Electric vehicles have rapidly evolved from being solely focused on efficiency and range to becoming leaders in performance and speed. While discussions around EVs often highlight maximizing range and eco-friendliness, a thrilling revolution is happening under the hood. Manufacturers are now harnessing the immense power and instant torque of electric motors to create vehicles that aren’t just quick for EVs—they are among the fastest road-legal cars on the planet, period.
For those contemplating an upgrade to a high-performance electric vehicle, it’s worth noting the responsible transition from your current car. Environmentally conscious options like recycling your old vehicle exist to make this shift seamless.
Even mainstream electric SUVs today boast acceleration figures that were once exclusive to high-performance sports cars. As we explore the upper echelons of electric car manufacturing, the performance numbers become truly astonishing.
In the realm of EVs, speed exists on a spectrum, and we’re diving into the extreme end – the really fast cars. These are machines that challenge traditional gasoline-powered supercars, redefine performance metrics, and deliver acceleration that can quite literally take your breath away.
The surge in EV popularity is undeniable. Looking at the increasing adoption rates, it’s clear that electric vehicles are not just a trend but the burgeoning future of personal transportation globally. This shift is fueled not only by environmental concerns but also by the exhilarating performance EVs now offer.
This article rounds up the top 10 fastest electric vehicles in the world, ranked by their 0-62mph (0-100km/h) acceleration times. While top speeds are also remarkable across this list, our focus is on that initial burst of electrifying acceleration. To keep this list grounded in reality, we’ve focused on road-legal cars currently available for purchase, excluding concept cars or track-only machines.
10. Audi RS e-tron GT
Front three quarter view of a blue Audi RS e-tron GT speeding on a paved road during daytime showcasing its sleek design and sporty stance.
Power: 637bhp
0-62mph: 3.3 seconds
Top speed: 155mph
Audi’s RS e-tron GT emerges as a masterstroke, skillfully blending Porsche’s engineering prowess with Audi’s distinctive design language. This vehicle isn’t just about blistering speed; it’s a luxurious, high-tech grand tourer designed for long journeys, comfortably seating four adults. It boasts a substantial range of up to 305 miles and supports ultra-rapid charging, making it as practical as it is thrilling.
While the standard e-tron GT is already impressively quick with all-wheel-drive and 523bhp achieving 0-62mph in 4.1 seconds, the RS variant elevates performance to another level. Packing 637bhp, the RS e-tron GT catapults from 0-62mph in a mere 3.3 seconds, reaching an electronically limited top speed of 155mph. This model showcases Audi’s commitment to high-performance EVs, delivering supercar-level acceleration in a sophisticated package. For those seeking even greater performance from this platform, Porsche’s offerings are worth exploring.
9. Lotus Eletre R
Bright yellow Lotus Eletre R SUV parked diagonally on a paved surface highlighting its aerodynamic silhouette and assertive front fascia.
Power: 905bhp
0-62mph: 2.95 seconds
Top speed: 165mph
Lotus, renowned for its lightweight sports cars, enters the high-performance electric SUV arena with the Eletre. While the Evija hypercar is excluded from this list due to limited availability and official 0-62mph figures, the Eletre proudly represents the British marque’s foray into electrification and SUVs. Lotus emphasizes that the Eletre retains the brand’s dynamic DNA, incorporating advanced systems like active air suspension, active anti-roll bars, four-wheel steering, and intelligent torque vectoring.
The base Eletre is already potent, delivering 603bhp from its all-wheel-drive system and achieving 0-62mph in 4.5 seconds. However, the Eletre R is the model that commands attention on this list. Equipped with dual motors producing a staggering 905bhp, the Eletre R accelerates from 0-62mph in just 2.95 seconds and reaches a top speed of 165mph. This SUV proves that Lotus’s commitment to driving dynamics extends seamlessly into the electric era.
8. Lotus Emeya R
Sleek grey Lotus Emeya electric hyper-GT parked outdoors showing its coupe-like profile and modern lighting design.
Power: 905bhp
0-62mph: 2.8 seconds
Top speed: 159mph
Sharing its platform and powertrain with the Eletre, the Lotus Emeya offers remarkably similar performance figures. While the Eletre R caters to the high-performance SUV segment, the Emeya is designed to rival electric sports sedans like the Porsche Taycan. Lotus positions the Emeya as a high-performance electric hyper-GT, blending grand touring comfort with exhilarating speed.
