The term ‘sports car’ covers a multitude of vehicles that offer exceptional performance and a driving style designed to thrill the driver. From sedans to convertibles and coupes, the sports car has always been a desirable addition to the enthusiast’s garage, and with advancements in technology and growing environmental awareness, the sports car segment has changed markedly in recent years. Fully electric sports cars are now prowling the streets sans combustion power, and while some may feel this detracts from the true nature of the performance vehicle, EV sports cars aren’t going anywhere - except, maybe, onward and upward. With breathtaking EVs readily available in the USA these days, the list of electric sports car models is growing longer. Here is our take on the best electric sports cars of 2024.
Characteristics of Electric Sports Cars
Throwing some electric components onto a chassis isn’t enough to warrant a vehicle being called an electric sports car. Here are the things that combine to make up the whole sporty package:
What to Consider When Buying an EV Sports Car
Buying a car is an investment that is best made after careful consideration, and even more so when it involves spending a substantial amount of money. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of electric sports cars to consider before signing on the dotted line:
Pros
- Superior performance figures and instant acceleration
- Excellent handling and a thrilling drive
- Status and bragging rights
- Gas bills are still cheaper than recharging
- You’re being kind to the earth - no emissions here!
- All-electric ranges are improving as tech improves
- Head-turning looks wherever you go
Cons
- A near-silent performance car is taboo to many enthusiasts
- Initial purchase prices are quite high
- Charging takes longer than refueling
- Limited infrastructure for recharging can be problematic
FAQs
Are electric performance cars reliable?
The reliability of a car isn’t made any better or worse because of electrification, and while many suggest that fewer moving parts in EVs, as opposed to cars with complex ICE engines, should automatically mean fewer issues, this isn’t necessarily the case. Consumer reports suggest that electric vehicles may suffer from problems related to that specific technology, too. Electric components are, however, covered by extensive warranties. American federal law requires automakers to provide at least eight years or 100,000 miles of coverage on EV batteries, with some automakers offering up to ten years instead.
What kind of range can I expect from an electric sports car?
All-electric range varies, but some prominent examples include the latest Porsche Taycan Turbo with a range of 212 miles; the Audi e-tron GT with its 238-mile range; and the Tesla Model S Plaid - the sportiest Tesla Model S on the market - with up to 396 miles of range in certain configurations.
What new electric performance cars are coming out in the near future?
The EV segment is constantly changing with new models being introduced so often that it may be hard to keep up. Some of the most exciting models currently rumored for production include the Audi A6 e-tron, the Polestar 5, and the BMW i7, while Hyundai has promised 11 new electric cars by 2030.