10 Electric Cars That Are Faster Than They Look
Car enthusiasts sometimes seem to think that electric vehicles are boring. While some EVs may be a little dull, many are effortlessly quick and have instant torque, allowing them to easily outpace any sports car that dares to challenge them. Better yet, some of these EVs are faster than they appear, making them ideal for surprising other drivers at a stoplight.
All vehicles, especially electric ones, are becoming increasingly advanced and impressive from a technological perspective. However, electric vehicles tend to depreciate faster than other types of cars. For those interested in the best of both worlds, a hybrid vehicle might represent a more solid investment.
The data used to compile this article was sourced from the websites of various manufacturers to provide the most current and accurate information possible. These entries were selected because they don’t look like performance-based EVs, but they have quick 0-60 mph times.
Chevrolet Bolt EV
0-60 MPH: 6.5 seconds
This unassuming small city car offers a lot. The standard Chevrolet Bolt EV provides many features, like Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and keyless entry and start. In terms of performance, it has a 65 kWh battery that has up to 259 miles of range, which is impressive by any standard. With 200 hp and a relatively lightweight body, the Bolt EV can go from 0 to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, which is significantly faster than a typical gas-powered economy car.
Performance Specifications
Pros
- 259 miles of range
- One-pedal driving
- Premier trim has DC fast charging
Cons
- Small trunk
- Poor infotainment system
- Now discontinued; you’ll have to buy used
Hyundai Ioniq 6
0-60 MPH: 5.0 seconds
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 looks like something from a science fiction film, with its pixel headlights, active flaps, and swooping roof. While its body is long, the Ioniq 6 handles well, and the single motor in the SE model sends 225 hp directly to the rear wheels, pushing the sedan to 60 mph in 5 seconds. Like most EVs with a single-speed transmission, the acceleration is immediate and smooth, much like an airplane taking off.
Performance Specifications
Pros
- RWD setup is more engaging than most EVs
- Modern cabin
- Advanced driver-assistance systems
Cons
- Unique styling not for everyone
- Limited rear headroom
- Poor efficiency
Lucid Air Pure
0-60 MPH: 4.5 seconds
Lucid is a relatively new automaker, proudly producing the American EV with the longest driving range. The Lucid Air Pure is more aerodynamic than a Mercedes-EQ EQS sedan without looking like a bubble, and it has four digital screens inside. While that many displays may not be necessary, the brand wanted to show what it could do. With 430 hp on tap, this heavy sedan only takes 4.5 seconds to reach 60 mph.
Performance Specifications
Pros
- Impressive amount of standard technology
- Bright, airy interior with glass canopy
- Best-in-class range
Cons
- Heavy can hinder handling
- Too reliant on touchscreens
- Expensive
Polestar 2
0-60 MPH: 4.5 seconds
Another subtle sedan that reaches 60 mph in 4.5 seconds is the Polestar 2 Long Range Dual Motor. Some may remember Polestar as the performance division of Volvo, which is why the cars share a similar overall shape and Thor’s Hammer headlights. The Polestar 2 was the brand’s first mainstream EV, and its refined exterior is extremely popular with executives.
Performance Specifications
Pros
- Google-based infotainment system
- Spacious throughout
- Regenerative braking
Cons
- Still suffers software glitches
- Digital key temperamental
- Steering feedback feels artificial
Genesis Electrified G80
0-60 MPH: 4.1 seconds
Genesis cars could easily be mistaken for Bentleys. Similar to Polestar, Genesis was formerly the luxury arm of Hyundai but is now a standalone brand. Genesis still produces prestige vehicles that could be confused with Bentleys. Apart from being able to shave time off of its 0-60 mph time, the Electrified G80 looks the same as the gas version, giving the impression of a mellow executive car.
Performance Specifications
Pros
- Looks more expensive than it is
- Classy interior
- Reliable
Cons
- Narrow trunk opening
- Less range than competitors
- Cabin space smaller than gas-only model
BMW i4 M50
0-60 MPH: 3.7 seconds
Electric power alone wasn’t enough for BMW, so they decided to add an M performance touch to create the BMW i4 M50. The M badge and M-style mirror caps hint at its speed, but it isn’t easy to distinguish the M50 from the other i4 trims. With 536 hp and instant torque, this German vehicle effortlessly sprints to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds. Despite its speed, true BMW M fans may miss the sound of a loud exhaust.
Performance Specifications
Pros
- Stylish design
- Signature BMW driving dynamics
- Impressive performance
Cons
- Cramped rear seats
- Not the latest infotainment
- Doesn’t feel like an M car
Tesla Model Y
0-60 MPH: 3.5 seconds
Surpassing the M car without trying, the Tesla Model Y will complete the run in a mere 3.5 seconds. That’s speedy by electric car standards and even more so for an SUV. The Model Y is a great family car with a roomy cabin and available seating for up to seven people. It showcases Tesla Autopilot self-driving technology and can recharge up to 80% in 15 minutes using a supercharger. It’s no wonder it was among the best-selling SUVs of 2024.
Performance Specifications
Pros
- Self-driving
- Rapid charging
- Acoustic glass
Cons
- Constant recalls
- Noticeable road and wind noise
- Love-it-or-hate-it styling
Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 4MATIC+
0-60 MPH: 3.2 seconds
Similar to the BMW i4 M50, Mercedes-AMG gave the EQE sedan the Affalterbach treatment. Following the successful EQS, this is the second electric Mercedes to wear an AMG badge. Capable of accelerating to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds, this luxury sedan packs a large battery and two powerful motors, sending 617 hp to all four wheels. The fact that it is electronically limited to 149 mph is probably a good thing.
Performance Specifications
Pros
- Luxurious interior
- MBUX infotainment system with AI assistant
- All-wheel drive
Cons
- Range takes a hit
- Artificial noises
- MSRP over $100,000
Tesla Model 3 Performance
0-60 MPH: 2.9 seconds
Entering the sub-three-second realm, the Tesla Model 3 Performance is specifically designed to be fast, though it’s difficult to distinguish it from the regular Model 3. The average person in traffic will likely have no idea of the car’s capabilities. Until, that is, it races from a red light, reaching 60 mph in the blink of an eye. The fact that anyone can order this supercar-fast EV online for less than $60,000 is somewhat startling. As EVs become more popular, Tesla introduces incentives to keep buyers interested.
Performance Specifications
Pros
- Practical performance car
- Unassuming looks
- Quick recharge
Cons
- Most functions are on the touchscreen
- Larger wheels create more noise
- Some owners report battery overheating
Tesla Model S Plaid
0-60 MPH: 1.99 seconds
The Tesla Model S Plaid is the ultimate sleeper car. Like the Model 3, it blends in with regular traffic. However, pressing the accelerator unleashes 1,020 hp and 1,050 lb-ft of torque, which sends this sedan to 60 mph in under two seconds. As far as I know (and depending on measurement protocols), this is the fastest-accelerating car globally, which is especially impressive considering its price of under $100,000.
Performance Specifications
Pros
- Eye-watering performance
- Advanced driving technology
- Spacious and comfortable
Cons
- Awkward steering yoke
- Unsettled damping
- Starts to wander at high speed
