Gas vs. Electric: Which Is Faster?

In most modern vehicles, electric is quicker for acceleration, while gas (internal-combustion) still rules peak top speed and sustained high-speed running; for trains, electric is faster, and for aircraft, gas is faster. The answer depends on what “fast” means—off-the-line pace, outright top speed, or how quickly you can complete a long trip including refueling or charging.

What “faster” really means

Speed is measured in different ways. Acceleration (0–60 mph, quarter-mile), top speed, lap consistency, and the time it takes to cover long distances including refueling or charging can each lead to different winners. Modern electric drivetrains deliver instant torque and exceptional launch control, giving them a clear edge in short sprints. Gas engines benefit from higher energy density and rapid refueling, which favors top-speed records and long-duration, high-speed runs.

Head-to-head by category

The following breakdown compares gas and electric across major categories, using recent, verified benchmarks where available.

1. 
   

   Road cars

   Acceleration: Electric dominates. Hyper-EVs such as the Rimac Nevera have recorded sub-2-second 0–60 mph launches (with rollout) and quarter-mile runs in the mid‑8s. High-performance sedans like the Lucid Air Sapphire have posted 0–60 mph around 1.9 seconds and quarter-mile times under 9 seconds in independent tests. The Tesla Model S Plaid also routinely delivers sub‑2-second 0–60 mph launches (with rollout) and ~9.2-second quarter miles.

   Top speed: Gas still holds the crown. The highest verified two-way production-car top speed remains the Koenigsegg Agera RS at 277.87 mph (2017). Bugatti’s Chiron Super Sport 300+ achieved a 304.773 mph one-way run (2019). Among EVs, the Rimac Nevera’s quoted top speed is about 258 mph, while many performance EVs are geared for 200–217 mph.

   Sustained performance: Gas cars typically maintain peak power longer thanks to rapid refueling and easier thermal management. EVs are improving quickly (e.g., Porsche Taycan Turbo GT Weissach’s record-setting laps in 2024), but repeated flat-out lapping and long-distance high-speed travel still favor ICE for now.

2. 
   

   Motorcycles

   Electric bikes can launch very hard, but top speed generally favors gas. The Lightning LS‑218 claims 218 mph for an electric production bike, while ICE machines such as the Kawasaki Ninja H2R (track-only) have been clocked over 240 mph in testing. Street-legal superbikes are typically limited near 186 mph (300 km/h).

3. 
   

   Trains

   Electric is faster. Electric high-speed rail holds records and operational advantages. France’s TGV V150 set a 574.8 km/h (357.2 mph) electric rail speed record; commercial electric high-speed services routinely operate at 300–350 km/h (186–217 mph). The fastest diesel records are far lower (e.g., the UK’s Class 43 HST at 238 km/h/148 mph).

4. 
   

   Aircraft

   Gas (kerosene) is faster by a wide margin. Turbine-powered jets dominate speed and range—historic records include the SR‑71 at Mach 3.2+. The fastest electric airplane to date, the Rolls‑Royce “Spirit of Innovation,” reached about 555.9 km/h (345.4 mph) in 2021—impressive but far below jet performance, largely due to battery energy density limits.

5. 
   

   Boats

   Electric boats have strong acceleration, but ultimate top speed belongs to gas/turbine craft. The outright water speed record stands at 511.1 km/h (317.6 mph) set by a turbine-powered boat in 1978. Modern electric speed records are improving—Vision Marine surpassed 100 mph in 2023—but still trail the fastest ICE/turbine hydroplanes by a wide margin.

Across categories, electric power shines in acceleration and efficiency where stops are short and speeds vary; gas remains superior for absolute top speed and extended high-power operation due to its vastly higher energy density and quick refueling.

Why EVs launch faster

Electric drivetrains exploit a few engineering advantages that translate into blistering short-distance performance.

• Instant torque: Electric motors deliver peak torque from zero rpm, eliminating the ramp-up needed by combustion engines.
• Simple gearing: Many EVs use single-speed gear reduction, avoiding shift delays and keeping motors in their optimal power band.
• Precise traction control: Multiple motors and millisecond torque modulation optimize grip off the line.
• Packaging and weight distribution: Battery packs low in the chassis aid traction and stability during launches.

Together, these factors make electric vehicles exceptionally quick in stoplight sprints and short, technical acceleration tests.

The “trip-time” view of fast

If “faster” means completing a long journey sooner, gas retains an advantage where charging is limited. A gasoline fill-up takes a few minutes, while even the best 800-volt EV fast charging (10–80% in roughly 15–20 minutes at high-power stations) requires planning and network availability. On shorter trips or point-to-point drives within a robust charging network, EVs can match or beat door-to-door times, especially in urban areas where their efficiency and instant torque excel.

