The Case for EV Performance Cars

The AuoMobility Roadmap – March 12, 2025

When people used to think of EVs, what sort of image would come to mind? Perhaps it would be the original Nissan Leaf… an affordable but relatively pedestrian and relaxed commuter car intended for nothing more than a typical daily commute to an office and back. Or maybe something more family oriented like the Tesla Model X. The common conception is that most EVs are somewhat uninteresting and intended to get drivers from Point A to Point B. Boasting relatively normal performance figures packaged in unremarkable bodies, EVs gained somewhat of a reputation for being both slow and dull, driving enthusiasts back towards familiar ICE vehicles where performance can be found at a reasonable price. As more and more of the industry aims to transition towards electric powertrains, manufacturers have worked hard to bring excitement to their lineups, offering mind boggling horsepower figures, eyewatering acceleration times, and growing support for track-oriented performance. Brands from established manufacturers such as Audi and Ferrari to newer upstarts like Pinanfarina and Rimac either currently have or plan to add high-performance EVs to their lineups. In this article, we will discuss the merits of some of the best high-performance EVs on the market today that are sure to draw the attention of even the staunchest ICE enthusiasts.

Surprisingly, one of the most exciting performance focused EV OEMs right now is Hyundai-Kia. Hyundai has launched the blisteringly fast Ioniq 5 N, which is the highest performance trim of the Ioniq 5. With 601 hp (which can be temporarily bumped to 641 hp) delivered through an all wheel drivetrain, the 5 N manages a ridiculously fast 3.0s 0-60 mph time. For context, the purpose-built Ferrari 488 GTB manages 0-60 mph in 3.0 seconds flat as well. These numbers alone should be enough to grab the attention of any environmentally conscious enthusiast buyer for a fraction of the price of other similarly fast ICE vehicles. A common complaint from car enthusiasts is the lack of soul/feeling from the smooth electric power delivery. Hyundai has provided a solution to this problem, installing paddle shifters which simulate a standard transmission shift when pulled by the driver. Adding this small feature makes driving the Inoqi 5 N feel much more natural and increases the vehicle’s appeal to the target demographic of enthusiast buyers. With such a strong competitor and an eye towards other high-performance projects like the N Vision 74, Hyundai shows that EVs can be really exciting and worthy of enthusiast attention.

Domestically, Ford has taken the lead with the Mustang Mach E. Aiming to provide high performance at an affordable price, Ford has electrified the venerable Mustang nameplate in a crossover body to bring accessible performance to a new generation of buyers. The Mach E’s top trim level has 480 hp and a 0-60 time of 3.3s, outpacing the standard V8 Mustang GT coupe. Dodge has followed suit, introducing the new all-electric Charger for the 2024 model year. In a similar fashion to Ford, Dodge has hoped to capture the same zeal on their latest model through the use of a storied brand name. The Charger EV, like its V8 predecessor, comes in a series of trim levels culminating with the 670 hp Daytona Scat Pack. One of the Charger’s most unique features is the Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust, which enables the vehicle to simulate the sounds of a gas powered engine. This isn’t a unique feature as other ICE vehicles are known to add engine noise to the cabin, but it is a first for the EV performance segment. Though not as fast as the old SRT Hellcats, the preservation of the Charger when other muscle cars like the Camaro and Challenger have been discontinued is a commendable effort from Dodge. These options are somewhat less expensive than their foreign counterparts, giving enthusiasts more affordable options when it comes to electric performance.

Germany’s automakers are role models for what performance EV lineups should look like. BMW, Porsche, and Audi, each known for their consistent focus on performance vehicles, have each released numerous sportscar EVs. Often based on and utilizing design language from their well known ICE lineups, these brands have set out to prove that EVs can be and are exciting for enthusiasts. BMW’s all-electric i4 M50, which is based on the regular 4-series, delivers 536 electric hp to all four wheels, giving the car a 0-60 time of 3.3s. Car and Driver notes that the M50 is faster than the enthusiast darling gas-powered M3 Competition. Priced $10k cheaper than a base M3 Competition, it shouldn’t be surprising that the i4 M50 is capable of capturing attention from buyers interested in a sports sedan. Meanwhile, Porsche’s lauded Taycan delivers everything Porsche fans want in an electric package. The top of the line Taycan Turbo S has 764 hp and can accelerate from 0-60 in 2.6s. The 911 Turbo S is only marginally faster, but will cost an arm and a leg more to purchase. Audi’s submission is the e-tron GT. Coming in three trims, with the RS Performance standing at the top, Audi manages to deliver an EV with 912 horsepower to the playing field. Well into supercar territory, the 0-60 time is yet to be revealed, but it is sure to be well under 3 seconds. Between these brands, enthusiast buyers have an excellent selection to choose from as they search for their newest sports cars.

It would be a crime to not include true EV supercars in this discussion. A series of EV supercars have been unveiled in the last year or so, ranging from the Pinanfarina Battista to the new edition of the Tesla Roadster. Rumors continue to swirl around Porsche’s EV 918 successor, a new electric Pagani, and some sort of Koenigsegg electric hypercar. Horsepower numbers for all of these vehicles are rumored to be in the 1500 hp or more zone. These cars will likely be significantly faster than what is currently possible with combustion technology, let alone naturally aspirated vehicles. For example, Rimac claims that their new C_Two will have 1,914 hp and a top speed of around 285 mph. In comparison, the Bugatti Tourbillion claims a top speed of 277 using a V16 coupled to three electric motors. Supercar and Hypercar manufacturers are running wild with electric technology, putting absolutely astonishing power into creations straight out of a cyberpunk movie.

To conclude, there are many EVs to be excited about. Fears from the enthusiast community over EVs being pedestrian and soulless are being disproven every day as OEMs become ever better at utilizing electric technology. With new features like Hyundai’s simulated transmission and Dodge’s added exhaust noise, OEMs are responding to the growing desire for amplified EV experiences. The mind boggling power put into EVs, even from more “normal” manufacturers like Hyundai, point towards a future of passion and high performance within the automotive industry. EVs should be seen as a new and thrilling advancement in automotive technology rather than a downgrade from ICE cars. It remains to be seen how this renewed horsepower arms race will play out, but it is certain that those who love fast cars will have an ever-better selection of EVs to pick from throughout the remainder of the decade.