Chevrolet has not announced an electric Z06, and the current Z06 lineup runs on a gasoline engine

Chevrolet's Z06 is built around a 5.5-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine that produces 670 horsepower. The company has not revealed plans for an electric version of the Z06 specifically. Chevrolet did introduce an all-electric Corvette concept called the Ultium platform in 2022, but that was a separate project from the Z06 line, and no production model has emerged from it.

The Z06 is positioned as Chevrolet's high-performance track car, and the engine is central to its identity and appeal. Changing that would mean redesigning the car fundamentally. Right now, Chevrolet is focused on selling the gasoline Z06 to customers who want it, and there is no public timeline for an electric alternative.

Key Takeaways

  • The Z06 currently uses a 5.5-liter V8 engine and Chevrolet has not announced an electric Z06 model.
  • Chevrolet showed an electric Corvette concept in 2022 but has not committed to building it or making it a Z06 variant.
  • The Z06 is marketed as a track-focused performance car, and switching to electric would require a complete redesign of the vehicle.
  • Other automakers are developing electric sports cars, but Chevrolet's current strategy keeps the Z06 gasoline-powered.

What Chevrolet has said about electric Corvettes

In 2022, Chevrolet unveiled a mid-engine electric Corvette concept to show what an EV version could look like. The concept used the Ultium battery platform, which is General Motors' architecture for electric vehicles. However, a concept car is not a promise to build a production model. Chevrolet has not stated when or whether it will make an electric Corvette available to customers.

General Motors has committed to going all-electric by 2035, meaning the company plans to stop selling new gasoline-powered vehicles by that year. That timeline suggests that eventually, Corvette models could shift to electric power. But the Z06 specifically has not been included in any official announcement about electrification.

Why the Z06 might stay gasoline-powered for now

The Z06 is one of Chevrolet's most expensive and exclusive models. It appeals to drivers who value the sound, feel, and tradition of a high-performance V8 engine. Switching to electric would mean losing those characteristics, which are part of what makes the Z06 desirable to its target buyers.

Electric motors deliver power when ready, which is good for acceleration, but they do not produce engine noise or vibration the way a V8 does. Some performance car enthusiasts prefer the traditional engine experience. Chevrolet may be waiting to see how the market responds to electric sports cars from other brands before committing to an electric Z06.

What other automakers are doing with electric sports cars

Porsche released the Taycan, an all-electric sports car, in 2019. Ferrari announced plans for an electric model by 2025. Lamborghini has said it will introduce hybrid and electric vehicles over the next several years. These moves show that luxury and performance brands are exploring electric options, but they are doing so gradually and often alongside their traditional gasoline models.

The shift to electric sports cars is happening across the industry, but it is not when ready. Most automakers are keeping their high-performance gasoline engines in production while developing electric alternatives. Chevrolet appears to be following the same approach with the Corvette line.

The timeline for an electric Z06

General Motors' goal to stop selling gasoline vehicles by 2035 gives a rough window for when an electric Z06 might appear. However, that does not mean the Z06 will be electrified by 2035—it could happen sooner, or the Z06 could be discontinued before then. Chevrolet has not published a specific date.

The current Z06 was redesigned in 2023 with the mid-engine layout and the new V8. Typically, Chevrolet does not redesign a model this extensively for at least five to seven years. That suggests the gasoline Z06 will remain the only version available through at least the late 2020s.

What you might see instead: hybrid or electric Corvette variants

Rather than jumping straight to a fully electric Z06, Chevrolet could introduce a hybrid Corvette first. A hybrid would combine the V8 engine with electric motors, offering better fuel economy and performance without completely abandoning the gasoline engine. This approach would let Chevrolet test the market and refine the technology before committing to a full electric redesign.

Alternatively, Chevrolet might create an electric model under a different name—not called the Z06—to keep the Z06 brand tied to its V8 heritage. This would let the company offer an electric high-performance Corvette without changing what the Z06 means to existing customers.

How to stay informed about Corvette electrification plans

Chevrolet announces major vehicle changes at auto shows and through press releases on its official website. The Detroit Auto Show and the Los Angeles Auto Show are the largest venues where Chevrolet typically reveals new models or significant updates. You can also check Chevrolet's newsroom directly for announcements about future Corvette plans.

General Motors' investor relations page sometimes includes information about long-term vehicle strategy, including electrification timelines. Following Chevrolet's social media accounts and subscribing to automotive news outlets will also keep you updated on any official announcements about an electric Z06.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chevrolet making an electric Corvette at all?

Chevrolet showed an electric Corvette concept in 2022, but the company has not announced a production date or confirmed that it will build one. General Motors plans to stop selling gasoline vehicles by 2035, which suggests an electric Corvette could eventually happen, but no official timeline exists.

Could the Z06 become a hybrid instead of fully electric?

It is possible. A hybrid Z06 would combine the V8 engine with electric motors and could arrive before a fully electric version. However, Chevrolet has not announced hybrid plans for the Z06 either. The current Z06 is gasoline-only.

When will the current gasoline Z06 be discontinued?

Chevrolet has not stated when the Z06 will be discontinued. The current generation was redesigned in 2023, so the gasoline version will likely remain available for several more years. Any shift to electric would probably not happen until the 2030s.

Why doesn't Chevrolet just add an electric motor to the current Z06?

The Z06 is designed around its V8 engine, which sits in the middle of the car and powers the rear wheels. Fitting an electric motor into that same space and layout would require redesigning the entire vehicle. It is not a straightforward upgrade—it would be a complete rebuild.

How does the electric Corvette concept compare to the Z06?

The 2022 concept was a mid-engine design like the current Z06, but it used electric motors instead of a V8. The concept showed what an electric Corvette could look like, but concepts often differ significantly from production models. No specifications or performance details have been released for a production version.