Outside transportation: a quick note on appliances

In kitchens, “electric” often means induction, which typically boils water faster than gas due to superior efficiency and direct electromagnetic heating. Traditional resistive electric cooktops are slower; induction is the speed standout.

Bottom line

Electric is generally faster off the line and in many real-world sprints; gas is faster for ultimate top speed and sustained high-power running—especially over long distances or when refueling speed matters. Trains favor electric; aircraft favor gas. What’s “faster” hinges on the context you care about.

Summary

Electric wins acceleration; gas wins highest top speed and endurance at speed. For cars, EVs set the quickest 0–60 mph and quarter-mile times, while ICE machines still hold the fastest verified top-speed records. Electric dominates rail; gas/turbine rules aviation and ultimate water speed. Over long trips, gas is typically quicker door-to-door due to refueling time; in short, stop-and-go scenarios, electric feels—and is—faster.

Is electric faster than gas?

Yes, electric vehicles (EVs) generally offer faster acceleration than gas-powered cars because their motors provide instant torque from 0 rpm, eliminating delays from gear shifts and delivering immediate, smooth power. While many EVs outperform their gasoline counterparts in 0-60 mph tests, some high-end gas vehicles may still have higher top speeds, though EVs are continuously improving in this area. 
Why EVs have faster acceleration:

• Instant Torque: Opens in new tabElectric motors deliver their maximum torque the moment they begin to spin, resulting in instant and effortless acceleration from a standstill. 
• Single-Speed Transmission: Opens in new tabMost EVs use a single-speed transmission, which provides a continuous flow of power without interruptions from gear changes that can cause lag in gas cars. 
• No Engine Lag: Opens in new tabUnlike gas engines, which need to rev up to reach their peak power, EVs have no such lag, leading to quicker and smoother acceleration. 

Performance Considerations:

• 0-60 mph: Opens in new tabMany mainstream EVs can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under 5 seconds, a performance level that rivals many sports cars and gas-powered supercars. 
• Top Speed: Opens in new tabWhile EVs excel in quick acceleration, some gasoline cars, particularly high-end supercars, may still have higher top speeds due to limitations in current EV technology and the compromise made in their single-speed drivetrains. 

Overall:
For typical daily driving, EVs offer a significantly faster and smoother acceleration experience than gas cars due to instant torque and the elimination of gear changes. While high-performance gasoline cars may hold the edge in top speed, the performance gap is narrowing as EV technology advances.

Is gas more powerful than electric?

Consider the power demand
When reading a power tool buying guide, you’ll quickly learn that gas-powered tools generally deliver more power than electric ones.

How much electric horsepower is equal to gas horsepower?

There’s no direct conversion from electric horsepower (hp) to gas hp because electric motors deliver power differently, providing constant torque at low RPMs, which translates to quicker acceleration than a gas engine of the same horsepower. For a comparable work output, especially for applications needing strong low-end power, a gas engine might need 2 to 5 times the horsepower rating of an electric motor.
 
Why a Simple Conversion Isn’t Possible

• Torque Curve: Gas engines only reach peak horsepower within a narrow RPM range, but electric motors produce constant torque across most of their RPM range, providing instant power and quick acceleration from a standstill. 
• Efficiency: Electric motors are generally more efficient than internal combustion engines, delivering a higher percentage of their power to the task at hand. 
• Instant Power Boost: Electric motors can also supply a significant boost in power for short periods when under heavy load, unlike gas engines. 

This video explains how EV horsepower compares to gas engine horsepower: 46sElectric Vehicle InsidersYouTube · Sep 9, 2025
How to Think About It

• Look at the application: Consider the specific needs of the task. If you need high torque from a standstill, like for city driving, a lower-rated electric motor can outperform a higher-rated gas engine. 
• Consider the torque vs. speed: The “feel” of power comes from torque at different speeds, not just a horsepower number. 

You can watch this video to see a comparison of electric torque vs. gas power: 1mEngineering ExplainedYouTube · Aug 8, 2018
General Guidelines

• For similar work: Opens in new tabYou might use a gas engine with a 2 to 5 times higher horsepower rating than an electric motor to achieve similar results, especially if you need to replace a gas motor in a heavy-duty application. 
• For a specific task: Opens in new tabIf you are replacing a 5 HP gas engine with an electric motor, you would likely need an electric motor with less than 5 HP, but you’d have to check the specific motor’s specifications. 

Can an electric car beat a gas car?

The reality: EVs require much less energy to operate than gasoline-burning vehicles. In fact, with the nation’s current electricity blend, an EV requires only about half the energy needed for a gasoline-powered internal combustion engine.