Are electric cars really faster?

Generally yes—electric cars are usually quicker in short bursts, especially 0–60 mph and quarter-mile sprints, thanks to instant torque and precise traction control. But “faster” depends on what you measure: many gas cars still lead on top speed and can sustain performance longer at high speeds or over repeated track laps.

What “faster” actually means

Speed can be measured in several ways, and the answer changes with the metric. Understanding the common benchmarks helps explain where EVs dominate and where gas cars still shine.

• 0–60 mph: A launch metric. EVs often win due to instant torque and all-wheel-drive traction.
• Quarter mile (402 m): A broader straight-line test. Top-tier EVs are among the quickest production cars ever made.
• 60–130 mph (97–209 km/h): A measure of midrange/highway pull. Some EVs taper here due to gearing and power limits.
• Top speed: An aerodynamic and gearing battle. Gas hypercars still hold the highest verified figures.
• Track lap time and repeatability: Tests handling, heat management, and sustained power. This is improving for EVs but remains a challenge for many models.

Taken together, these metrics show why an EV can feel “faster” day to day, even if a gas car holds records in top-speed or endurance scenarios.

Why EVs launch so hard

Several engineering advantages give electric cars their headline-grabbing acceleration off the line.

• Instant torque: Electric motors deliver peak torque from zero rpm, eliminating the need to build revs.
• Fine-grained traction control: Millisecond-level torque modulation across multiple motors maximizes grip on launch.
• No shift delays: Most EVs use single-speed gearboxes, avoiding shift interruptions under full throttle.
• Low-speed efficiency: Electric drivetrains are highly efficient at urban and suburban speeds where launches happen.
• Packaging and weight distribution: Battery placement can lower the center of gravity, aiding traction on takeoff.

These traits mean many EVs feel “effortlessly quick,” translating to consistent, repeatable launches without advanced driving technique.

Where EVs can be slower

Electric powertrains have trade-offs that affect high-speed and long-duration performance.

• Thermal limits: Batteries, inverters, and motors can heat-soak, reducing power after repeated hard runs or extended track use.
• Vehicle mass: Large battery packs add weight, which can hurt braking, tire wear, and cornering stamina.
• Gearing at high speed: Single-speed setups can run out of mechanical leverage at very high velocities; some EVs limit top speed.
• Energy density and replenishment: Gasoline packs more energy per kilogram and is refueled in minutes, favoring endurance racing and sustained lapping.
• Aerodynamic penalty at speed: EVs are efficient, but high-speed power demands rise steeply with drag, quickly taxing battery output.

Manufacturers are addressing these limits with better cooling, lighter packs, multi-speed gearboxes (as seen on some performance EVs), and advanced software, but physics still sets boundaries.

What recent records and tests show

Production EVs currently dominate short-distance acceleration. The Tesla Model S Plaid regularly posts ~2-second 0–60 mph times (with rollout on a prepped surface), and the Lucid Air Sapphire has been independently tested in the high-8-second range in the quarter mile—supercar territory for a four-door sedan. Hyper-EVs like the Rimac Nevera have amassed a suite of verified acceleration and braking records and carry a top-speed rating around 258 mph.

On road courses, EVs are catching up fast. In 2024, Porsche’s Taycan Turbo GT with the Weissach package set a production EV lap record on the Nürburgring Nordschleife at 7:07.55, aided by extensive thermal management and chassis tuning. That said, many mainstream EVs still dial back power after repeated hot laps unless equipped with track-oriented cooling and brake packages.

Top speed remains a stronghold for internal combustion. The Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+ achieved a one-way verified 304.773 mph run, a benchmark no production EV has yet matched. In specialized drag setups, gas cars can also post extraordinary numbers; the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170, for example, has recorded quarter-mile times in the 8s on a prepared strip.

Everyday context: commuting and overtakes

In daily driving, most EVs feel quicker than comparable gas models because throttle response is immediate and smooth. Family EV crossovers typically run 0–60 mph in roughly 5–7 seconds—snappier than many non-performance gasoline counterparts. Highway passing is also strong up to typical legal speeds, though some EVs lose steam beyond 100 mph where gearing and thermal limits start to loom.

