September 16, 2019 By Brady Holt, Charles Krome
Electric vehicles aren’t necessarily known for their performance. Many of the most popular EVs, like the popular Nissan LEAF, are affordable economy cars that focus on efficiency. But electric vehicles also have a performance advantage: They deliver peak torque right off the line, helping them whisk you quickly up to speed — and in eerie near-silence at that.
That’s why a growing number of luxury vehicles now use all-electric powertrains. Not only can they provide economical, eco-friendly transportation, but they also can offer phenomenal performance. We’ve rounded up the 10 fastest electric vehicles — in an approximate descending order, based on manufacturer and third-party acceleration data — so keep reading to learn about their advantages.
1. 2019 BMW i3
September 16, 2019 By Brady Holt, Charles Krome
The BMW i3 is a uniquely styled head-turner, both inside and out. It’s a spacious, versatile vehicle that’s also small enough to be an excellent city car. And even though it’s been around for a few years, it’s still one of the fastest electric vehicles. Expect it to go from 0 to 60 mph in less than 7 seconds, especially if you choose the sportier “i3s” model.
The i3 doesn’t challenge similarly priced electric vehicles for its range per charge, which the EPA estimates at 153 miles, at the equivalent of 113 miles per gallon (called MPGe). But an available gasoline engine can recharge the vehicle as you drive, and you can quickly refill its little 2.4-gallon tank as often as you like when you can’t recharge. Prices start at $44,450 and buyers can take advantage of a $7,500 federal tax credit.
2. 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV
September 16, 2019 By Brady Holt, Charles Krome
The Chevrolet Bolt EV is another usefully roomy, all-electric tall hatchback. But it has a couple of key advantages over the BMW: It’s much less expensive and it can go a lot farther on a single charge. And although most of today’s fastest electric vehicles are luxury vehicles, this little Chevy can hustle from zero to 60 in less than seven seconds. It’s also agreeable agile and fun to drive.
The Bolt EV debuted back in 2017 with a range of 238 miles per charge, which improves to 259 miles for the 2020 model year. It averages 118 MPGe, and starts at $37,495 before its federal tax credit. Buy it before the end of September 2019 and you can get a $3,750 federal tax credit; it drops to $1,875 after the end of March 2020 and then disappears entirely after that.
3. 2019 Audi e-tron
September 16, 2019 By Brady Holt, Charles Krome
The all-new 2019 Audi e-tron is a mid-size luxury crossover that hits the market as one of the fastest electric vehicles. This spacious, luxuriously finished five-passenger vehicle can zip from 0 to 60 mph in less than six seconds.
The e-tron doesn’t have the wild styling of some electric luxury cars, but it’s among the most opulent. And it can travel an EPA-estimated 204 miles per charge while achieving 74 MPGe. Prices start at $74,800, cushioned by a $7,500 federal tax credit.
4. 2020 Mercedes-Benz EQC
September 16, 2019 By Brady Holt, Charles Krome
It’s not yet on sale as of this writing, but the 2020 Mercedes-Benz EQC luxury crossover will be among the fastest electric vehicles available. Like the Audi e-tron, it could pass for a conventional gas-only crossover to the untrained eye, without wild styling cues to scream “I’m electric!” The EQC is slightly smaller than the e-tron, based on Mercedes’ compact GLC.
But the EQC is — Mercedes promises a 0-60 time of just under 5 seconds. What’s more, while official EPA range estimates aren’t yet available, expects the EQC’s scores to land between 220 and 240 miles per charge. Expect the EQC’s starting price to be somewhere in the $70,000s before its $7,500 tax credit.
5. 2020 Jaguar I-Pace
September 16, 2019 By Brady Holt, Charles Krome
The Jaguar I-Pace is a futuristic-looking all-electric crossover, with a low roof, big wheels, and a stubby, pugnacious little front end. And even though it’s been on sale for more than a year, it’s still faster than its new and upcoming rivals from Audi and Mercedes-Benz, though less spacious.
