Tesla Model S Plaid vs. Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray: Can the Hybrid Corvette Take on the EV Super Sedan?
In this article:
It’s no secret that the 2023 Tesla Model S Plaid is one of the fastest electric vehicles (EVs) ever. However, the big, luxe super sedan isn’t without its competition from the more conventional realm of performance cars. Enter the 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray: a hellacious hybrid evolution for America’s most tenured sports car. So, can the E-Ray take on the fully electric Model S Plaid?
How much horsepower does a Tesla Model S Plaid make?
It might sound silly, but the 2023 Tesla Model S Plaid is one of the most affordable ways to get a factory 1,000-horsepower car. Specifically, the Plaid produces 1,020 horsepower and 1,050 lb-ft of torque from its tri-motor platform and 99.3 kWh battery architecture.
Of course, the Plaid isn’t the only 1,000-horsepower luxury EV sedan on the market. The Lucid Air Sapphire produces 1,234 horsepower from its own tri-motor platform. However, with a starting price of $250,500, the Sapphire demands $140,000 more than the Plaid.Â
Is the Corvette E-Ray fully electric?
The 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray isn’t fully electric. Instead, the E-Ray produces 655 combined horsepower from a 495-horsepower LT2 V8 and a 160-horsepower, front-mounted electric motor. The result? Chevy’s E-Ray is the first-ever hybrid electric Corvette.Â
However, the news doesn’t stop at hybridization; power sent to the front wheels also makes the E-Ray the first eAWD model in the lineup. Consequently, the E-Ray’s multiplied eAWD grip, wide rubber (345/25ZR-21 in the rear), and 655 ponies put it ahead of any other Corvette in a sprint to 60 mph.Â
What is the 0 to 60 on a Tesla Model S Plaid?
Tesla says the Model S Plaid, under favorable conditions, will hit 60 mph in just 1.9 seconds. As a result, the Plaid is a member of an exclusive club of sub-2.0-second sprinters alongside automotive lunatics like the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 and Rimac Nevera.Â
Is a Corvette faster than a Tesla?
Unfortunately for jean-short-clad Corvette fanatics, bragging rights belong to the Tesla crowd. The Model S Plaid outsprints the 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray in every metric, save for its top speed.
| Model | 0-60 mph | ¼ mile | Top speed | Roadholding |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Tesla Model S Plaid | 1.9 seconds | 9.4 seconds | 162 mph | 1.08 g |
| 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray | 2.5 seconds | 10.6 seconds | 183 mph | 1.08 g |
The Plaid stops at 162 mph with the Tesla’s governor, per Car and Driver. However, without the zealous limitation of a governor, the Plaid will stretch its legs all the way to 203 mph. That gives the electric super sedan an extra 20 mph of runway-ready speed over the upcoming E-Ray.
The 2023 Tesla Model S Plaid might be a match for the 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray, but it comes at a price
Of course, a 1,020-horsepower electric super sedan isn’t going to come cheap. Neither will the upcoming Corvette E-Ray, for that matter. Both vehicles start in the low six-figure range.Â
| Model | Starting price |
|---|---|
| 2023 Tesla Model S Plaid | $110,130 |
| 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray | $106,595 |
Still, only a few other cars will accelerate as quickly as the Plaid or the E-Ray for their respective price points. Further, with an inevitable ZR1 on the way, the Corvette might stand a better chance at outsprinting the Plaid’s mad thrust.
Keep up with MotorBiscuit for the latest hybrid and EV content!
