An EV Split-Window??? Hands On with the Electric GT 1963 Corvette (SEMA 2022)

SEMA 2022 had a multitude of amazing Corvette builds on display. But we are not sure how to feel about this EV split window Corvette.

Going to SEMA 2022 I knew that there would be some outstanding Corvette builds. There were supercharged C8s, widebody kits, restomods and so much more. I was in awe of what I was seeing. And then I saw something that made me feel. Well, I am not sure how it made me feel. A little bit sad maybe. Curious as well. And if I am totally honest, I felt a little anger. In one of the display booths was a beautiful 1963 split-window Corvette. An icon in the Corvette world. Heck, it is an icon in the automotive world in general. But this one was different. The V8 was gone. Not swapped with a bigger, more powerful V8. Oh no. Under the hood of this Corvette was an electric motor. An EV split-window. Gasp.

As I snapped the photos, I tried to keep an open mind about this Corvette. At first it is a bit shocking (no pun intended) to see a classic Corvette converted to an EV. But I tried to look at the bright side. Is this perhaps a good way to ensure that this car remains on the road forever? We know EVs are coming and soon you won’t be able to buy a traditional internal combustion powered car. And we can’t discount the fact that there are people out there who may want the classic Corvette style, but without the drawbacks of using gasoline. I mean there has to be at least one person who thinks that way, right?

Electric GT

The Corvette was converted to electric by a company called Electric GT. And this is what they do. They produce e-Crate motors that you can swap into vintage vehicles. The system installed here is their flagship eGT-413 model. Besides C2 and C3 Corvettes, they have systems for classic Ford Mustangs and Broncos. An old Land Rover D90 or D110. GM A body and F body cars. Even a 40, 55, 60 and 70 series Toyota Land Cruisers can get one of these units. Over ten million vintage vehicles are compatible with the eGT-413.

eGT-413

This system is marketed as a ‘V8 replacement’ package. It is a plug-and-play system that allows it to be retrofitted without needing specific high-voltage assembly knowledge. The single ‘motor block’ comes with 26kWh OXDrive-Energy modules. Two of these modules come in the base build for a total of 53kWh. The 413 block can be paired with additional battery modules to offer more flexibility. Everything you need to convert your car is included in the eGT-413 system. But you can add options such as DC fast charging and HVAC integration. The base system with 53kWh produces 275 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. That setup will cost you $65,000. That is right, you will spend the equivalent of a new C8 Stingray to make your classic Corvette run on electricity.

Thoughts

The system seems well-engineered. It offers decent power and flexibility. And if you love EVs AND love classic Corvettes this seems like a good option for you. But should we mess with a classic split window like this? It is like taking the Mona Lisa and painting a pair of glasses on her so she can see better. Some things should just be left alone. What do you think? Would you ever EV swap a classic Corvette? Let us know your thoughts in the Corvette Forums.

Images: Joe Kucinski

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