As we roll into 2024 and 2025, electric vehicles (EVs) are not just stepping up to the plate; they’re knocking it out of the park. Gone are the days when EVs were confined to the realms of practical, eco-friendly transportation. The latest electric powerhouses are shattering stereotypes, proving that zero emissions don’t mean zero excitement. Here’s a look at some of the quickest and most formidable EVs that are redefining performance in the electric era.
Forget what you thought you knew about electric cars being mere city runabouts. The latest crop of electric beasts is here to challenge the status quo, delivering mind-bending acceleration, jaw-dropping top speeds, and handling dynamics that can go toe-to-toe with the best gas-powered sports cars out there. These machines are turning heads and changing minds, showcasing the thrilling potential of electric power.
Best High Performance Electric Cars 2024
#1 2023 Mercedes-AMG EQS
Let’s talk about the Mercedes-AMG EQS. Yeah, you might have heard some chatter about how it looks – some folks love the futuristic, egg-shaped vibe, while others might scratch their heads a bit. But here’s the thing: when it comes to pure, unadulterated speed, this luxury sedan is no joke.
Power and Pace to Leave You Speechless
With a jaw-dropping 751 horsepower ready to unleash at a moment’s notice, the AMG EQS doesn’t just move – it practically teleports from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 3.0 seconds. And it doesn’t stop there; push it further, and you’ll hit a top speed of 154 mph. That’s right, this sedan isn’t just quick; it’s sports-car-slaying quick.
A Daily Driver with a Wild Side
Now, about the interior. It’s true, the EQS is decked out with a whole lot of touch-capacitive buttons, which might take a minute to get used to. But once you do, you’re in for a treat. This car blends the ultimate luxury daily driving experience with the kind of acceleration that’ll have supercar owners watching your taillights in disbelief.
For those ready to embrace its unique design and tech-heavy cabin, the EQS stands as a testament to what’s possible when you combine high-end luxury with electrifying performance. And with a price tag of $148,700, it’s positioned as the pinnacle of electric sedan prowess, ready to outpace, outclass, and outshine the competition on every front.
#2 2024 Audi RS e-tron GT
Best fast electric cars 2024
The Audi e-tron GT grabs your attention not just with its sleek design but also with its astounding performance figures. With a top speed of 156 mph and the ability to rocket from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.9 seconds, this electric powerhouse is a testament to Audi’s commitment to high performance in the electric vehicle (EV) arena. And at a price of $148,595, it’s poised to turn heads not only on the road but also in the market.
Porsche DNA with an Audi Twist
Beneath its stunning exterior, the e-tron GT shares much of its underpinnings with the Porsche Taycan, another titan in the EV world. However, Audi adds its own flavor to the mix with tailored suspension and drivetrain adjustments that give the e-tron GT a unique driving experience. It’s like getting the best of both worlds: Porsche’s renowned engineering prowess combined with Audi’s distinct approach to luxury and performance.
The RS e-tron GT: A Force to Be Reckoned With
Opting for the RS version of the e-tron GT means embracing even more power. With 637 horsepower at your disposal thanks to two electric motors—one at each axle—the RS variant is a beast waiting to be unleashed. Its sub-three-second sprint to 60 mph and a top speed of 156 mph put it in a league with some of the fastest sports cars out there, all while offering the zero-emissions benefit of electric power.
#3 2023 Tesla Model 3 Performance
When you dive into the specs of the Tesla Model 3 Performance, it’s hard not to be impressed. Sporting a top speed of 162 mph and the ability to blast from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.1 seconds, all for a price tag of $54,880, it’s clear why this car continues to draw attention in the electric vehicle (EV) space.
Power that Packs a Punch
Thanks to its dual-motor setup, the Model 3 Performance churns out over 400 horsepower, translating to thrilling acceleration and dynamic driving capabilities. This Tesla isn’t just about cruising in silence; it’s about making a statement every time the light turns green.
Value Meets Velocity
While debates about build quality and Tesla’s approach to business might swirl around the internet, there’s no denying the Model 3 Performance stands as a remarkable value proposition. It manages to offer eyebrow-raising performance figures that challenge not just EVs but traditional internal combustion engine sports cars as well, all while keeping the price relatively accessible.
Track Times and Traffic Light Duels
Sure, a BMW M3 might have the upper hand on a winding race track, thanks to its handling finesse. However, when it comes to the sheer joy of a straight-line sprint from a standstill, the Model 3 Performance is a tough act to beat. Its instant torque and all-electric powertrain mean you’re likely to see nothing but the Tesla’s taillights at every traffic light showdown.
