Get ready to be blown away by the incredible speed demons of the electric world! We're about to dive into a list of the 32 fastest electric vehicles (EVs) on the planet, and trust me, some of these will leave you in awe. But here's where it gets controversial... not all of these vehicles are what you'd typically think of as 'cars'. From trains to planes and even motorcycles, these EVs are pushing the boundaries of speed and innovation. So, buckle up and let's explore this electrifying list!
1. Volkswagen ID.R: 170 mph
This ludicrous electric racer was built with one mission: to shatter records. And shatter them it did! With a time of under 8 minutes at Pikes Peak, it also conquered Goodwood and the Nürburgring. The secret? A massive wing, 670 bhp, and a lightweight design under 1,100 kg, resulting in a top speed of 170 mph.
2. Formula E (Gen 2): 174 mph
When Formula E hit the scene in 2014, it brought with it cars capable of 270 bhp and a 0-62 mph time of 3.0 seconds. But the Gen 2 cars took it up a notch, with 335 bhp, a quicker sprint to 62 mph in 2.8 seconds, and a top speed increase to 174 mph. And the Gen 3s? They're even faster, pushing the limits of what's possible in city-center races.
3. Maserati GranCabrio Folgore: 180 mph
Drop-top electric sports cars are rare gems, and the Maserati GranCabrio Folgore is undoubtedly one of the most stunning. With three electric motors producing 750 bhp, it accelerates from 0-62 mph in 2.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 180 mph. A true beauty with performance to match.
4. Porsche Taycan Turbo GT Weissach: 190 mph
The Taycan Turbo GT with Weissach Package set a four-door lap record at the Nürburgring in 2024, with a time of 7m 07.55s. While that record has since been broken, the Weissach version is 75 kg lighter than the standard model and shaves off a tenth of a second in the 0-62 mph sprint, topping out at 190 mph.
5. Nio EP9: 195 mph
The Chinese-built Nio EP9 made headlines in 2017 when it smashed the 'Ring lap record with a time of 6m 45.9s. Developed with Formula E expertise, it was built to Le Mans LMP1 regulations, packing four motors producing 335 bhp each. Only 16 of these beauties were ever made.
6. Formula E (Gen 3): 200 mph
You read that right! The latest Formula E cars can reach a top speed of 200 mph, despite the close-quarter battles in city centers. The fastest recorded speed during a race was 152 mph at Portland, with the fastest average speed of 104 mph at the same circuit. Talk about an adrenaline rush!
7. Damon HyperSport Premier: 200 mph
Canadian startup Damon Motorcycles' HyperSport Premier boasts an impressive set of specs: 200 hp (197 bhp), 200 Nm (148 lb-ft) torque, a top speed of 200 mph, and a range of 200 miles. But it's not just about the numbers; its innovative CoPilot protection system, including cameras and sensors, has people talking.
8. Maserati GranTurismo Folgore: 202 mph
After the drop-top, it's time for the tin-top version. The GranTurismo Folgore also packs three electric motors producing 750 bhp, accelerating from 0-62 mph in 2.7 seconds and reaching a top speed of 202 mph. A true powerhouse for those seeking speed and style.
9. Lucid Air Sapphire: 205 mph
Another luxury saloon from a Silicon Valley carmaker, the Lucid Air Sapphire, is the top-of-the-line version with its tri-motor setup. With 1,217 bhp, it sprints from 0-60 mph in 1.89 seconds and reaches a top speed of 205 mph. But do we really need that much performance in a family car? It might just be a recipe for motion sickness!
10. Eurostar: 208 mph
Connecting the UK and Europe through the Channel Tunnel, the Eurostar's fastest recorded top speed is 208 mph, set just before public services began in 2003. With a top operational speed of 186 mph, it carries 19.5 million passengers annually, ensuring a safe and speedy journey.
11. Extra 330 LE: 213 mph
Electric propulsion isn't just limited to the ground. The Extra 330 LE aerobatic plane set three new records in 2017, reaching a top speed of 213 mph, an altitude of 3,000m in 4mins and 22secs, and becoming the first electric aircraft to tow a glider. An impressive feat, but with a 20-minute flight limit, it's a short-lived thrill.
12. Xiaomi SU7 Ultra: 217 mph
The Xiaomi SU7 Ultra took the four-door lap record at the Nürburgring, beating the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT Weissach by 2.5 seconds. With a weight reduction of 500 kg compared to the standard SU7, it sprints from 0-62 mph in 1.97 seconds and reaches an astonishing top speed of 217 mph.
13. Lotus Evija: 217 mph
The Lotus Evija has been a long time coming, first unveiled in 2019. With 2,011 bhp and 1,257 lb-ft supplied by four electric motors, it accelerates from 0-62 mph in 2.9 seconds and has an electrically limited top speed of 217 mph. A true powerhouse among EVs.
14. Lightning LS-218: 218.637 mph
American bikemaker Lightning has a history of electric motorcycle speed records, and the Lightning Superbike is the current champ. It reached a top speed of 218.637 mph in 2011, and has held the title of the world's fastest street-legal production electric motorcycle ever since.
15. Al Boraq: 222 mph
Africa's first high-speed railway, the Al Boraq, opened in 2018, connecting Casablanca and Tangier in Morocco. During testing, it hit a top speed of 222 mph, although in public service, it runs at a maximum of 199 mph. A significant milestone for African transportation.
16. Pininfarina Battista: 222.4 mph
The Pininfarina Battista is the first road car to wear the Pininfarina badge and is the most powerful Italian car ever made. With 1,874 bhp, it accelerates from 0-62 mph in 1.86 seconds and has a limited top speed of 217 mph. But in testing, it's proven to go beyond that, topping out at 222.4 mph.
