The Fact
EVs accelerate faster than your average gas-powered car. One of the fastest cars on the market today is an all-electric supercar, the Rimac Nevera, which rockets from 0 to 60 km/h in just 1.74 seconds and reaches top speeds of 258 mph. But you don’t need a supercar to feel the difference, even your average EV is quicker than its petrol or diesel equivalent.
Image Source: Top Gear, 2024.
Where Did This Myth Come From?
So, why do people still believe EVs are slow? It’s all about perception. Many people confuse the silence of an EV to mean it’s lacking in speed and performance when in reality electric motors are simply more efficient than traditional combustion engines. People often assume if they can’t hear the roar of an engine, it must not be powerful.
EVs deliver full torque right away, and instant acceleration. Gas-powered engines, on the other hand, need to rev up and pass through gears before reaching their peak performance, slowing things down. With fewer moving parts and no need for a gearbox, EVs get their power to the wheels faster, making them quicker off the mark.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Need proof? Let’s look at the numbers:
- The Tesla Roadster can launch from 0 to 60 mph in a jaw-dropping 1.1 seconds.
- The Lucid Air Saphire can launch from 0 to 60 mph in a powerful 1.89 seconds
- The Tesla Model S isn’t far behind, hitting 60 mph in just 1.9 seconds.
These numbers show that EVs not only keep up but outperform many of their gas-powered competitors in speed and torque. Torque is what gets you that quick acceleration, and EVs, with their electric motors, have the edge when it comes to torque strength.
The Bottom Line
EVs are anything but slow. Not only do they offer an eco-friendly alternative to traditional vehicles, but they also bring some serious speed to the table. Whether you’re merging onto a highway or taking off from a stoplight, EVs give you the acceleration and performance to make every drive an exciting one.
So, the next time someone tells you EVs are slow and weak, you can confidently set the record straight. EVs are fast, efficient, and make every drive an enjoyable one.