#4 2023 Porsche Taycan Turbo S
The Porsche Taycan Turbo S isn’t just another electric vehicle; it’s a statement—a declaration that electric power can deliver the thrilling, pulse-pounding driving experience Porsche is known for. With a top speed of 162 mph and a jaw-dropping 0-60 time of 2.4 seconds, all for the price of $188,850, the Taycan Turbo S sets a new standard for electric performance.
Precision Engineering for Exhilarating Drives
What makes the Taycan Turbo S stand out isn’t just its speed; it’s how it feels getting there. Porsche’s legendary steering and suspension tuning mean that every turn and every straightaway is an opportunity for exhilaration. The Taycan doesn’t just move; it dances, responding to the driver’s every input with precision and grace.
A Technological Marvel on Wheels
Part of the Taycan Turbo S’s magic comes from its innovative two-speed transmission attached to the rear motor, a rarity in the electric vehicle world. This allows the Taycan not only to achieve its mind-bending acceleration but also to maintain efficiency and performance at higher speeds, making it as capable on the highway as it is fun on a twisty backroad.
More Than Just Speed
While its performance metrics are certainly impressive, calling the Taycan Turbo S “fast” feels like an understatement. It’s an electric powerhouse that marries Porsche’s iconic driving experience with the instant torque and silent operation of an electric powertrain, proving that you don’t need a roaring gas engine to experience the thrill of driving.
#5 2023 Tesla Model X Plaid
The Tesla Model X Plaid is a marvel that turns the idea of a family SUV on its head. It’s not every day you come across a vehicle that combines the practicality of an SUV with the heart-stopping performance of a supercar. With a top speed of 163 mph and the ability to rocket from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 2.5 seconds, all for $110,130, the Model X Plaid is in a league of its own.
A Powerhouse on Wheels
Tipping the scales at nearly three tons, you’d think the Model X Plaid would be more sluggish giant than sleek sprinter. Yet, thanks to its three-motor electric drivetrain pumping out an astonishing 1020 horsepower, it defies gravity and logic alike, leaving many a supercar trailing in its wake. It’s a testament to the sheer power and innovation Tesla brings to the electric vehicle market.
Futuristic Flair with a Practical Twist
The Model X’s signature gullwing doors (or “Falcon Wing” doors, in Tesla parlance) add a dash of futuristic flair and practicality, making it stand out in the crowded SUV market. They’re not just for show; they allow for easier access to the rear seats, especially in tight parking spots. However, it’s worth noting that these complex mechanisms might require some attention down the line, so if the Model X Plaid is going to be a long-term member of your garage, setting aside a budget for potential repairs could be wise.
#6 2023 Tesla Model S Plaid
When it comes to the Tesla Model S Plaid, “fast” seems like an understatement. Priced at $111,380, this beast isn’t just quick; it’s a groundbreaking marvel in the realm of electric vehicles (EVs). With a top speed of 200 mph and a jaw-dropping 0-60 mph time of 2.1 seconds, the Model S Plaid is a testament to the incredible potential of electric propulsion.
Tri-Motor Powerhouse
At the heart of the Model S Plaid’s phenomenal performance is its tri-motor setup, pumping out an astonishing 1020 horsepower. This power not only propels the car to its staggering acceleration but also contributes to its agility and handling, making it more than just a straight-line speed demon. For those looking to push this electric titan to its limits, opting for the track package unlocks its full 200 mph capability.
King of the ‘Ring
The Tesla Model S Plaid isn’t just about impressive stats; it’s a record-breaking machine, too. It currently holds the title for the fastest lap time for a production EV at the legendary Nürburgring, clocking in at 7:25 in June 2023. This achievement not only dethroned the Porsche Taycan Turbo S but also cemented the Model S Plaid’s place in automotive history.
#7 2024 Lucid Air Sapphire
With a sticker price of $250,500, it stands as the pinnacle of Lucid Motors’ engineering, a showcase of electric luxury and performance that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible. This isn’t just any electric sedan; it’s the apex predator of the EV world, thanks to its tri-motor setup that churns out a jaw-dropping 1234 horsepower and 1430 lb-ft of torque.
Unmatched Acceleration and Speed
Those power figures aren’t just for show. They translate to a blistering 0-60 mph time of just 1.9 seconds, placing the Lucid Air Sapphire in the record books as the quickest-accelerating production sedan in existence, surpassing any electric or internal combustion competitor. And with a top speed of 205 mph, it also claims the title of the fastest electric sedan on the planet.
A Milestone for Electric Performance
The Lucid Air Sapphire represents more than just speed and power. It’s a technological marvel that showcases the incredible potential of electric propulsion, combining Lucid’s advanced battery technology, aerodynamic design, and luxury craftsmanship into a package that’s as exhilarating to drive as it is to behold. This car is a testament to the electric future, proving that sustainable vehicles can deliver unmatched performance without compromise.
