Electric cars have completely redefined automotive performance. Forget sluggish and eco-conscious stereotypes; today’s electric vehicles (EVs) are rewriting the rules of speed and acceleration. As your trusted auto repair experts at keyfobx.com, we’re here to take you on a thrilling ride through the world of the Fastest Electric Cars, proving they’re not just quick off the mark – they’re leading the pack.
Just a few years ago, gasoline engines dominated the top speed charts. Now, the landscape has dramatically shifted. Electric powertrains, with their instant torque and immense power delivery, are not only challenging but often surpassing traditional supercars. Even electric SUVs, once synonymous with practicality over performance, are now boasting acceleration figures that would make legacy supercar manufacturers blush.
Take Tesla, a pioneer in EV performance, as a prime example of this rapid evolution. Their Model S Performance P100D, launched in 2017, was already a speed sensation. Yet, in 2021, Tesla pushed the boundaries further with the Model S Plaid. Packing over 1000 horsepower, this model shattered expectations with a 0-60mph time dipping below the two-second mark. This relentless pursuit of speed showcases the astonishing progress within the electric vehicle sector.
Top Electric Speedsters: Ready to Roar (or Hum)
To truly grasp the electric speed revolution, we’ve compiled a list of the current and upcoming fastest electric cars globally. Our ranking is based primarily on their 0-62mph (or 0-60mph) acceleration times. And for a glimpse into the future of electric speed, we’ve included a couple of prototype electric race cars that demonstrate the sheer potential of electric power. Get ready for some electrifying performance!
The Elite of Electric Velocity: Fastest EVs Leading the Charge
McMurtry Spéirling
The Record-Breaker: A Prototype Pushing the Limits of Electric Speed
Pros: Unmatched acceleration, groundbreaking downforce technology, record-setting capabilities.
Cons: Not available for purchase, purely a track-focused prototype.
Kicking off our list is the McMurtry Spéirling, a vehicle so exclusive it’s beyond the reach of even the wealthiest collectors. This single-seater electric racer isn’t just fast; it’s record-breaking. In 2022, it conquered the Goodwood Festival of Speed hillclimb, dethroning the formidable Volkswagen ID. R. With a blistering 0-62mph time of just 1.5 seconds and a top speed of 150mph, the Spéirling is a testament to extreme electric performance.
Its phenomenal speed comes from a 1000bhp powertrain combined with an incredibly lightweight design. Adding to its aerodynamic prowess is a unique downforce-generating fan, inspired by the Brabham BT46B Formula One car. This fan can generate a staggering 2000kg of downforce even at a standstill, exceeding the car’s own weight, essentially allowing it to stick to surfaces – even upside down theoretically! Traditional aerodynamic elements further refine its cornering capabilities.
Explore the McMurtry Spéirling: McMurtry Spéirling Deep Dive
Aspark Owl
The Road-Legal Rocket: Still Holding the Acceleration Crown
Pros: Unrivaled road-legal acceleration, impressive range for a hypercar, striking design.
Cons: Extremely limited production, exorbitant price tag.
Launched in 2020, the Aspark Owl made a bold statement: it was the world’s fastest accelerating car. While the McMurtry Spéirling is quicker, the Owl retains its title as the fastest electric car that’s actually street legal. This Japanese hypercar is a marvel of engineering and speed.
The Owl’s power comes from a compact 64kWh battery and four electric motors, delivering nearly 2000bhp. Its carbon fiber body keeps weight to a minimum, contributing to its astonishing performance figures: 0-60mph in a mere 1.69 seconds, 0-186mph in 10.9 seconds, and a top speed of 249mph.
To put this in perspective, even Ferrari’s latest petrol supercar, the 296 GTB, achieves 0-60mph in just under 3.0 seconds and a top speed of 205mph. The Owl is in a different league. Aspark claims a range of 280 miles, but achieving this with such a potent powertrain likely requires a very gentle driving style. Its aerodynamic silhouette, lower even than the iconic Ford GT40, undoubtedly contributes to its efficiency.
Discover the Aspark Owl: Aspark Owl Unveiled
Rimac Nevera
Croatian Thunderbolt: Setting New Benchmarks in EV Technology and Performance
Pros: Cutting-edge EV technology, record-breaking performance, engaging driving experience.
Cons: Substantial weight, very high price point.
The Rimac Nevera, the second masterpiece from Croatian EV innovators Rimac, is both a technological showcase and a high-performance machine for the ultra-wealthy. Rimac’s expertise extends beyond their own vehicles; they’ve partnered with Aston Martin, Koenigsegg, and Automobili Pininfarina for electrification projects. Furthermore, Rimac’s joint venture with Porsche and Bugatti signals their central role in the future of hyper EVs.