The I-Pace can get from 0 to 60 mph in the low-4-second range, and drivers will also enjoy its athletic handling. Its EPA range estimate is 234 miles per charge, at a rate of 76 MPGe. Prices start at $69,850 before a $7,500 federal tax credit.
6. 2020 Aston Martin Rapide E
September 16, 2019 By Brady Holt, Charles Krome
While many of the fastest electric vehicles are useful hatchbacks and crossovers, the new 2020 Aston Martin Rapide E is all about style, performance, and exclusivity. It’s an all-electric version of the company’s four-door luxury sports sedan, and while it doesn’t broadcast its eco-friendly credentials, the Rapide is going to turn heads whether it has the electric motor or the standard gasoline-powered V12 engine.
Aston Martin says the Rapide E can accelerate from 0 to 60 in less than 4 seconds and achieve a range per charge of about 200 miles. Prices aren’t yet available as of this writing but are expected to be north of $300,000. The company will only build 155 Rapide E vehicles, so get your financing pre-approved now before they’re all sold. The good news is that you get a $7,500 tax credit.
7. 2020 Porsche Taycan
September 16, 2019 By Brady Holt, Charles Krome
The first all-electric Porsche is about to hit the market, and it promises to be one of the fastest electric vehicles on the market. The new 2020 Porsche Taycan is a four-door sedan that can hit 60 mph in less than 3.5 seconds. And while some electric cars quickly see their batteries run out if you drive hard, Porsche pledges you can do at least 10 sprints before your performance starts to wane.
The Taycan promises brilliant driving dynamics and an all-electric range that will likely top 250 miles per charge. Prices will start at about $150,000 when it goes on sale in late 2019, before the $7,500 federal tax credit.
8. 2019 Tesla Model 3
September 16, 2019 By Brady Holt, Charles Krome
Tesla was the first company to make all-electric cars into high-end luxury performance vehicles, and its three current products remain the fastest electric vehicles. The “slowest” of these models is the Tesla Model 3 compact sedan, the brand’s cheapest vehicle.
The Model 3 is available with a choice of battery sizes and varying performance levels, but properly equipped, Tesla says this sedan can go from 0 to 60 in a supercar-rivaling 3.2 seconds. Even the slowest Model 3 version is among the fastest electric cars, rushing to 60 mph in less than 6 seconds. The Model 3 can travel up to 310 miles per charge while averaging up to 133 MPGe. Prices start at $38,990, and Tesla vehicles qualify for a $1,750 federal tax credit through the end of 2019.
9. 2019 Tesla Model X
September 16, 2019 By Brady Holt, Charles Krome
The Tesla Model X luxury crossover is the company’s second-fastest vehicle. The Model X is also the only all-electric car with three rows of seats, and it comes packed with wildly unique features like rear gullwing doors and a plus-size windshield.
Like other Teslas, you get a choice of performance and range capabilities. The Model X’s extra-cost “Ludicrous Mode” can cut its 0-60 time to a, well, ludicrous 2.7 seconds. And even normal Model X vehicles can reach 60 mph in less than 4 seconds. Ranges reach up to 325 miles per charge, and efficiency is up to 96 MPGe. The Model X is priced from $84,990.
10. 2019 Tesla Model S
September 16, 2019 By Brady Holt, Charles Krome
The Tesla Model S dates all the way back to 2012, but a flurry of mainstream and even exotic newcomers haven’t challenged it for straight-line speed. This full-size liftback may not be as flashy as a new Porsche or Aston Martin, and its interior may not be as meticulously crafted. But it can hit 60 mph in as little as 2.4 seconds when properly equipped.
The Model S can travel up to 370 miles per charge while achieving up to 111 MPGe. As with other Teslas, performance, range, and efficiency vary by the battery you choose. Prices start at $75,000.
