Summary
- The automotive industry is shifting towards the mass production of electric vehicles (EVs) due to increasing demands and tighter emissions regulations.
- EVs offer advantages such as instant torque and quick acceleration, outperforming internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles in these areas.
- There are several lesser-known EV models with significant potential in terms of performance and design that consumers may overlook, including the Maserati GranTurismo Folgore, BYD YangWang U9, and Piëch GT.
In the ever-evolving landscape of technological advancements, a notable shift has emerged within the automotive industry. A trend fueled by the demands of the modern era, a trend that could change the face of the industry as we know it. We are talking, of course, about electrification and the mass production of EVs. Multiple states are already set to ban the sale of new internal combustion engines by 2035, and emissions regulations are getting tighter with each passing day, leading numerous automotive manufacturers to shift towards the production and commercialization of these electrifying marvels. Featuring sleek and minimalist futuristic designs, EVs have witnessed a surge in popularity among enthusiastic consumers.
The appeal of these new EVs extends beyond their appearance since their major advantage lies in their instant torque and ballistic acceleration, a realm where ICE-powered vehicles struggle to keep up. As the production of these EVs rises, so does the competition in the EV market. Old players like Audi and Porsche have already produced EVs with some ridiculous acceleration numbers, and new manufacturers like Rimac, with their astonishing Nevera breaking the world record for breaking world records, are entering the fray as well. Amidst this competitive atmosphere, numerous new EVs that show significant potential often remain overlooked. To shed light on these hidden gems, here is a list of 10 Electric Performance Cars that may have easily evaded your notice.
10 Maserati GranTurismo Folgore
Starting Price: $215,000 (est.)
Renowned luxury Italian manufacturer Maserati has embraced the changing landscape of the automotive industry by introducing its magnificent GranTurismo Folgore. Powered by a trio of motors generating an impressive 818 horsepower, this car can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under 2.8 seconds. Starting at $215,000, the GranTurismo Folgore may be on the higher end of the price spectrum but Maserati’s commitment to elegant design is evident, and the GranTurismo Folgore is sure to catch everyone’s eye as it cruises silently down the road.
Maserati GranTurismo Folgore Specs
Motors |
Two Electric Motors |
---|---|
Power |
818 horsepower |
Torque |
995 pound-feet |
0-60mph |
2.7 seconds |
Range |
240 miles |
Top Speed |
200 mph |
The car is equipped with an 83.0-kWh battery pack, allowing for a comfortable driving range of approximately 240 miles. The GranTurismo nameplate is known for its classy exterior design, and the GranTurismo Folgore signifies its inevitable electric future. The GranTurismo Folgore may not come cheap, but it has a set of unique characteristics that justify its price and ensure that it is not an electric vehicle that should be dismissed easily.
9 BYD YangWang U9
Starting Price: $150,000 (est.)
Chinese manufacturers have stepped up its game, both in terms of mass produces vehicles and performance cars. BYD is the largest Chinese EV manufacturer, and one of the largest in the world, and the YangWang U9 is the pinnacle of its design so far. Set to be priced at $150,000, the YangWang U9 boasts an eye-popping 1100 horsepower and BYD claims a swift acceleration time of 0-60 mph in under two seconds, placing it in the same league as the Rimac Nevera.
BYD YangWang U9 Specs
Motors |
Four electric motors |
---|---|
Power |
1,100 horsepower |
Torque |
944 pound-feet |
0-60mph |
2 seconds |
Range |
435 miles (CLTC cycle) |
Top Speed |
150 mph |
The YangWang U9 also possesses a rather unique ability, one that allows it to lift all four wheels off the ground simultaneously, allowing it to drive on three wheels or even perform a dance from a standstill. BYD is planning to expand to the U.S. market soon and If the numbers hold up, the YangWang could make quite the splash in the performance EV market. China is sort of a dark horse right now in the EV market, and the BYD YangWang U9 is certainly not a car that performance car enthusiasts should overlook.
8 Piëch GT
Starting Price: $200,000 (est.)
