Who says EVs have to be slow? Forget the stereotype of them being quiet commuters – these battery-powered four-wheelers can be real speed demons too. But what’s the fastest electric car in the world? Let’s take a look at some high-powered EVs that are rewriting the rules of speed, one charged-up mile at a time.
Let’s Unplug the Myths – What Is the Fastest Electric Car in the World?
Clocking in at 258mph, the Rimac Nevera takes the top spot. When it comes to the title of the fastest car in the world, electric vehicles are not exactly the first thing you think about, but this Croatian-based brand is here to prove that they can be as thrilling as any high-performance gas-guzzler.
The Secret Is in the Weight – Less Pounds, More Power
Tesla models and other EVs are famous for their impressive acceleration, but they often struggle to achieve top speeds due to the heavy weight of their battery packs. Rimac Nevera laughs in the face of such limitations.
With four electric motors producing a jaw-dropping 1,914 horsepower, this hypercar zooms from 0 to 60 mph in a mind-bending 1.9 seconds, topping out at a staggering 256mph. Built primarily from carbon fiber to keep weight down, the Nevera combines raw speed with luxury, resulting in a price tag of $2.5 million. It’s living, four-wheeled proof that an electric car can dominate the road without sacrificing elegance, redefining what’s possible in the process.
The Race to Go Fast Without Gas – Why Do We Care So Much About Electrifying Speed
The EV revolution was always about going green, but in recent years, it’s also about going fast. Electric cars are pushing the boundaries of speed with every new model, leaving behind their slow and steady origins for a future that’s anything but.
Lightweight materials, powerful batteries, and advanced tech are helping EVs break records, taking us closer to a world where hitting 200mph on battery power is the new normal. But why are we so hooked on speed in the first place? It might be the thrill of pushing limits, feeling that pulse-racing acceleration, or simply knowing that a four-wheeler can go faster than we’d ever dare.
Speed is about more than getting somewhere first – it’s about the excitement and the craftsmanship involved. So, there’s no reason why we should stop at just the fastest EV – here are some other pretty speedy contenders we’ll take a look at:
| Model | Top Speed | 0-60mph |
| Rimac Nevera | 258mph | 1.9 seconds |
| Tesla Roadster | 250+mph | 1.1 seconds |
| Aspark Owl | 256mph | 1.7 seconds |
| Deus Vayanne | 248mph | 2 seconds |
| Pininfarina Battista | 222mph | 1.8 seconds |
| Lotus Evija | 218mph | 3 seconds |
| Estrema Fulminea | 218mph | 1.8 seconds |
| Drako GTE | 206mph | 2.9 seconds |
| Lucid Air Sapphire | 205mph | 1.9 seconds |
| Maserati GranTurismo Folgore | 202mph | 2.7 seconds |
Tesla Roadster – The (Almost) Legendary Speedster That Keeps Us Waiting
Back in 2008, Tesla burst onto the scene with the original Roadster, the first four-wheeler to wear the now-famous badge. The original looked like a Lotus Elise with a tech makeover, but in 2017, Tesla revealed the Roadster 2.0, giving it a fresh, unmistakable look the brand is known for.
The Roadster 2.0 has originally been promised for 2020, but here we are in 2024, and the wait isn’t over yet. However, even after all these years, the specs keep the excitement and anticipation going. The Roadster 2.0 boasts two motors on the rear and one up front, delivering a wild 7,376 lb/ft of torque. This insane power propels it from 0 to 60 mph in a neck-snapping 1.89 seconds.
Not enough? Tesla plans to offer a SpaceX package – yes, with rocket thrusters – bringing the 0-60 time down to just 1.1 seconds. With a top speed of over 250mph and an eye-popping range of 620 miles, the Roadster 2.0 may just make it worth the wait.
Aspark Owl – Japan’s Electric Speed Machine With Wings
The Aspark Owl swooped into the EV world with style, marking Japan’s debut in the full-electric hypercar scene. A notable contender for the title of the world’s most powerful electric vehicle, it’s a high-tech marvel wrapped in featherweight carbon fiber. It’s fast, it’s rare, and it’s definitely not shy about turning heads. Here are the specs:
- Four motors combining for 1,984 horsepower and 1,475 lb/ft of torque,
- 0 to 60mph time of just 1.72 seconds,
- Top speed at a sky-high 256mph,
- A 280-mile range,
- Limited to 50 units, with a $2.8 million price tag.
Deus Vayanne – The New Kid on the Speed Block
In just two years, the Austrian brand Deus Automobiles has taken the EV world by storm. Founded in 2020, this brand made a serious entrance with the Deus Vayanne, whose unveiling at the 2022 New York Auto Show has sparked quite a bit of interest. Sure, the Vayanne has stirred up some controversy for its “creative inspiration”, but let’s be honest – this advanced design could make even seasoned supercars jealous.
