Camaro EV is Smoking Fast

GM fired another shot at Tesla and other automakers exploring the EV market with a new, ultra-fast all-electric pony car. The eCOPO Camaro Concept shows what Chevrolet envisions is the future of drag racing without tailpipe emissions.

The basis of this concept is the 2019 COPO Camaro, which already is an impressive car. By yanking the dino-fueled powertrain and replacing it with one that is completely electric, it’s become even more of a monster. The peak 700-plus horsepower and 600 lb.-ft. of torque is good enough for an estimated 9-second quarter mile.

Because Chevrolet is still testing out this concept and its capabilities, exactly how fast it is on the track remains to be seen. Tesla enthusiasts are focusing on how the eCOPO Camaro out-accelerates the Model S P100D in the quarter mile, but supposedly it won’t outdo the new Roadster. Considering neither the Tesla Roadster nor this concept are finalized, comparing them is impossible. But, this does create an interesting potential rivalry, since many EV proponents have tried to frame GM as a backwards, outmoded automaker Tesla and others will put out of business (it did “kill” the electric car in the 90s, after all).

A big first for the eCOPO Camaro is the 800-volt battery pack, something GM has never made. The modules have been placed to weight the rear more than the front, which is optimal for drag racing.