Rimac Nevera – A Trailblazer in Electric Performance
The realm of hypercar manufacturers like Bugatti, Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren, and Porsche, who have historically dominated the acceleration records for over a century, is being rewritten. The age of the electric motor is ushering in a new era, redefining the boundaries of what’s possible. Thanks to its ability to unleash full torque from a standstill, electric cars are now setting new benchmarks.
Here, we present the ten fastest electric cars, measuring their 0-60mph acceleration based on official manufacturer claims. It’s worth noting that, for context, a Formula 1 car takes approximately 2.5 seconds to reach 60mph. Therefore, every car on this list showcases incredible acceleration, though they may be less adept at handling corners at 180mph.
10. Lotus Evija – Sub-3.0 Seconds
The Lotus Evija, priced at over $2.3 million, is a hypercar designed to prove that an electric future is anything but mundane. With a staggering 1972bhp power output and a sub-3.0-second 0-62mph time, the Evija is not just about initial acceleration. It continues pulling all the way to an astonishing 218mph, achieving 186mph from a standstill in just 9.1 seconds, faster than most everyday hatchbacks reaching 62mph.
9. Porsche Taycan Turbo S – 2.6 Seconds
Porsche’s inaugural electric car, the Taycan Turbo S, aimed to demonstrate that electric vehicles could be thrilling. It delivers on this promise, offering exceptional dynamics and mind-blowing acceleration. It sprints from 0-60mph in just 2.6 seconds. Despite its name, it lacks a turbocharger, instead relying on a 93kWh battery producing 751bhp, outpacing a Lamborghini Huracan Tecnica in the 0-60mph sprint.
8. Tesla Model X Plaid – 2.5 Seconds
Surprisingly, a family SUV weighing 2.5 tonnes makes this list due to the potent combination of a powerful electric motor and instant torque. The Tesla Model X Plaid boasts 1006bhp and achieves 0-60mph in a mere 2.5 seconds, making it quicker in a straight line than most supercars. Even a Bugatti Chiron is only marginally faster in a drag race.
7. Lucid Air – 2.5 Seconds
The Lucid Air Dream Edition, the flagship model of the emerging car maker Lucid, delivers astounding performance. Going from a standstill to 60mph in a stomach-churning 2.5 seconds, it can reach a top speed of 235mph. Powered by two electric motors with a combined 1065bhp, it also boasts impressive range and fast-charging capabilities.
6. Faraday Future FF91 – 2.2 Seconds
The Faraday Future FF91 is part saloon, part SUV, and its striking design is matched by its hypercar-worthy 0-60mph time of 2.2 seconds. Despite being unveiled in 2017, production has faced challenges. Nevertheless, after significant investment and going public on the Nasdaq, the FF91 is poised to hit the roads.
5. Tesla Model S Plaid – 1.99 Seconds
Another Tesla on the list, the Model S Plaid boasts a sleeker shape and slightly lower weight than the Model X Plaid. It accelerates from 0-60mph in an astonishing 1.99 seconds, thanks to its tri-motor setup producing 1006bhp. It’s not just quick in a straight line; it also demonstrated its cornering prowess by lapping the Nurburgring over 10 seconds faster than the Taycan Turbo S.
4. Tesla Roadster – 1.9 Seconds
The second-generation Tesla Roadster promises 1000bhp from a 200kWh battery, housed in a relatively lightweight body. It’s projected to achieve 0-60mph in 1.9 seconds. While the Roadster has been a concept since 2017, its production timeline remains uncertain.
3. Rimac Nevera C_Two – 1.85 Seconds
Rimac’s journey from developing its electric hypercars in Croatia to co-owning Bugatti and collaborating with established automakers is remarkable. The Rimac Nevera C_Two, with 1914bhp, reaches 0-60mph in just 1.85 seconds and hits 186mph in 11.8 seconds, thanks to powerful electric motors in each wheel and a 120kWh battery pack.
2. Pininfarina Battista – 1.79 Seconds
The Pininfarina Battista boasts an impressive 0-60mph time of 1.79 seconds, although its official homologated figure is 2.0 seconds. Utilizing the same powertrain as the Rimac C_Two, with 1877bhp, this hypercar exemplifies exceptional performance.
1. Aspark Owl – 1.72 Seconds
The Chinese-made Aspark Owl, with its four electric motors producing 1985bhp, accelerates from 0-60mph in a mere 1.72 seconds, making it the world’s fastest accelerating production car. Its top speed is an astounding 249mph, and it offers a range of 280 miles. However, with only 50 units planned for production, and a price tag of around $4 million each, owning this speed demon presents a formidable challenge.
While these electric cars push the boundaries of acceleration, some may still be in the development or conceptual stages. Nevertheless, they exemplify the incredible potential of electric propulsion in the world of high-performance automobiles.