Best Electric Sports Cars Based on Design & Speed
Electric sports cars are redefining the automotive world, delivering stunning performance, sleek designs, and advanced technology that challenge or even surpass their petrol-powered predecessors. With dual and quad electric motors providing instant torque, these high-performance EVs bring an exhilarating driving experience. Here, we take an in-depth look at the best electric sports cars, comparing design, performance, and innovative features that make them the new icons of the sports car world.
What Defines a Great Electric Sports Car?
A great electric sports car is a perfect blend of speed, handling, and aesthetics. Thanks to the power of electric motors, these electric sports cars can deliver instantaneous acceleration and remarkable torque, making them ideal for both straight-line speed and agile cornering. Key qualities of true sports car include high-performance electric motors, advanced aerodynamics, lightweight construction, and cutting-edge battery technology that allows rapid recharging and long-range capabilities. From sleek, futuristic designs to explosive acceleration times, these electric cars are proving that sports cars can be just as thrilling without a petrol engine.
Top Electric Sports Cars Based on Design & Speed
Porsche Taycan
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Pros:
- Exceptional handling and precise steering for an engaging driving experience
- Ultra-rapid charging capability with Porsche’s advanced charging network
- Luxurious, well-crafted interior with Porsche’s minimalist control layout
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Cons:
- Four-door design sacrifices some sports car aesthetics
- Higher price point compared to similar electric models
The Porsche Taycan is a luxurious yet thrilling four-door electric performance car that combines Porsche’s iconic design with cutting-edge electric performance. With dual electric motors producing 750 horsepower in the Turbo S model, the Taycan rockets from 0-60 mph in just 2.6 seconds. Equipped with Porsche’s ultra-rapid charging system, compatible with many Level 2 EV chargers, it also offers the convenience of a quick recharge, enhancing its usability for daily and long-distance driving. The Taycan’s spacious, minimalist interior and all-wheel-drive system make it a top choice for those who seek both performance and luxury in a high-end EV.
Rimac Nevera
Image courtesy of Rimac
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Pros:
- Unmatched acceleration and top speed among electric and petrol vehicles
- High-tech torque vectoring for improved handling precision
- Carbon fiber construction for added strength and reduced weight
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Cons:
- Extremely high cost, reserved for only a select few buyers
- Limited real-world practicality due to exclusivity and specialized maintenance needs
The Rimac Nevera is a hypercar with a striking aerodynamic design and a carbon-fiber body. Known as one of the world’s fastest electric production cars, it boasts four electric motors with a combined output of 1,914 horsepower, propelling it from 0-60 mph in a record-breaking 1.74 seconds. This car’s advanced torque vectoring system ensures exceptional handling, making it as agile as it is powerful. With its high price tag and exclusive nature, the Nevera is built for those who want extreme performance and exclusivity.
Tesla Model S Plaid
Image courtesy of Tesla
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Pros:
- Exceptional acceleration and impressive range on a single charge
- Advanced semi-autonomous driving features, including Autopilot
- Comfortable interior with high-tech features like a large touchscreen interface
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Cons:
- Minimalist interior design may lack luxury appeal for some buyers
- Tesla’s Autopilot feature may still require driver attentiveness and improvements
Tesla’s Model S Plaid blends practicality with high performance, delivering over 1,000 horsepower from its three electric motors. It reaches 0-60 mph in less than two seconds, with a top speed of 200 mph. The Model S Plaid’s minimalist, tech-forward interior includes Tesla’s Autopilot, adding semi-autonomous driving capabilities. With Tesla’s Supercharger network for rapid charging, this high-performance electric sedan provides both thrilling speed and everyday usability.
Audi RS e-tron GT
Image courtesy of Audi
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Pros:
- Smooth and controlled driving experience with high-speed cruising capabilities
- Luxurious, comfortable interior with Audi’s attention to detail
- Dual motor powertrain offers excellent handling and stability
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Cons:
- Limited storage capacity compared to other sports cars
- Higher price tag within its performance category
The Audi RS e-tron GT combines luxury with sports car performance. Sharing its platform with the Porsche Taycan, it boasts two electric motors producing 637 horsepower, reaching 0-60 mph in just over three seconds. The Audi e-tron GT features Audi’s adaptive air suspension, which provides smooth handling on highways and city streets alike. With its refined interior and multiple drive modes, the RS e-tron GT offers a blend of performance and comfort ideal for daily use and long road trips.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
Image courtesy of Hyundai
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Pros:
- Adjustable handling and driving modes cater to various driving styles
- Spacious interior, making it practical for family use
- Fast charging capability for reduced downtime
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Cons:
- Not as agile on tight roads due to larger dimensions
- Lower battery efficiency compared to other EV sports cars
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N stands out with its unique, retro-modern design and versatile performance. Powered by dual motors producing 641 horsepower, it accelerates from 0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds. The Ioniq 5 N also includes a “Drift Mode” that allows rear-wheel power for added fun. With a practical interior and fast-charging capability compatible with Level 1 EV chargers for home charging and Level 2 chargers for faster recharges, this electric hot hatch is suitable for both track days and daily driving.
