How fast can an electric car go from 0 to 60?

The quickest street-legal electric cars can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in roughly 1.7–2.0 seconds under ideal conditions (often with a “1-foot rollout” used in timing), while track-only EVs with extreme downforce systems have demonstrated launches approaching 1.4 seconds. Most performance EVs fall in the 3–4 second range, and mainstream models are typically between 5–7 seconds. Below is a look at the current benchmarks, what influences these times, and how different EV segments compare.

Today’s benchmarks: the fastest verified EV sprints

Independent instrumented tests over the past few years have established a handful of EVs as the 0–60 mph pace-setters. The figures below note whether a 1-foot rollout—a common drag-strip timing convention that slightly reduces the reported time—was used, and indicate the context in which the runs were recorded.

• Rimac Nevera — about 1.74 seconds (with 1-foot rollout). Recorded during a 2023 record session at Germany’s Automotive Testing Papenburg, with independent timing and media present.
• Pininfarina Battista — about 1.79 seconds (with 1-foot rollout). Verified during record attempts publicized in 2023 following earlier demonstrations in 2022.
• Lucid Air Sapphire — about 1.89 seconds (with 1-foot rollout). Instrumented media tests in 2023–2024 have repeatedly logged sub-2.0-second launches under optimal prep.
• Tesla Model S Plaid — roughly 1.98–2.1 seconds (with 1-foot rollout, depending on surface and prep). Independent tests have shown ~2.0 seconds on a prepped drag surface and ~2.1 seconds on ordinary pavement.
• Track-only benchmark: McMurtry Spéirling (fan-assisted downforce) — reported near 1.4 seconds (not road-legal; specialized aero and tires). Demonstrations and timing from hillclimb and test sessions indicate extreme off-the-line performance.

Taken together, these results show that the fastest road-legal EVs have compressed the 0–60 sprint to a band around two seconds, with specialized, non-road-legal machines pushing lower still thanks to unconventional downforce and weight.

What determines an EV’s 0–60 time?

Even the same car can produce different numbers on different days. That’s because short sprints are highly sensitive to test protocols and conditions. The points below capture the biggest variables that shape the final time you’ll see on a stopwatch.

• Traction and surface prep: High-grip surfaces (prepped drag strips with VHT) reduce wheelspin and improve launches, often trimming tenths.
• Tires and temperature: Soft-compound performance tires at the right temperature deliver far better bite than all-season rubber, especially below 40–50°F (5–10°C).
• Battery state-of-charge and conditioning: Many EVs need 70–90% state of charge and preconditioning to deliver peak power.
• Powertrain “launch” modes: Dedicated drag or launch-control modes optimize torque delivery, axle load transfer, and thermal limits.
• Weight and balance: Lower mass and rearward weight transfer aid traction; heavy vehicles can still be quick if traction and power are abundant.
• Altitude and weather: Thinner air at elevation reduces aero drag but also reduces tire and surface grip; cold batteries limit power output.
• Measurement method: A 1-foot rollout yields a quicker reported time than a pure “first-motion” measurement; the difference is commonly ~0.1–0.3 seconds.

Because these factors interact, published 0–60 figures should be read as “best-case under stated conditions.” Real-world launches on ordinary roads are often a few tenths slower.

How different EVs stack up by segment

While halo cars dominate headlines, most buyers compare within a class. The following ranges reflect typical, independently measured results for current models as of 2024–2025, recognizing that exact times vary by tire, surface, and test protocol.

• Hypercar/ultra-performance EVs: about 1.7–2.0 seconds (e.g., Rimac Nevera, Pininfarina Battista; limited production, optimized conditions).
• Super sedans: about 1.9–3.0 seconds (e.g., Lucid Air Sapphire, Tesla Model S Plaid, high-spec Taycan variants).
• Performance crossovers/SUVs: about 3.0–4.5 seconds (e.g., Tesla Model X Plaid, Kia EV6 GT, Hyundai Ioniq 5 N).
• Mainstream compact/midsize EVs: about 5.0–7.0 seconds (e.g., Tesla Model 3/Y mainstream trims, VW ID.4, Hyundai Ioniq 6, Chevrolet Equinox EV).
• Entry-level and efficiency-focused EVs: about 7.0–9.0 seconds (lighter-duty powertrains and eco tires prioritize range over thrust).
• Electric pickup trucks: about 3.0–6.5 seconds (e.g., Rivian R1T and GMC Hummer EV near the quick end; Ford F-150 Lightning and work-oriented trims slower).

These bands illustrate how far acceleration has spread across the market: even family crossovers commonly out-accelerate yesterday’s sports cars, while top-tier EVs operate at the limits of road-legal traction.

Why EVs are so quick off the line

Electric powertrains have structural advantages in short sprints. Instant torque from zero rpm, fine torque vectoring across multiple motors, and the absence of gearshifts in many designs deliver seamless thrust. Software can precisely meter power to the wheels with millisecond responsiveness, extracting near-maximum grip without the delays or shift shock common to combustion drivetrains.