The Nevera’s performance is nothing short of breathtaking. Four electric motors unleash 1888bhp and 1739lb ft of torque. Rimac’s advanced launch control helps achieve a 0-60mph sprint in just 1.85 seconds.
Beyond acceleration, the Nevera hits 100mph in 4.3 seconds and 186mph in 11.8 seconds. It conquers the quarter-mile in 9.1 seconds and reaches a top speed of 258mph. Remarkably, Rimac even set a world record for reversing speed with the Nevera, hitting 171mph.
Despite its performance focus, the Nevera offers a claimed range of 403 miles thanks to its massive 120kWh battery. However, this level of performance and technology comes at a price – around £2 million per car.
Learn more about the Rimac Nevera: Rimac Nevera Official Details
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Tesla Roadster (Upcoming)
The Futuristic Promise: Tesla’s Second-Gen Roadster Aims for Hyper-Speed
Pros: Projected rapid acceleration, exceptional range, open-top driving experience.
Cons: Production delays, unconfirmed performance figures.
Tesla first announced the second-generation Roadster back in 2017, with initial plans for a 2020 release. However, production is still pending. Elon Musk has repeatedly stated production is imminent, most recently targeting 2025, but skepticism remains given the repeated delays.
Despite the uncertainty, the performance claims are staggering. Musk projects a 0-60mph time under two seconds and a top speed exceeding 250mph, placing it firmly among the fastest electric cars in the world. A claimed 620-mile range, thanks to a massive 200kWh battery, further adds to its appeal.
Tesla aims to surpass rivals, claiming 0-100mph in 4.2 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 8.8 seconds, both quicker than the Rimac Nevera. Like other high-performance Teslas, it will feature all-wheel drive and a detachable roof, reminiscent of the original Tesla Roadster. Priced from around £189,000 for the limited “Founders Series,” it aims for relative affordability in the hypercar segment.
Explore the Tesla Roadster: Tesla Roadster Future Insights
Deus Vayanne
The New Challenger: Austrian Startup Poised to Disrupt the EV Hypercar Arena
Pros: Striking aesthetics, projected blistering speed, immense power output.
Cons: Unproven manufacturer, limited production run.
Deus Vayanne, a newcomer from Austria, made a dramatic entrance at the 2022 New York Auto Show. With bold performance claims, they aim to challenge established players like Tesla and Rimac.
Positioned as a competitor to the Lotus Evija and Aspark Owl, the Vayanne boasts even more power. Deus promises over 2200bhp and 1475 lb-ft of torque, with a projected 0-62mph time of “under two seconds” and a 248mph top speed.
Deliveries are planned for 2025, and production is limited to just 99 units. If Deus delivers on its promises, the Vayanne could become a significant player in the fastest electric car market.
Discover the Deus Vayanne: Deus Vayanne First Look
Tesla Model S Plaid
The Family Speedster: Unmatched Power in an Electric Sedan
Pros: Comfortable ride, advanced safety features, rapid charging capabilities.
Cons: Yoke steering system may not suit all drivers, inconsistent build quality reports.
The Tesla Model S, a veteran in the EV market since 2012, continues to evolve. The Plaid variant represents the pinnacle of its performance.
Producing a staggering 1006bhp, the Model S Plaid achieves 0-60mph in under two seconds. This family sedan boasts more power than a McLaren P1 and accelerates faster than a Ferrari LaFerrari, showcasing the incredible performance now available in practical EVs.
Tesla controversially claimed a Nürburgring lap record for a production EV with the Model S Plaid, though official verification was lacking. Regardless, its performance is remarkable for its size and weight. Tesla claims a 396-mile range and a quarter-mile time of 9.23 seconds. New models are no longer available in the UK, requiring left-hand drive imports.
Read the full review: Tesla Model S Plaid Review
Automobili Pininfarina Battista
Italian Elegance Meets Electric Fury: A Masterpiece of Design and Speed
Pros: Stunning design from a legendary design house, impressive performance figures, engaging driving dynamics.
Cons: Wide dimensions can be challenging on narrow roads, limited production.
The Automobili Pininfarina Battista, a name as grand as its performance, is a testament to Italian design flair combined with electric power. Pininfarina, renowned for styling Ferraris like the F40 and Enzo, partnered with Rimac for the Battista’s powertrain, utilizing the Nevera’s 120kWh battery and quad-motor setup.
The Battista embodies classic supercar aesthetics, unlike many futuristic-looking EVs. It features traditional proportions: short nose, long tail, low roofline, and wide stance.
Performance is phenomenal, with 1877bhp from its four electric motors. Pininfarina claims 0-60mph in under two seconds and a 217mph top speed. A claimed 280-mile range is also respectable. Production is limited to 150 units, each priced around £2 million, making it highly exclusive.