Thanks to its lower stance and more aerodynamic body, the Emeya edges out the Eletre in acceleration across all variants. In its top-spec R configuration, the Emeya boasts the same 905bhp powertrain, rocketing to 62mph in a blistering 2.8 seconds. The top speed is slightly reduced to 159mph compared to the Eletre R, but the Emeya compensates with enhanced agility and a more focused driving experience. Like the Eletre, it incorporates four-wheel steering, active suspension, and advanced torque management to deliver the signature Lotus driving feel.
7. Maserati Granturismo Folgore
Elegant blue Maserati Granturismo Folgore parked in a picturesque Italian setting demonstrating its classic grand tourer proportions and electric design cues.
Power: 751bhp
0-62mph: 2.7 seconds
Top speed: 202mph
Maserati’s “Folgore” designation, Italian for lightning, aptly describes their all-electric model range. Even the Grecale Folgore SUV achieves 0-62mph in just over 4 seconds, but the Granturismo Folgore coupe takes electric performance to new heights for the Trident brand.
This stunning two-door supercar sprints to 62mph in a mere 2.7 seconds and continues to a top speed of 202mph. This is made possible by a tri-motor setup – two at the rear and one at the front – producing a combined 751bhp and a massive 996lb ft of torque. The Granturismo Folgore isn’t just the most powerful car in Maserati’s current lineup; it’s also the fastest accelerating, signaling the Italian marque’s full embrace of an electric future without compromising on performance or luxury.
6. Porsche Taycan Turbo GT
Dynamic shot of a white Porsche Taycan Turbo GT with Weissach Package speeding on a track emphasizing its sporty design and performance capabilities.
Power: 1,093bhp
0-62mph: 2.2 seconds
Top speed: 190mph
The Porsche Taycan revolutionized the perception of electric vehicles upon its launch, proving that EVs could offer engaging driving dynamics and agility beyond just straight-line speed. The Taycan demonstrated that electric performance could be about more than just raw acceleration. However, it’s also undeniably quick in a straight line, particularly with the updates to the 2024 models. Even the base Taycan 4S now achieves 0-62mph in under 5 seconds.
Previously, the Taycan Turbo S held the title of the quickest Taycan, with a 0-62mph time of 2.8 seconds and a 162mph top speed. But Porsche’s engineers in Stuttgart took things further with the Taycan Turbo GT. This extreme version pushes performance boundaries, producing a staggering 1,093bhp. Equipped with the optional Weissach Package, the Taycan Turbo GT achieves 0-62mph in an astonishing 2.2 seconds, and even without the package, it manages 2.3 seconds. Top speed also sees a boost, reaching 190mph with the Weissach Package and 180mph in standard form.
5. Tesla Model S Plaid
Profile view of a dark grey Tesla Model S Plaid driving on a highway illustrating its sleek sedan shape and aerodynamic efficiency.
Power: 1,006bhp
0-62mph: 2.1 seconds
Top speed: 155mph
While Tesla has made ambitious claims about the performance of the long-awaited Roadster, its production remains elusive. However, Tesla still firmly holds its place among the fastest electric car manufacturers with the Model S Plaid.
The Model S Plaid utilizes a tri-motor setup to unleash 1,006bhp, enabling a 0-62mph sprint in just over 2 seconds. With optional hardware upgrades, Tesla claims a potential top speed of 200mph can be unlocked. All this performance is packaged within a spacious family sedan offering a large trunk and Tesla’s Supercharger network access. Currently, right-hand-drive versions are not produced, requiring UK buyers to opt for left-hand-drive models from European stock.
4. Lucid Air Sapphire
Striking blue Lucid Air Sapphire parked showcasing its luxurious sedan design and distinctive front grille.
Power: 1,217bhp
0-62mph: 1.95 seconds
Top speed: 205mph
Tesla isn’t alone in producing high-performance luxury electric sedans. Lucid Motors, another US-based EV manufacturer, enters the fray with the performance-oriented Air Sapphire. Lucid’s Air lineup is known for its blend of luxury and efficiency, and the Sapphire variant amplifies the performance aspect dramatically.
