Top 5: Fast Electric Cars

Eco-friendly Performance

Embracing change can be a daunting prospect at the best of times. As humans we are typically able to come to terms with that change and then tackle it head on, ultimately making the transition considerably more straight forward.

However, with the emergence of electric cars in recent years combining with the government ban on new petrol and diesel-powered cars being sold from 2030, there are still some minor concerns. Certainly, motorists who seek luxury and outright silence are well-catered for, but what about those who seek the occasional thrill? Could this transition to electric cars spell the end for them?

Actually, it is quite the opposite. Electric cars are notorious for providing impressive acceleration that is seemingly instant. In fact, the following list of fast electric cars is evidence that stepping away from vehicles with traditional engines is change that is worth embracing.

Jaguar I-PACE

Having been named winner of the World Car of the Year in 2019, there can be no denying the credentials of the innovative I-PACE as an all-round package. The interior is certainly an impressive place to sit, while the Pivi Pro infotainment system offers slick navigation of the menus and a vibrant display.

Being an SUV, the I-PACE is immensely practical, offering generous head and knee room for passengers alongside a capacious boot. As brilliant as the I-PACE is as an everyday vehicle, it is the performance on offer that truly stuns.

Under the handsome body is a 90kWh battery, which produces a hefty 395bhp and 500lb/ft. Combining with all-wheel drive traction, the 0 to 62mph dash is dealt with in just 4.5 seconds. Remarkably, the I-PACE feels planted through corners, meaning the power can be utilised effectively. What is more, owners will be able to travel up to 292 miles on a full charge.

MINI Electric

Introduced in 2019, the MINI Electric was designed to offer a greener alternative to the brand's established range of passenger vehicles. The company had already touched on hybrid technology with the likes of the Countryman Plug-in Hybrid, but they had never taken the plunge into electric cars before.

As you would expect from any car that wears the MINI badge, the Electric is utterly brilliant. Within the chassis is a 28.8kWh battery, which offers a range of up to 115 miles. Yet, despite the humble size, it manages to produce 181bhp, meaning the MINI Electric can complete the 0 to 62mph sprint in just 7.3 seconds. By comparison, a traditional MINI Cooper S produces 192bhp and takes 6.8 seconds to achieve the same speed.

Typical of MINI, the Electric offers genuine thrills when the going gets twisty. There is plenty of grip and the car feels flat through corners. Potent, fun and completely emissions free, this is MINI at their best.

BMW i3s

The BMW i3 has been around for a little while now and has been a solid performer for the Bavarian giants. Early models had a respectable range for city drivers, and they did offer solid performance. However, there is a variant called the i3s.

That additional single letter is important because it means the i3 gets a power hike to 181bhp from 167bhp. As a result, the i3s can dash from a standstill to 62mph in just 6.9 seconds, which is certainly brisk for a compact city car. Although, you would not feel cheated if you went for the less potent i3, as that is only 0.4 seconds slower to 62mph.

You would be mistaken for thinking the i3s cannot handle itself in corners because of its thin eco-friendly tyres and compact proportions. You would also be wrong, because the i3s feels stable and accomplished at speed.

Porsche Taycan

The stunning Taycan represented a landmark moment for Porsche, who had never created a dedicated electric vehicle up to this point. Unsurprisingly, the Taycan is a sensational car that blends battery power with the company's ability to create an unparalleled driving experience.

The amount of power you get to enjoy ultimately depends on the model selected. Entry-point models have to make do with just 402bhp, which translates to a 0 to 62mph time of 5.4 seconds. However, more potent models are available; the top-spec Taycan Turbo S produces a truly astonishing 750bhp and can achieve the 0 to 62mph sprint in just 2.8 seconds.

To put that into perspective, the Taycan Turbo S is only 0.4 seconds slower to 62mph than the Bugatti Chiron; genuinely remarkable. In addition, the Taycan offers exhilarating cornering ability, meaning every last ounce of performance can be maximised.

Mercedes-Benz EQC

There is certainly a consistent theme throughout this list. Each car mentioned so far has been that brand's first ever all-electric car. It would be a shame to break the trend now, which is why we are going to end the list with the Mercedes-Benz EQC.

Mercedes-Benz wanted to create a luxurious SUV that blended the power of tomorrow with a car of today, hence the introduction of the EQC. Underneath the elegant body is an 80kWh battery that sends 402bhp to all four wheels via two motors. The 0 to 62mph sprint only takes 5.1 seconds, which is impressive for an SUV of this size. Better yet, the EQC can travel up to 255 miles on a full charge.

The EQC may not offer the same corner ability as the other vehicles on this list, but it more than makes up for that with its opulent interior design and silent driving experience.

Powering into the future

Traditionally, going faster meant having to opt for a performance model that would then directly result in higher running costs. However, opting for any of the fast electric cars above means you can enjoy potent power delivery and an enjoyable driving experience without the associated running costs.

In addition to the above, it is evident that you can own a fast electric car without having to compromise. For example, opting for the MINI Electric means you can still enjoy affordable everyday fun, while the likes of the Mercedes-Benz EQC provide exceptional levels of luxury. In short, there is a fast electric car for every motorist.