South Bay Energy: The Top Four Fastest Electrified Vehicles

Motoring fans often criticize electric vehicles as being too slow, too heavy, and too underpowered. However, a study conducted by a car leasing company in the UK reveals that high-performance electric cars can hold their own when it comes to raw speed. In fact, four out of the thirteen fastest production cars are either electric or hybrid-powered.

1) McLaren P1. While production of the hybrid McLaren P1 ended in 2015, it is still much talked-about among speed enthusiasts. The McLaren P1’s power output of 903 HP allows it to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.8 seconds and helps it cover a quarter mile in just 9.8 seconds.

2) Porsche 918 Spyder. Like the McLaren P1, the Porsche 918 Spyder stopped production in 2015. The gas engine and dual electric motors together produce a total power output of 881 HP, resulting in a quarter-mile time of 9.8 seconds. The Porsche 918 can also run on electricity alone for a reasonable distance, with an electric range of over 12 miles.

3) Ferrari LaFerrari. The first mild hybrid car produced by the revered Italian automaker, the Ferrari LaFerrari delivers 986 HP of power thanks to its F140 V12 engine and a HY-KERS unit that delivers an extra push when needed, allowing it to cover a quarter mile in 9.8 seconds. Very few of both the coupe and open-top (“Aperta”) were released; in fact, they were only offered to buyers by invitation.

4) Rimac Concept One. The only fully-electric car in this list zooms through a quarter mile in 9.9 seconds, slightly slower than the others. However, because the Concept One does so without any gas-powered engines, you’d hardly notice that you’ve already covered that distance. Porsche is reportedly increasing its stake in the Croatian automaker to 15.5%, focusing on its batteries and electric power train technologies.