With the big switch to electric power happening under our noses, sports car enthusiasts and those who appreciate a punchier car may be getting a little nervous about the future of their beloved vehicles.
But fear not, because carmakers around the globe are making sure the performance car doesn’t die out, and are producing some of their best work ever through electric power.
The reason electricity is so good for powering a sports car is because of the instant torque they provide and effortless power delivery – the dream combo.
Here are the best electric sports cars you can buy in 2023:
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BMW i4
In many ways, the i4 follows on from the BMW i8 in the performance hybrid car world – except this time it’s a fully electric sports saloon.
The range-topping M50 model is the one to go for if you like power, and this produces 543hp and can launch itself from 0-62mph in 3.9 seconds, despite weighing more than two tonnes.
Additionally, the i4 M50 has about 270 miles of range on one charge, whereas the lesser – but still punchy – 335hp i4 eDrive40 can travel more than 360 miles on a single charge.
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Tesla Model 3
When it comes to small hatchbacks, used Tesla models really dominate the market. Sure, this may not directly be a sports car, but it certainly behaves like one.
But even the standard Model 3 is quick, with a 0-62mph time of 5.8 seconds – matching the speed of many sports cars.
The Model 3 Performance is even quicker than most – if not all – petrol-powered performance saloons, with a 0-62mph time of 3.1 seconds.
This speed comes from the Model 3 Performance’s 472hp dual electric motor setup, which drives all four wheels and makes for a bit of a pocket rocket.
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Ford Mustang Mach-E GT
One of the more controversial releases of the past couple of years is the Ford Mustang Mach-E because of the badge it wears so proudly on the front and back. The Mustang name being used on an EV angered the hardcore purists, but most of them are over it now – and if they’re not, they should be.
If performance is what you’re after then we’d recommend checking out the flagship GT version, which is powered by two electric motors that put out a combined 486hp. This allows it to launch itself from 0-62mph in 4.4 seconds – shattering the times of most '90s Ferraris.
Despite this impressive performance, the Mach-E GT can travel around 310 miles on a single charge. It also has 150kW charging capabilities, which means you can fast-charge your Mach-E GT from 10% to 80% in less than an hour.
There are plenty of used Ford models on the market at affordable prices, as well.
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Audi RS e-tron GT
Audi’s flagship electric car is the e-tron, but more specifically the RS e-tron GT, which is essentially a rebadged Porsche Taycan and the first Audi EV to wear the popular ‘RS’ badge.
Don’t be fooled by its innocence, however, because this RS variant produces 640hp and can launch itself from 0-62mph in less than 3.5 seconds, putting it in the same league as cars such as the Ferrari F50 and Lamborghini Diablo GT – proper ‘90s supercars.
Sure, it may have the same power as a proper supercar, but it still manages to produce a 283-mile range.
Plus, there are plenty of used Audi options on offer at impressive prices.
Watch us put the Audi e-tron GT to the test
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Tesla Model S
If you’re aware of electric cars then you will definitely know of the Tesla Model S, because it’s probably one of the most popular EVs on sale today.
While it may not look all that sporty, trust us when we tell you it’s quick – especially in its range-topping Plaid guise.
This is a model that punts out more than 1,000hp, placing it alongside the Bugatti Chiron – which is one of the world’s best hypercars – and this Tesla is a family saloon.
On top of this, the Model S Plaid can travel around 400 miles on a single charge, and with Tesla’s impressive supercharger network, you will never need to worry about running out of juice on a longer journey where a longer-range electric car comes in handy.
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Porsche Taycan Turbo S
Despite sharing its platform with the aforementioned Audi RS e-tron GT, the Porsche Taycan is probably the best all-electric sports car money can buy.
There are plenty of variants available, but the sportiest, range-topping model Taycan Turbo S is the one to choose if you’re after speed. While it might be on the pricier side, the Turbo S variant does pump out 750hp and can launch itself from 0-62mph in a staggering 2.8 seconds.
Additionally, the Taycan Turbo S can do around 283 miles on a single charge – the same as the Audi RS e-tron GT.
Keep an eye out for used Porsche EVs to secure a bargain.
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Lotus Evija
The cars mentioned above are absolutely rapid all-electric sports cars, but the Lotus Evija is a next-level piece of kit – especially when you discover they each cost £2 million a pop.
The reason this electric hypercar is so expensive is because it produces just shy of 2,000hp, weighs just 1680kg (which in EV terms is very light), and goes like the clappers.
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Rimac Nevera
Speaking of going fast, here’s the Rimac Nevera. This too is an all-electric hypercar, but produces an impressive 2,000hp and can propel itself from 0-60mph in 1.85 seconds and too costs well into the millions – £1.7 million to be precise.
Rimac is an interesting electric vehicle maker from Croatia that recently partnered with Bugatti (yes, you read that correctly) to work on the next generation of Bugatti hypercar, which we expect will blow people’s minds when it arrives in the not-too-distant future.
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