10 Electric Cars That Are Faster Than They Look

Car enthusiasts seem to think electric vehicles are boring, but they’re wrong. Sure, some EVs are dull, but most are effortlessly fast and have instant torque, propelling them ahead of any sports car that dares to challenge. Best of all, these EVs are faster than they look, so you can really embarrass other drivers at the lights.

All cars, especially electric ones, are becoming technologically advanced and ever more impressive. However, electric vehicles depreciate faster than other cars. For the best of both worlds, you might like a hybrid vehicle as a solid investment.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer’s websites. These entries were chosen because they do not look like performance-based EVs, but have quick 0-60 mph times.

10

Chevrolet Bolt EV

0-60 MPH: 6.5 seconds

This unassuming small city car hides a lot. As standard, the Chevrolet Bolt EV gets plenty of features, such as Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and keyless entry and start. In terms of performance, it holds a 65 kWh battery that can hold up to 259 miles of range, which is impressive by any standard. With 200 hp and a relatively lightweight body, the Bolt EV can reach 60 mph from a standstill in 6.5 seconds, which is much faster than your average economy car with a gas engine.

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

9

Hyundai Ioniq 6

0-60 MPH: 5.0 seconds

The Hyundai Ioniq 6 looks like a car from a sci-fi movie, with its pixel headlights, active flaps, and swooping roof. Despite a long body, the Ioniq 6 is agile, and the single motor in the SE model sends 225 hp to the rear wheels to push the sedan to 60 mph in 5 seconds flat. Like most EVs with a single-speed transmission, acceleration is instant and smooth, 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

8

Lucid Air Pure

0-60 MPH: 4.5 seconds

Lucid is a young 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 has four digital screens inside. While there’s no need for that many displays, the brand wanted to show what it could do. With 430 hp on demand, this heavy sedan only requires 4.5 seconds to hit 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

7

Polestar 2

0-60 MPH: 4.5 seconds

Another subtle sedan that sees 60 mph in 4.5 seconds is the Polestar 2 Long Range Dual Motor. Some of you may remember Polestar as the performance branch of Volvo, which is why the cars share the same overall shape and Thor’s Hammer headlights. Polestar 2 was the brand’s first mainstream EV, and its refined exterior is hugely popular among executives.

Performance Specifications

Pros

• Google-based infotainment system
• Spacious throughout
• Regenerative braking

Cons

• Still suffers software glitches
• Digital key temperamental
• Steering feedback feels artificial

6

Genesis Electrified G80

0-60 MPH: 4.1 seconds

Genesis cars could easily be confused with Bentley’s

Similar to Polestar, Genesis was formerly the luxury arm of Hyundai, now a standalone brand. Still producing prestige vehicles, Genesis cars could easily be confused with Bentley’s. Other than being able to shave some time off of the 0-60 mph time, the electrified G80 looks identical to 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

5

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. While the M badge and M-style mirror caps hint at its speed, it’s hard to tell the M50 apart from the other i4 trims. With 536 hp and instant torque under foot, this German barge effortlessly sprints to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds. Despite its speed, true BMW M fans will mourn 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

4

Tesla Model Y

0-60 MPH: 3.5 seconds

Beating the M car without trying, the Tesla Model Y will complete the run in 3.5 seconds. That’s quick by electric car standards, and more so for an SUV. The Model Y is an ideal family car with a roomy cabin and up to seven seats available. It shows off Tesla Autopilot self-driving technology, and can recharge up to 80% in 15 minutes using a supercharger. No wonder it was one of 2024’s best-selling SUVs.

Performance Specifications

Pros

• Self-driving
• Rapid charging
• Acoustic glass

Cons

• Constant recalls
• Noticeable of road and wind noise
• Love-it-or-hate-it styling

3

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. This is the second electric Mercedes to wear an AMG badge, following the successful EQS. Capable of accelerating to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds, this luxury sedan packs a big battery and two powerful motors, sending 617 hp to all four wheels. The fact 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 beating
• Artificial noises
• MSRP over $100,000

2

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, but there are few clues to tell it apart from the regular Model 3, to the point where the average person in traffic has no idea how to differentiate it. That is, until it races off from a red light and passes 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 slightly worrying. With EVs becoming more popular, Tesla is introducing incentives to keep buyers intrigued.

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

1

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 ordinary traffic. However, planting the accelerator unleashes 1,020 hp and 1,050 lb-ft of torque to send this sedan hurtling to 60 mph in less than two seconds. To the best of my knowledge (and depending on the measurement protocols), this is the fastest-accelerating car in the world, and it does it while coming in 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