How to decide what “faster” means for you

If you’re weighing performance for a purchase, align the specs with how you’ll actually drive. These steps help translate numbers to real-world satisfaction.

1. Prioritize your metric: Launch feel (0–60), highway surge (60–100/130), track durability, or brag-worthy top speed.
2. Check independent tests: Look for third-party timing with methodology notes (e.g., whether “1-foot rollout” is used).
3. Assess repeatability: Seek data on back-to-back runs or sustained lapping to gauge heat management.
4. Consider tires and brakes: Performance rubber and uprated brakes often decide real-world outcomes more than peak horsepower.
5. Test in your conditions: Temperature, road surface, and altitude can change results; a test drive reveals drivability beyond the spec sheet.

Matching the car’s strengths to your priorities—drag launches, track days, or fast touring—will matter more than chasing the single biggest number.

Bottom line

Electric cars are truly faster in the sprints most drivers feel: they launch harder and post astonishing quarter-mile times, often eclipsing similarly priced gas cars. But at sustained high speed, over repeated hard laps, or in absolute top-speed records, internal combustion still has the edge—at least for now. As EV cooling, gearing, and battery tech continue to improve, the performance gap will keep shifting.

Summary

Yes, EVs are generally faster off the line and in short straight-line tests due to instant torque and precise traction control. Gas cars tend to lead in top speed and can better sustain peak performance over long, hot runs. The “faster” choice depends on whether you value explosive launches, midrange pull, track endurance, or ultimate v-max.

Are electric cars faster than regular cars?

Yes, many electric cars (EVs) are faster than regular gas-powered cars, particularly in acceleration from 0 to 60 mph, due to the instant and consistent torque electric motors provide from a standstill. However, “fast” depends on the specific models, as there are high-performance gas cars and slower EVs, but the trend is that EVs offer impressive power and acceleration compared to their gasoline counterparts, with some reaching supercar levels of speed. 
Why EVs Accelerate Faster

• Instant Torque: Opens in new tabUnlike internal combustion engines (ICE) that need to rev to a certain point to reach peak torque, electric motors deliver maximum twisting force (torque) immediately. 
• No Transmission Lag: Opens in new tabElectric vehicles often use single-speed transmissions or direct-drive systems, eliminating the need for multi-gear downshifts to get immediate power. 
• Consistent Power Delivery: Opens in new tabThe torque curve of an electric motor remains strong across a wide range of speeds, providing consistent acceleration. 

Performance Comparisons

• Supercar Acceleration: Some high-end EVs, like the Tesla Model S Plaid and the Porsche Taycan Turbo S, offer acceleration times of under 3 seconds, rivaling or surpassing many gas-powered supercars. 
• Mainstream Performance: Many standard EV models, including some SUVs, can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under 5 seconds, which is faster than many conventional sports cars. 
• Varying Models: While performance models are very fast, it’s still possible to find gas cars that are quicker than some basic electric cars, and vice-versa. 

The Trend of Increasing Speed 

• Technological Advancements: As EV technology continues to improve, with advancements in batteries, motors, and materials, EVs are becoming faster.
• Future Potential: Experts expect future EVs to continue increasing in speed, with the goal of achieving 0-60 mph times of under 2 seconds.

What is the biggest disadvantage of electric cars?

Electric Cars – What are the downsides to electric cars?

• Their batteries need rare metals.
• Making electric cars creates more emissions.
• They are only as green as their power sources.
• Electric cars can be expensive to buy.
• You can’t drive as far in an electric car.
• There aren’t enough charging points.

How fast do electric cars go from 0 to 60?

2021 Tesla Model S Plaid: 0–60 MPH in 2.1 Seconds.

Do you still get 45p a mile for an electric car?

Yes, you can claim 45p per mile for the first 10,000 miles when using a personal electric car for business purposes. This rate applies to all cars, regardless of their fuel type (petrol, diesel, hybrid, or electric).