About 0–60 measurements: rollout, units, and repeatability

Timing conventions matter. Many U.S. outlets use a 1-foot rollout drawn from drag-racing practice, which typically shaves a couple of tenths versus a true first-motion measurement. Results are also reported in mph (0–60 mph) or km/h (0–100 km/h); note that 100 km/h is 62 mph, so those times are slightly longer than 0–60 mph runs. Even with identical cars, a swing of ±0.1–0.2 seconds between credible tests is normal.

Summary

The fastest road-legal electric cars can now reach 60 mph in roughly 1.7–2.0 seconds under optimal, rollout-aided conditions, with specialized track-only EVs dipping toward 1.4 seconds. For most shoppers, performance EVs in the 3–4 second bracket and mainstream models in the 5–7 second range define today’s real-world landscape. As tire tech, software, and thermal management improve, expect the cutting edge to remain near two seconds—ultimately limited more by traction and physics than by power alone.

How fast can a Tesla go from 0 to 60 mph?

2.9 seconds2
2.99% APR Available. Experience our latest generation Performance drive unit—the most powerful ever fitted to Model 3, enabling more than 500 horsepower and 0 to 60 mph in as little as 2.9 seconds2.

What does it cost to charge an electric car for 1 hour?

Charging an electric car for one hour can cost between $1 and $5 for a Level 2 charger or between $10 and $30 for a Level 3 DC Fast Charger, but the actual price depends on factors like the charging station’s location, the specific network, the car’s battery size, and the local cost of electricity. Home charging is generally the cheapest option, with costs depending on your local electricity rates, while public charging costs vary significantly. 
Factors influencing the cost

• Charger Type: Level 2 chargers are cheaper per hour but provide less range per hour, while Level 3 DC fast chargers offer rapid charging at a higher price per hour or kWh. 
• Location and Network: The cost of public charging varies depending on the location and the charging network (e.g., Tesla, EVgo, Blink Charging). 
• Electricity Costs: The price of electricity, also known as the cost per kilowatt-hour (kWh), is a major factor in calculating charging costs. 
• Home vs. Public Charging: Charging at home is typically much cheaper than using public chargers, especially if you take advantage of off-peak, time-of-use rates offered by your utility. 
• Vehicle Specifics: The size and efficiency of your electric vehicle’s battery will determine how much energy is needed to charge it and, therefore, the total cost. 

Examples of charging costs per hour

• Level 2 Public Chargers: Opens in new tabThese typically cost between $1 and $5 per hour, providing about 28 miles of range per hour of charging. 
• Level 3 DC Fast Chargers: Opens in new tabThe hourly cost varies but is often around $15 per hour, though some can be significantly more depending on the charger’s output and the vehicle’s capacity. 

How to find the most accurate cost for your situation

1. Check your utility bill: Opens in new tabFind your local electricity rate, especially any off-peak or time-of-use rates, to understand your home charging cost. 
2. Use charging apps: Opens in new tabMany apps, like those from ChargePoint or PlugShare, display real-time costs and locations for public chargers near you. 
3. Check charging network websites: Opens in new tabWebsites and apps for networks like EVgo and Electrify America provide pricing information for their stations. 

Are all electric cars as fast as Tesla?

The Lucid Air Sapphire is the fastest mass-produced electric car, with a top speed of 205 mph. The quickest EV is the Tesla Model S Plaid, with a 0-60 mph time of 2.3 seconds in Edmunds’ testing. If you’re thinking “Aren’t fast and quick the same thing?” Not quite.

What is the fastest 0 to 60 time for an electric car?

The Rimac Nevera is the fastest electric car in the world for 0-60 mph, achieving the sprint in a documented 1.74 seconds. Among mass-produced EVs, the Lucid Air Sapphire is the quickest, with a 0-60 mph time of 1.89 seconds, followed by the Tesla Model S Plaid at 1.99 seconds.
 
Here’s a breakdown of some of the fastest electric cars by their 0-60 mph times: 

• Rimac Nevera: 1.74 seconds
• Lucid Air Sapphire: 1.89 seconds
• Tesla Model S Plaid: 1.99 seconds
• Porsche Taycan Turbo GT Weissach: 2.1 seconds
• Tesla Cybertruck Cyberbeast (Beast): 2.5 seconds
• Rivian R1S Quad Max Ascend: 2.6 seconds
• Hyundai Ioniq 5 N: 2.8 seconds

Key Takeaways

• The term “fastest” is often used for top speed, while “quickest” refers to acceleration (like 0-60 mph). 
• Hypercars like the Rimac Nevera offer extreme performance but are very limited in production and extremely expensive. 
• Mass-produced EVs are catching up, with several models achieving 0-60 mph times under 3 seconds.