Manufactured by the Swiss brand Piëch, the GT is all set to become a potential and formidable competitor for renowned brands like Tesla and Porsche. With a 600-horsepower tri-motor powertrain, this beast can reach 125 mph in under nine seconds, promising an exhilarating driving experience. Moreover, the GT is rumored to feature a nifty little trick up its sleeve. The GT is equipped with a modern infotainment system that keeps track of your driving habits, offering a high-tech solution that few other cars do.
Piëch GT Specs
Motors |
Three electric motors |
---|---|
Power |
603 horsepower |
Torque |
N/A |
0-60mph |
Three seconds |
Range |
300 miles (WLTP cycle) |
Top Speed |
155 mph |
Its design elements, including a side profile resembling a Ferrari California and headlights that can’t help but remind you of a Porsche, undoubtedly make this car one that isn’t easy to be overlooked. Piëch is a relatively new player in the market since it was only founded in 2017, but GT showcases the brand’s commitment to innovation and excellence, and it has the potential to make a significant impact in the world of high-performance electric vehicles.
7 Polestar 6
Starting Price: $100,000 (est.)
Volvo-owned Polestar is looking to make a big splash in the EV market, and the Polestar 6 might be its biggest bet. The Polestar 6 is set to debut in 2026 and so far, the numbers look really processing. Polestar says the dual-motor-powered roadster will produce an astonishing 884 horsepower and be capable of reaching 60 mph in just 3.2 seconds.
Polestar 6 Specs
Motors |
Two electric motors |
---|---|
Power |
884 horsepower |
Torque |
664 pound-feet |
0-60mph |
3.2 seconds |
Range |
300 miles |
Top Speed |
155 mph |
EV performance isn’t just measured by acceleration, though, and Polestar has made some big claims in that department as well. If it manages to deliver the same 300 miles of range as advertised and makes it to the market on its much-anticipated date, it could well and truly be capable of taking on all the big-name players currently available. Keep your eye on this one!
6 BMW i4 M50
Starting Price: $69,700
The BMW i4 is a great car that hasn’t been a runaway success. Known for its performance numbers is the top-of-the-line M50 variant. At first glance, with its four doors and iconic BMW kidney grille on display, you would never really imagine that this beauty is at the pinnacle of EV performance, but the i4 M50 is equipped with two powerful electric motors that produce a combined 536 horsepower, allowing it to achieve a 0-60 mph of under 3.3 seconds and making it a force to be reckoned with.
2023 BMW i4 M50 Specs
Motors |
Two electric motors |
---|---|
Power |
536 horsepower |
Torque |
586 pound-feet |
0-60mph |
3.3 seconds |
Range |
245 miles |
Top Speed |
139 mph |
The car also boasts an 81.5-kWh battery that promises a driving range of 245 miles, and the interior is characterized by a massive, seamless display spanning almost two-thirds of the dashboard. With a starting price of $69,700, the BMW i4 stands out as an appealing choice for those seeking a relatively affordable yet high-performance luxury EV.
5 Tesla Model 3 Performance
Starting Price: $53,250
Tesla still reigns supreme over the EV market and is changing the face of performance EVs as we know it. While the record-breaking Model S Plaid gets all the plaudits, there is another model that often gets overlooked as a performance EV, and we thought it definitely deserves a mention here as it brought ‘performance’ to the mass market. The Model 3 is known for its relatively affordable price tag and impressive driving range, but getting the Performance package changes the game entirely. This particular variant is powered by two electric motors that combine to produce almost 450 horsepower and allow it to accelerate at break-neck speeds.
2023 Tesla Model 3 Performance Specs
Motors |
Two electric motors |
---|---|
Power |
450 horsepower |
Torque |
480 pound-feet |
0-60mph |
3.1 seconds |
Range |
315 miles |
Top Speed |
162 mph |
The Model 3 Performance is capable of going from 0-60 mph in just 3.1 seconds, 0-100 mph in 8.2 seconds, and reaching a top speed of about 162 mph. These acceleration numbers put it in the same bracket as many ICE-powered supercars, even though it also happens to be one of the best-selling mass-produced vehicles on the market right now, a fact that should not be diminished.