Pininfarina Battista
Image courtesy of Pininfarina
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Pros:
- Luxurious design with high-end materials and Italian styling
- Extremely fast acceleration and top-tier performance metrics
- Advanced torque vectoring for superior handling and stability
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Cons:
- Premium price tag, making it inaccessible for most buyers
- Limited practicality and high maintenance requirements
The Pininfarina Battista combines Italian luxury with hypercar performance. Built on the same platform as the Rimac Nevera, it has four motors delivering 1,900 horsepower and accelerates from 0-60 mph in under two seconds. The Battista’s refined design and luxury-focused interior, paired with the power and convenience of compatibility with Tesla chargers and adapters, make it as visually stunning as it is powerful, and appealing to those who seek an exclusive, high-end electric sports car.
Kia EV6 GT
Image courtesy of Kia
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Pros:
- High performance in a practical crossover design
- Spacious, tech-focused interior with ample cargo space
- Fast charging and long range make it ideal for road trips
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Cons:
- Heavier and less agile due to SUV body style
- Lacks the exclusivity and speed of higher-end sports cars
The Kia EV6 GT offers high performance in a practical SUV crossover design. With 585 horsepower from its dual-motor setup, it accelerates from 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds. Its spacious cabin, fast-charging capability, and all-wheel drive make the EV6 GT a versatile choice for those who want a high-performance EV that can handle both daily commutes and weekend adventures.
Key Considerations When Choosing an Electric Sports Car
Battery Range and Fast Charging
For any electric sports car, battery range and charging speed are vital. Vehicles like the Porsche Taycan and Tesla Model S Plaid offer ultra-rapid charging, minimizing downtime and maximizing time on the road. Tesla's robust Supercharger network puts sports cars and the Model S Plaid at an advantage with access to more than 6,000 fast charging locations nationwide. However, it's worth noting that Porsche is one of the first automakers to switch to the North American Charging Standard (NACS), so the Taycan may be getting access to Superchargers soon via a NACS adapter.
Drive Modes and Customizability
Many of these cars include adjustable drive modes, such as Drift Mode in the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, which allows drivers to tailor performance to their preferences. Customization options enhance the driving experience, catering to both novice and experienced drivers.
Weight and Handling
Electric vehicles are heavier than petrol-powered models due to battery weight. However, innovations in carbon fiber construction and efficient battery placement have allowed car makers to improve handling in cars like the Lotus Evija and Audi RS e-tron GT.
Cost vs. Performance
High-performance EVs often come with a premium price. However, best electric sports cars, like the MG Cyberster and Kia EV6 GT, when paired with a range of cost-effective EV chargers, offer great value, making electric sports cars more accessible than ever.
FAQs
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The Rimac Nevera is currently the fastest EV car in the world, achieving a top speed of 258 mph. This hypercar uses four electric motors to produce 1,914 horsepower, making it the fastest electric production car. Its design and battery system are optimized for both straight-line speed and handling on the track.
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Yes, Toyota has plans to make an electric sports car as part of its shift toward EVs, with concepts such as the Toyota GR FT-Se already shown. Toyota aims to bring more electric car models into its lineup, potentially targeting the electric vehicle sports car segment with a range of high-performance and eco-friendly options.
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Yes, Lamborghini is developing an electric vehicle, with its first fully electric model expected around 2028. Lamborghini is gradually moving towards electrification with hybrid models like the Sián, but its future EV will embody Lamborghini’s iconic design and performance characteristics with a fully battery-powered engine.
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Yes, Honda's premium brand Acura has confirmed plans to develop an electric sports car similar to the NSX, set to launch around 2027 or 2028. This upcoming model will be built on Honda's new '0-series' electric platform, which emphasizes a thinner and lighter design for enhanced performance.