The standard Lucid Air is already brisk, with 430bhp delivering a 0-62mph time under five seconds. However, the Air Sapphire operates in a different performance league. Like the Model S Plaid, it employs a tri-motor system, but in the Sapphire’s case, it generates a colossal 1,217bhp. This translates to a 0-62mph time of 1.95 seconds and a top speed of 205mph. To manage this immense power, the Air Sapphire features track-tuned suspension, a unique aerodynamic package, and carbon ceramic brakes. Despite the focus on extreme performance, Lucid claims a range exceeding 420 miles and impressive efficiency figures, although these would likely be reduced when frequently testing its blistering acceleration.
3. Pininfarina Battista
Exquisite bronze Pininfarina Battista hypercar parked highlighting its dramatic curves and aerodynamic styling details.
Power: 1,873bhp
0-62mph: 1.86 seconds
Top speed: 217mph
Pininfarina, the legendary Italian design house responsible for iconic designs for Ferrari and Alfa Romeo, has ventured into building and selling its own hypercars with the Battista. This marks a significant step for Pininfarina, transitioning from design consultancy to automotive manufacturing.
The Battista is a hyper-grand tourer, prioritizing both stunning aesthetics and extreme performance. For its powertrain, Pininfarina partnered with Rimac, the EV technology specialists. Beneath its striking exterior, the Battista shares its core hardware with the Rimac Nevera (featured next on this list). This means four electric motors producing a combined 1,873bhp, resulting in a mind-bending 0-62mph time of 1.86 seconds and a top speed of 217mph. Despite its hypercar performance, the Battista’s large 120kWh battery is claimed to offer a range of 300 miles when driven with efficiency in mind.
2. Rimac Nevera
Action shot of a silver Rimac Nevera accelerating rapidly showcasing its futuristic design and groundbreaking electric powertrain.
Power: 1,888bhp
0-62mph: 1.81 seconds
Top speed: 258mph
The Rimac Nevera’s performance figures are almost surreal. Priced at over £2 million and limited to just 150 units, the Nevera is an exclusive piece of automotive engineering.
Its power output of 1,888bhp places it among the most powerful cars globally, regardless of fuel type. The Nevera is also recognized as one of the fastest accelerating production cars in the world, achieving 0-62mph in a staggering 1.81 seconds.
Adding to its list of accolades, the Rimac Nevera holds the record for the world’s fastest car in reverse. It reached a speed of 171.34mph (275.74 km/h) in reverse at the Automotive Testing Papenburg Facility in Germany, shattering the previous Guinness World Record.
Furthermore, the Nevera boasts the highest top speed of any road-legal EV, reaching 258mph. This places it alongside hypercar royalty like McLarens, Koenigseggs, and Bugattis in the pantheon of the fastest production cars ever made. All this from a relatively young Croatian company.
1. Aspark Owl
Low angle shot of a white Aspark Owl hypercar parked emphasizing its extremely low profile and unique wheel design.
Power: 1,953bhp
0-62mph: 1.78 seconds
Top speed: 256mph
Japan, traditionally known for mass-market vehicles, is also home to performance icons like the Nissan Skyline GT-R and Toyota Supra. The Aspark Owl represents Japan’s entry into the extreme high-performance EV market, pushing the boundaries of electric acceleration.
The Aspark Owl, with its distinctive styling and formidable performance, tops our list as the fastest accelerating electric car. This two-door, two-seater hypercar is built on a bespoke four-motor platform and powered by a 64kWh battery. Producing a colossal 1,953bhp, the Owl recently set a 0-62mph record of 1.78 seconds, making it quicker off the line than even the fastest motorcycles. According to Mattew Engelage of Chin Mounts, the Owl’s acceleration is “just over a half second faster than the fastest motorcycle on earth, the Y2K MTT 420RR.”
An evolution of the Owl, the Owl SP600, has also achieved a top speed of 272mph, setting a new EV speed record. However, as the SP600 is not road-legal, the Rimac Nevera retains its crown as the fastest road-legal production EV in terms of top speed. The Aspark Owl, however, reigns supreme in acceleration, proving that Japan can also compete at the pinnacle of electric hypercar performance.
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