But plagiarism or not, this four-wheeler is set to be a powerhouse, Boasting over 2,200 horsepower, it promises a 0-60mph time of 1.99 seconds and a top speed of 248mph. Limited to only 99 units and with a price tag just shy of $2 million, the Vayanne isn’t just fast – it’s a rare, high-speed work of art.
Pininfarina Battista – Italy’s Lightning-Fast Luxury
The Pininfarina Battista combines pure Italian flair with mind-bending speed. Under the hood, this electric supercar is powered by four permanent magnet synchronous motors. This combination produces a colossal 1,900 horsepower and 1,741 lb/ft of torque.
The Pininfarina Battista rockets from 0 to 60mph in 1.79 seconds and hits 186mph in just 10.5 seconds. While originally estimated to reach 217mph, professional driver Renuka Kirpalani took it up to a blistering 222mph. Limited to only 150 units with prices starting at $2.2 million, the Battista is as exclusive as it is fast.
Honorable Mentions – Speedy Sidekicks That Almost Stole the Spotlight
Not every speedster can claim the top spot, but plenty of them deserve a mention at least. They’re just as important in the hypercar world – the ones with serious power, looks, and style but who might not have quite the record-breaking stats. And while they might not hold the crown, they definitely know how to turn heads. Here are the notable mentions:
Lotus Evija
Announced a few years back, the limited-production Lotus Evija still ranks as one of the world’s fastest street-legal cars. Made almost entirely of carbon fiber, this hypercar was designed to slice through the air like a missile, boasting one of the sleekest, most aerodynamic bodies around.
The Evija’s quad-motor setup – an electric motor for each wheel – cranks out an astounding 1,973 horsepower. Lotus claims this electric beast can reach a blistering 218mph. Moreover, with a range of about 250 miles, you’ll have plenty of time to show off its speed before needing a recharge. To take one home, though, you’d need to part with $3 million – pocket change for the ultimate electric thrill ride!
Estrema Fulminea
Italian automaker Estrema has entered the race for the world’s fastest EV with its jaw-dropping Fulminea. With production underway and only 61 units to be built, this electric hypercar is all about extreme performance and aerodynamic design.
Made largely from carbon fiber, the Fulminea packs a mighty punch with four electric motors, delivering a combined 2,040 horsepower. Powered by a 100-kWh battery, it offers a range of 323 miles. This beast will rocket to 200mph in under 10 seconds, eventually topping out at 218mph. And if you’re wondering about the price tag – brace yourself because just like the other hypercars, this one is also quite expensive, set at $2.3 million.
Drako GTE
The Drako GTE is one powerful beast – and it’s a four-seater, to boot! This EV packs four individual magnet hybrid synchronous motors, delivering a whopping 1,200 horsepower and an astounding 6,490 lb/ft of torque, making it one of the most potent four-wheelers you can bring the whole family in.
Its power comes from a cutting-edge 90-kWh, 450-volt battery made of 10,000 cells, giving it a range of up to 250 miles. Borrowing design elements from the Karma Revero GT, the GTE amps up the luxury factor with a unique flair. With a top speed of 206mph and limited to only 25 units, this $1.3 million EV is both exclusive and undeniably electrifying.
Lucid Air Sapphire
The Lucid Air Sapphire is this brand’s answer to the Tesla Model S Plaid, and it made quite the entrance at the 2022 Monterey Car Week. This powerhouse EV boasts Lucid’s top-tier tri-motor setup, churning out a whopping 1,234 horsepower.
With a range of 427 miles, a 0-60mph time of just 1.9 seconds, and a top speed of 205mph, the Sapphire isn’t just fast – it’s built for serious performance. Limited in production and priced at $249,000 (plus a $1,500 destination charge), the Lucid Air Sapphire is ready to compete in the high-speed luxury EV market.
Maserati GranTurismo Folgore
The latest Maserati GranTurismo has plenty of surprises, and the biggest one is the all-electric GranTurismo Folgore. Powered by three permanent magnet motors, the Folgore puts out 762 horsepower in most driving modes. A 92.5-kWh battery gives it a range of 240 miles and the advantage of fast charging.
With a 270-kW connection, it can add 60 miles in just five minutes. With a 0-60mph time of 2.7 seconds and a top speed of 202mph, this EV brings style, speed, and the classic Maserati thrill factor to the electric world.
Wrapping up the Electric Speed Race – Who Needs Gas, Anyway?
Electric cars aren’t just catching up to their gas-powered rivals – they’re blowing past them with style. With automakers around the world racing to push the limits of speed, power, and luxury, the future of high-speed EVs is looking brighter (and faster) than ever before. You really don’t need gasoline to leave everyone else in the dust!