17. FS Class ETR 500: 225 mph
In the late 1990s, the Italian State Railway introduced the ETR 500, which managed 225 mph in testing. A new 'indoors' world speed record was set in the Monte Bibele tunnel line between Bologna and Florence. A special mention to the Frecciassora class, which translates to Red Arrow, currently in operation.
18. Eliica: 230 mph
The Eliica, or Electric Lithium-Ion Car, is an eight-wheeled electric prototype designed by Keio University in Tokyo. With an 80 bhp motor in each wheel, it managed a top speed of 230 mph at the Nardò Ring in Italy. A unique and powerful machine, it's a wonder it never caught on.
19. DEUS Vayanne: 248 mph
Austrian firm DEUS Automobiles unveiled the Vayanne, an all-electric hypercar developed with Italdesign and Williams Advanced Engineering. With a claimed 2,200 bhp and a 0-62 mph time of under 1.99 seconds, it has a top speed of over 248 mph. Originally set for a 2025 release, we're still eagerly awaiting its arrival.
20. Intercity Experimental: 252.8 mph
The Intercity Experimental, later renamed ICE V, was an experimental train developed by Deutsche Bundesbahn for high-speed rail research in Germany. In 1988, it became the first train to break the 400 km/h mark, reaching 406.9 km/h (252.8 mph). It laid the foundation for Germany's Intercity Express trains of today.
21. HEMU-430X: 261.8 mph
Another experimental train, the HEMU-430 from South Korea, was designed to reach a maximum speed of 430 km/h (267 mph). While it fell short at 421.4 km/h (261.8 mph), it's still an impressive achievement. Built by Hyundai Rotem, it's technically a Hyundai.
22. Rimac Nevera R: 268.2 mph
Croatian automaker Rimac's fastest car is the 2,078 bhp Nevera R, with a verified top speed of 268.2 mph. It accelerates from 0-60 mph in 1.66 seconds, hits 125 mph in 3.95 seconds, and reaches 186 mph in 7.89 seconds. A true speed demon, and its founder, Mate Rimac, is likely already planning something even faster.
23. KillaJoule: 270.224 mph
Swedish builder Eva Håkansson registered a top speed of 270.224 mph in her self-built three-wheeled electric motorcycle, the KillaJoule. She set several official records, including the world's fastest three-wheeled electric motorcycle, sidecar motorcycle, and female motorcyclist. An impressive achievement for a garage project!
24. Aspark Owl: 272.6 mph
Until recently, the Aspark Owl held the title of the fastest electric production car on the planet, with a top speed of 272.6 mph. It gained fame after a video of it doing 0-60 mph in 1.9 seconds went viral in 2018. With a planned run of 50 vehicles, each with a list price of €2.5 million, it's an exclusive and speedy ride.
25. Voxan Wattman: 292.204 mph
The Voxan Wattman currently holds the top speed record for electric motorcycles, with a maximum speed of 292.204 mph and an official average speed of 283.182 mph over two runs. Piloted by Italian motorcycle racer Max Biaggi, it's a true testament to the power of electric propulsion.
26. Yangwang U9: 308.4 mph
BYD's luxury electric sub-brand, Yangwang, made headlines when its U9 Xtreme, with a whopping 2,978 bhp, reached a top speed of 308.4 mph at Papenburg's high-speed test track. It surpassed the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+ to become the fastest production car on the planet. And they say it could go even faster!
27. Shanghai Maglev: 311 mph
The Shanghai Maglev doesn't use traditional electric motors but instead levitates magnetically above the track, using a linear motor for propulsion. It managed a top speed of 311 mph in testing in 2003 and now operates between Shanghai Airport and the city. A unique and speedy way to travel.
28. TGV: 357.2 mph
In the world of conventional trains, the fastest speed ever recorded belongs to France's specially modified TGV, known as Project V150. Weighing 265 tonnes, it broke the 357 mph barrier during a test run in 2007. An incredible feat of engineering and speed.
29. Venturi Buckeye Bullet 3: 358 mph
The Venturi Buckeye Bullet 3, built by engineering students at Ohio State University, set a new electric car land speed record at Bonneville Salt Flats in 2016. On its first run, it hit 358 mph, with an officially recorded speed of 341.264 mph over a two-way flying mile. An impressive achievement for a student-built car.
30. L0 Series: 375 mph
Japan's L0 Series uses a different type of magnetic levitation technology and smashed all previous train land speed records, including the country's 275 mph bullet train. It managed an incredible 375 mph in 2015, with a commercial service speed of 311 mph, reducing travel time between Tokyo and Osaka to just over an hour.
31. Rolls-Royce Spirit of Innovation: 387.4 mph
Rolls-Royce (the aerospace company) set a new electric plane top speed record in 2021, reaching 387.4 mph. Capable of climbing to 3,000ft in just 202 seconds, it uses a 536 bhp electric powertrain and the most power-dense propulsion battery pack ever assembled in aerospace.
32. Scalextric Honda F1 replica: 983.88 mph
And finally, the fastest electric vehicle on the planet is... a Scalextric car! Well, sort of. This 1/32 Honda F1 replica reached a scaled speed of 983.33 mph in a stunt for The Gadget Show in 2008. While it managed 30.94 mph in real-world conditions, we can't help but admire the creativity and fun behind this record-breaking attempt.
So, there you have it! A list of the 32 fastest EVs on the planet, from trains to planes and everything in between. Which one surprised you the most? And which one would you love to get behind the wheel (or controls) of? Let's discuss in the comments and share our thoughts on these incredible speed machines!