Read the full review: Automobili Pininfarina Battista Review
Volkswagen ID. R
Electric Racing Pedigree: A Record-Setting Racer Still Packs a Punch
Pros: Multiple record holder, lightweight and agile, exceptional cornering ability.
Cons: Not road legal, purely designed for track and racing environments.
The Volkswagen ID.R, launched in 2018, was designed as the ultimate electric racer. While newer road-legal EVs have surpassed its straight-line speed, the ID.R remains a formidable performer, particularly on track.
Producing 671bhp, its lightweight construction enables a 0-62mph time of 2.25 seconds. Its advanced aerodynamics provide immense cornering grip.
The ID.R has achieved numerous records globally, including electric car records at the Nürburgring, Goodwood, and Heavens Gate. Only the McMurtry Spéirling has recently claimed one of its records.
Explore the Volkswagen ID.R: Volkswagen ID.R Deep Dive
Faraday Future FF91
The Resilient SUV: A High-Performance EV with a Story to Tell
Pros: Sleek styling, luxurious interior appointments, impressive speed and acceleration.
Cons: Company’s financial instability raises concerns about long-term viability.
Faraday Future, an EV startup, has faced significant challenges in bringing the FF91 to market. Despite corporate turmoil, they have created a very fast EV.
The FF91 is a Tesla Model X-sized SUV with a focus on luxury and performance. Originally quoted at 2.39 seconds for 0-60mph, Faraday Future now claims 2.2 seconds.
Its 1050bhp output and 142kWh battery, promising a 381-mile EPA range, are impressive. Priced from £90,000 to £170,000, it appears competitively priced within its segment.
Discover the Faraday Future FF91: Faraday Future FF91 Unveiled
Lucid Air
American Luxury and Performance: Redefining the Electric Sedan
Pros: Premium build quality, exceptional performance, long range capability.
Cons: Right-hand drive model availability uncertain for some markets.
The Lucid Air is another American contender in the electric sedan market, aiming to challenge the Porsche Taycan. The top-spec Sapphire Edition boasts 1234bhp and a 0-60mph time of 1.89 seconds.
This luxury sedan is faster to 60mph than a McLaren 720S. Top speed is 205mph, and its 118kWh battery offers a 427-mile EPA range. European WLTP figures are pending. The Lucid Air combines luxury with exhilarating performance.
Read the full review: Lucid Air Review
Tesla Model X Plaid
The Performance SUV: Blending Family Practicality with Hypercar Acceleration
Pros: Unique falcon-wing doors, advanced technology integration, spacious seven-seater capacity.
Cons: Falcon-wing doors can be ostentatious, build quality concerns persist.
Tesla’s incredible acceleration isn’t limited to sedans. The Tesla Model X Plaid SUV, weighing over two tons, achieves 0-60mph in just 2.5 seconds.
Sharing the tri-motor powertrain with the Model S Plaid (1006bhp), it offers supercar performance in an SUV format. Top speed is 163mph, and range is a respectable 333 miles. Its falcon-wing doors and seven-seat capacity add to its unique appeal.
Read the full review: Tesla Model X Review
Nio EP9
Chinese Electric Powerhouse: Track-Focused Performance and Innovation
Pros: Race car-like handling, quick-change battery system, brutal acceleration.
Cons: Stiff ride quality, capable of generating high G-forces, less comfortable for daily driving.
Nio, known for its Formula E involvement, developed the EP9 using racing expertise. Its four electric motors produce a combined 1 megawatt (1341bhp), enabling 0-62mph in 2.7 seconds.
Other performance figures include 0-125mph in 7.1 seconds and a near-200mph top speed. Nio claims a 265-mile range with efficient driving.
The EP9 held the Nürburgring production EV record in 2017 (6:45.9 minutes) until the Volkswagen ID.R surpassed it in 2019.
Read the full review: Nio EP9 Review
Porsche Taycan Turbo GT
Electric Driving Purity: Porsche’s EV Proves Performance Can Be Engaging
Pros: Advanced suspension technology, precise steering feel, incredibly fast acceleration.
Cons: Significant weight (2.2 tonnes), brakes can feel less responsive than traditional sports cars.
Moving from hypercars, the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT is a more practical yet still incredibly fast EV. The facelifted Turbo GT achieves 0-62mph in 2.3 seconds with 1093bhp, all-wheel drive, and a 105kWh battery.
Uniquely for an EV, the Taycan features a two-speed gearbox, optimizing both launch and high-speed performance.
Its 800-volt architecture enables fast charging, reaching 10-80% charge in around 33 minutes at a 320kW DC fast charger. Despite its performance, it offers a 345-mile range, making it one of the best electric family cars for performance enthusiasts.