4 Lucid Air Sapphire
Starting Price: $249,000
To people who are used to the drastic differences between family sedans and performance supercars in the traditional automotive market, the Lucid Air Sapphire is sort of an enigma. Often dismissed due to its large family sedan appearance, the Sapphire serves as a perfect example of why one should never judge a book by its cover. With an otherworldly 0-60 time of just 1.89 seconds, it is currently one of the fastest-acceleration cars in the world.
2022 Lucid Air Sapphire Specs
Motors |
Three electric motors |
---|---|
Power |
1,200 horsepower |
Torque |
TBA |
0-60mph |
Less than 2 seconds |
Range |
TBA |
Top Speed |
205 mph |
The Sapphire derives its power from a mind-boggling 1200-horsepower tri-motor powertrain, enabling it to reach a top speed of 205 mph. Additionally, its 112.0-kWh battery pack grants it one of the longest ranges among electric vehicles. Although the Lucid Air Sapphire comes with a price tag of $250,000, it surpasses all previous benchmarks of performance, making it impossible to be overlooked.
3 Fisker Ronin
Starting Price: $80,000 (est.)
Fisker is back, and hoping to be back with a bang. While the new Ocean SUV is a more family-oriented vehicle, it is also working on something that is a different beast altogether. The Ronin is currently in the pipeline with Fisker aiming to start production in late 2024. As of now, it remains a concept car showing a set of exceptional features, and only time will unveil whether Fisker can live up to its ambitious promises. Presently, Fisker assures that the vehicle will be equipped with a powerful set of motors that could potentially achieve a remarkable 0-60 mph time of around two seconds.
Fisker Ronin Specs
Motors |
Three electric motors |
---|---|
Power |
TBA |
Torque |
TBA |
0-60mph |
2 seconds |
Range |
600 miles |
Top Speed |
TBA |
In addition to its ballistic acceleration, the Ronin is projected to cover an impressive distance of around 600 miles on a single charge, something a lot of people are skeptical about. Not much can be said about the Ronin until it reaches production and is tested in the real world, but that doesn’t mean it you shouldn’t be keeping your eye on it.
2 Lotus Evija
Starting Price: $2,300,000 (est.)
Lightweight, ridiculously overpowered, and priced just below $2,300,000, the Lotus Evija is the quintessential electric hypercar, Much like most hypercars, the Evija remains a rare sight since its introduction in 2019 and has been slowly slipping under the radar after being plagued with delays. With four powerful electric motors generating around 2000 horsepower, it could very well be one of the most powerful EVs on the market when it does become available.
Lotus Evija Specs
Motors |
Four electric motors |
---|---|
Power |
1,971 horsepower |
Torque |
1,254 pound-feet |
0-60mph |
2.9 seconds |
Range |
250 miles |
Top Speed |
200 mph |
Typical of Lotus sports car, the Evija has an extremely lightweight and agile construction, and what truly sets the Evija apart is its remarkably reduced charging time. Utilizing advanced technology, it takes a mere 12 minutes to reach an 80 percent charge and only 18 minutes for a full charge, rivaling the speed of refueling at a gas pump. Additionally, Lotus expects an impressive 250-mile driving range for this hypercar, making the Evija the most prominent contender to the record-shattering Rimac Nevera.
1 Aspark Owl
Starting Price: $2,800,000
The Aspark Owl is the first-ever Japanese electric hypercar, and the numbers it delivers are astounding. The Owl is powered by four electric motors that produce a total of 1,985 horsepower, enough for the car to go from 0-60mph in just 1.69 seconds and achieve a top speed of 249 mph. The styling is absolutely immaculate, and the Owl looks like a car from the future.
Aspark Owl Specs
Motors |
Four electric motors |
---|---|
Power |
1,984 horsepower |
Torque |
1,475 pound-feet |
0-60mph |
1.7 seconds |
Range |
250 miles |
Top Speed |
250 mph |
The Owl’s lightweight carbon fiber body helps to improve its aerodynamics and efficiency, while its large battery pack ensures a driving range of around 250 miles on a single charge. This combination of performance and practicality makes the Aspark Owl a truly unique and exciting car and one that