and a range of less than five miles. It is designed to be a stealthy option to avoid disturbing neighbors.
In addition to the EV-only mode, the E-Ray has the same dynamic modes as the regular Stingray: Tour, Sport, Track, and Weather (for slippery conditions). It also has a configurable My Mode and a Z setting, which allows for quick adjustments to individual chassis and powertrain settings.
Under normal driving conditions, the combustion engine provides all the power. However, when more acceleration is needed, the electric motor delivers instant torque. The contribution from the front is indicated by a synthesized whirr through the speakers, complementing the natural V8 engine sounds from the rear.
When fully engaged, the E-Ray feels impressively quick, with enhanced traction evident in its launches from a standstill and its ability to navigate tight corners smoothly. It handles similarly to the standard Stingray, without any significant differences on tight roads.
The E-Ray also comes with carbon-ceramic brakes as standard, which perform exceptionally well under high thermal loads. While it may not be primarily designed for circuit racing, it proves to be highly effective on the track, such as the Thunderhill Raceway in northern California. The E-Ray achieved a remarkable 2.4-second 0-60mph time in launch control mode, making it the fastest standard Corvette ever produced, despite its weight penalty compared to the Z06.
At higher speeds, however, the E-Ray starts to lose its performance. Chevrolet states that beyond 150mph, there is no electric assistance, and the hybrid system actually becomes additional weight, not contributing to speed beyond the car’s top speed of 180mph.