Read the full review: Porsche Taycan Turbo GT Review
Lotus Evija
Lightweight Electric Fury: Lotus Enters the Hypercar Arena
Pros: Motorsport heritage, lightweight construction philosophy, striking visual design.
Cons: Production delays, limited real-world range expected.
The Lotus Evija joins the sub-three-second 0-60mph club, claiming the title of the world’s most powerful road car with a projected 2011bhp.
Its four electric motors are powered by a 70kWh battery developed with Williams Advanced Engineering, sending over 490bhp to each wheel.
Lotus’s performance figures of “under three seconds” for 0-60mph and over 200mph top speed may be conservative, given its power output and Lotus’s focus on lightweight engineering (target weight of 1680kg). A 250-mile range is targeted.
Explore the Lotus Evija: Lotus Evija Detailed Look
Rivian R1T / R1S
Practical Performance: Electric Trucks and SUVs with Surprising Speed
Pros: Impressive speed for practical vehicles, relatively affordable price point compared to hypercars.
Cons: Not yet available in all markets, large size may be less suited for some regions.
Rivian challenges the notion that SUVs and trucks can’t be fast. The R1S SUV and R1T pickup truck share a platform and offer 0-60mph times of around 3.0 seconds, reaching 100mph in under seven seconds in top-spec configurations.
Top models feature 135kWh batteries, around 310 miles of range, and 753bhp. A larger 180kWh battery option prioritizes range (410 miles) over outright power (700bhp). Starting prices are relatively modest at $69,000 in the US. European availability is planned.
Explore the Rivian R1T: Rivian R1T Overview
Explore the Rivian R1S: Rivian R1S Details
Tesla Model 3 Performance (Refreshed)
Enhanced Performance for the Masses: Tesla’s Smallest EV Gets a Speed Boost
Pros: Upgraded suspension and handling, increased power and torque, improved aerodynamics.
Cons: Limited drawbacks at its price point, minor power difference in some markets.
The refreshed Tesla Model 3 Performance receives significant upgrades, including a 32% power increase and 16% more torque. It now achieves 0-60mph in 2.9 seconds and a 163mph top speed.
US models offer 503bhp, while UK models have 454bhp, though Tesla claims performance figures remain consistent.
Beyond straight-line speed, Tesla focused on track performance, adding adaptive suspension and a new drive mode selector for enhanced handling. Priced from £59,990, it offers exceptional performance value.
Explore the Tesla Model 3 Performance: Tesla Model 3 Performance Update
Audi RS e-Tron GT
Refined Electric Grand Tourer: Performance with Audi Sophistication
Pros: Long-distance comfort, exceptional refinement, readily available power delivery.
Cons: Less engaging to drive compared to the Porsche Taycan, RS model may feel less distinct.
Concluding our list is the Audi e-Tron GT, sharing the J1 platform with the Porsche Taycan but aimed at a different audience. It prioritizes grand touring comfort over outright track performance, offering smooth and progressive power.
Despite its touring focus, the RS e-Tron GT is still quick, with 0-62mph in 3.3 seconds and a 155mph top speed. It offers a WLTP range of 283 miles, with a slightly longer-range non-RS version available. However, for those seeking performance, the RS model is the more compelling choice.
Read the full review: Audi e-Tron GT Review
Electric Speed FAQs: Answering Your Burning Questions
What is the fastest 0-60mph electric car?
Currently, the fastest electric car from 0-60mph is the McMurtry Spéirling, clocking in at under 1.5 seconds. However, as a track-only prototype, the road-legal crown belongs to the Aspark Owl, achieving 0-60mph in a staggering 1.69 seconds.
What is the fastest electric car 0-100mph?
The Aspark Owl and Rimac Nevera are neck and neck in the 0-100mph acceleration. The Owl reaches 0-124mph in 4.76 seconds, while the Nevera hits 100mph in a blistering 4.3 seconds, suggesting incredibly close performance in this range.
Which electric car exceeds 200mph?
Many electric supercars in this list surpass the 200mph mark. Models like the Lotus Evija, Pininfarina Battista, and Deus Vayanne are all in this category. Furthermore, the Aspark Owl (249mph), Rimac Nevera, and Tesla Roadster (both over 250mph) push the boundaries of electric top speed even further.
Why are EVs so incredibly fast?
Electric cars possess an inherent advantage in acceleration due to their powertrains. Unlike gasoline engines that need to reach optimal RPMs to deliver peak torque, electric motors provide maximum torque instantly from a standstill. This “instant torque” characteristic translates to rapid acceleration, even in mainstream EVs like the Kia EV6, which can achieve 0-62mph in around five seconds – performance levels once reserved for hot hatchbacks and even supercars.
By Luke Wilkinson, Contributing Automotive Expert for keyfobx.com
