The electric car revolution is well underway, as we all know. Although gas-powered cars will be around for a little while longer, and if the whole synthetic fuel thing works out, even longer than that, there are some very clear benefits of switching to an electric car. Dedicated EVs have a lot more room inside due to their components being situated lower, maintenance costs are lower, there's no discernible sound and there's more room for some incredible advanced technology.
One of the most talked about benefits regarding electric cars is their acceleration. Thanks to the fact that electric motors generate their peak torque instantly, including from a standstill, electric cars with decent horsepower outputs can seriously move, no matter how heavy they may be. Most electric cars have some type of governor on the top speed, but their 0-60 times range from pretty brisk to breakneck.
10 Porsche Taycan Turbo S - 2.6 Seconds
The Porsche Taycan was definitely worth the wait. Even though it's very expensive, it's one of the most complete and well-rounded EV packages available on the market right now. It all speaks for itself; the Taycan has outsold Porsche's very own 911 by a decent amount over the past two years.
The top of the line Taycan Turbo S has 751 hp, and even though it's a pretty heavy car, it's very, very fast. With Launch Control enabled, it accomplishes the 0-60 sprint in just 2.6 seconds, and there hasn't been a single person that hasn't been blown away by the Taycan's acceleration.
9 Jaguar I-Pace - 4.0 Seconds
Jaguar is set to become a full EV brand by 2025, and their transition began in 2017 with the introduction of the I-Pace. It's Jaguar's first ever dedicated electric car, and like with so many other automakers' first EVs, it's a crossover SUV.
The I-Pace has been struggling to stay relevant, as the competition is fierce, but there's plenty to like about it. It looks great, it drives really well, the technology is great, and it offers a range of 253 miles, which is pretty good. What's more, the fastest model will do 0-60 in just 4 seconds. It won't tear your face off, but it's not exactly slow either.
8 Audi RS e-tron GT - 3.3 Seconds
The rather confusingly named Audi e-tron GT is Audi's take on the Porsche Taycan. It's built upon the same platform as the Taycan, but it features a unique Audi spin on the electric sedan idea. Looks fabulous, doesn't it? From what we've heard, it's a fantastic EV package as well.
Like most other Audi models, the e-tron GT gets an RS version. This one features a dual electric motor setup with a total output of 637 hp. That's a pretty high number, although not as much as the Taycan Turbo S. As a result, the 0-60 time is a little slower at 3.3 seconds. Still, that's very, very fast.
7 Tesla Model 3 Performance - 3.1 Seconds
In terms of a new car causing a stir, none can quite match the Tesla Model 3. It was the "$35,000" Tesla model that was promised for the longest time to consumers, and it turned out to be a pretty excellent EV. However, there are now some quite good alternatives that challenge its throne.
Tesla is proud of their cars' 0-60 times, so much so that they take center stage on the website, setting aside the horsepower output. The Performance edition of the Model 3, with launch control enabled, can achieve 0-60 in just 3.1 seconds.
6 Lucid Air Dream Edition - 2.5 Seconds
Ever since it debuted in 2018 in prototype form, the Air was promised to be Lucid Motors' answer to the seemingly unstoppable Tesla Model S. 2021 finally brought along the production version of the Air, and it's certainly one of the most talked about electric cars of the moment.
The Air looks fantastic, and it offers a truly eyebrow-raising range with the right equipment; over 500 miles, according to Lucid Motors. The fastest current model, the Dream Edition, can do 0-60 mph in a brisk 2.5 seconds. All while cocooning the driver and passengers in total luxury and serenity.
5 Tesla Model S Plaid - 1.99 Seconds*
Notice the asterisk after the time up there. That's because the newly updated, 1,020 hp Model S Plaid can do 0-60 mph in 1.99 seconds, but only in certain circumstances. As discovered by Engineering Explained, when Tesla tested the Model S Plaid's 0-60 time, they disregarded the first foot of the run, which meant that the sprint to 60 was measured after the car had already hit around 6 mph.
In reality, the 0-60 time of the Model S Plaid is around 2.3 seconds or thereabout. The statistics may be a little off, but that doesn't mean the Plaid's acceleration is anything less but spectacular. Plus, it's one of the first ever EVs to dabble with the 200 mph barrier.
4 Mercedes EQS580 - 4.1 Seconds
Mercedes-Benz is very serious about the EV revolution, and it's a fact that they are making darn sure that everyone knows. Their first EV to sit on a dedicated platform is the EQS, and it's essentially a battery-powered S-Class. With slightly controversial styling, but an electric S-Class nonetheless.
Indeed, that's how Merc is pitching the EQS, it's even in the name. Before full-fat AMG versions arrive, the fastest version of the EQS you can order right now is the 580, which does 0-60 in around 4.1 seconds. That might not be tear-your-face-off fast, but you have to consider the weight of the EQS, and also its far more impressive statistic; a claimed range of around 600 miles.
3 Tesla Model X Plaid - 2.5 Seconds
The Model S is not the only model in the Tesla stable to get the Plaid treatment; the Model X SUV is available with the same tri-motor powertrain and 1,020 hp as well. Even though the pricing on the Model X is quite steep, it's definitely a worthy family SUV, especially in the realm of battery-powered ones.
The Model X has always been very fast, but the Plaid promises to take that to a whole new level. While it hasn't entered production just yet, Tesla claims the Model X Plaid can complete the 0-60 sprint in 2.5 seconds. If that turns out to be true, the Model X Plaid is set to become the fastest accelerating SUV in the world right now.
2 Ford Mustang Mach-E GT - 3.7 Seconds
People weren't exactly impressed when Ford announced they'd be putting the Mustang name on a battery-powered SUV a couple of years ago. But, the Mustang Mach-E turned out to be a surprisingly good EV, and a great alternative to the likes of the Tesla Model Y.
Being a Mustang, it was only natural that a GT version was never too far behind. It's now here, and it's set to offer dynamics and levels of fun previously unseen on crossovers. Only a dual motor version is available, with a total system output of 480 hp and a 0-60 time of 3.7 seconds.
1 Audi e-tron S - 4.3 Seconds
The first dedicated electric Audi was the e-tron SUV in 2019. It's about the same size as the Q7, but it's a little more aerodynamic, and it sits a little lower to the ground. Plus, it was recently given a better estimated range, thanks to the magic of software updates.
With this being an Audi, an S version debuted back in 2020. Available in both the regular e-tron and the coupe-like e-tron Sportback, the e-tron S definitely makes it clear that it's the performance model. A three-motor setup delivers 496 hp (with boost activated), and a brisk 0-60 time of 4.3 seconds.