Top speed is no longer the ultimate benchmark for electric vehicles. Instead, the ability to recharge quickly has become far more crucial.
Think of it as the ultimate version of speed dating how fast can you plug into one of our High Power chargers and get back on the road with a replenished battery?
Before diving into the rankings, let’s break down some essential science. Yes, we know not the most thrilling first date conversation. But trust us, first impressions aren’t everything.
Many electric cars boast a charging capability of 150kW or more, with the latest high-end models now reaching over 300kW. However, these numbers represent peak performance rather than a consistent rate.
This maximum speed is only achieved for a short period, typically around the 50% State of Charge (SoC).
Think of it like a sprinter it takes a moment to accelerate out of the starting blocks, then you reach Usain Bolt levels of speed, but you can’t maintain that pace indefinitely before slowing down.This phenomenon is called the charging curve.
Each car has a different charging curve, and some models can sustain peak speeds longer, resulting in a higher average power throughout the charging process.
For drivers, this translates to less time spent waiting and more time on the road.
See? We told you this would be a worthwhile conversation. The charging curve also explains why, once the battery reaches 80%, the car reduces its maximum charging power to prevent cell voltages from exceeding their limit.
Now, let’s move on to our speed dating scoreboard. As we’ve explained, simply quoting the peak charging power doesn’t accurately indicate which car charges the fastest.
Instead, we’re using data from ev-database.org, which calculates a “miles per hour” charging figure.
This measurement averages a car’s power across a charge from 10% to 80% and determines how many miles it would add in an hour.
Leading the pack is the Porsche Taycan, newly updated with enhanced charging power, taking the top spot ahead of the Audi e-tron GT, which shares much of its engineering with the Taycan.
Next in line is the Lotus Emeya, with the Lotus Eletre also securing a spot in the top 10.
On the more budget-friendly end, the Kia EV6 and Hyundai IONIQ 5 deserve special mention for offering outstanding charging performance at a more affordable price.
Also Read: 12 Electric Pickup Trucks That Are Worth Waiting For
1. Porsche Taycan
- Charging speed: 840 mph
- Maximum charging rate: 320kW
- Real-world range: 360 miles
The Porsche Taycan consistently ranks at the top of “best-of” lists, whether for EVs or all cars in general. It embodies everything great about Porsche sports cars and enhances the experience further.
With striking design, exhilarating driving dynamics, and remarkable performance, the latest Taycan ensures that faster charging means more time on the open road enjoying the ride.
2. Audi e-tron GT
- Charging speed: 780 mph
- Maximum charging rate: 320kW
- Real-world range: 335 miles
The Audi e-tron GT may have been on the market for some time, but it remains an outstanding electric vehicle. Combining power, precision, and top-tier performance, it comes closer than any other model to rivaling the Porsche Taycan.
While we know that looks aren’t everything and that love is blind, it’s impossible to overlook the fact that the e-tron GT is also one of the most stunning Audis released in recent years.
3. Lotus Emeya
- Charging speed: 750 mph
- Maximum charging rate: 350kW
- Real-world range: 325 miles
The Lotus Emeya may be a bit out of reach for most budgets, but there’s no denying it’s an exceptional electric car.
Built on the foundation of the Lotus Eletre SUV (see below), the Emeya embodies the essence of a modern-day hyper GT. With stunning aesthetics, an enjoyable driving experience, and a luxurious interior, it’s an easy swipe right from us.
4. Audi A6 Sportback e-tron
- Charging speed: 740 mph
- Maximum charging rate: 270kW
- Real-world range: 370 miles
Audi’s electric revolution has recently been centered around SUVs, but with the A6 Sportback e-tron, the brand has returned to a sleek and stylish design.
And when it comes to charging speeds, this model is sure to get your heart racing. With an impressive range, Audi’s signature reliability, and a wealth of cutting-edge technology, it’s a seriously capable machine.
5. Hyundai IONIQ 6
- Charging speed: 720 mph
- Maximum charging rate: 233kW
- Real-world range: 275 miles
The Hyundai IONIQ 6 represents the future of electric vehicles. Its sleek design is crafted to maximize aerodynamics for enhanced range, while the interior offers a perfect blend of comfort and practicality.
With class-leading charging capabilities, this EV stands out as a truly remarkable choice.
Also Read: Top 10 Concept Cars that Should Hit the Roads
6. Kia EV6
- Charging speed: 700 mph
- Maximum charging rate: 263kW
- Real-world range: 285 miles
For us, the Kia EV6 is love at first headlight. It checks every box and then some.
Beyond its practicality and stylish design, it offers incredible versatility, whether you prioritize blistering acceleration or an extended driving range, depending on the configuration. And, of course, its charging capability ranks among the best on the market.
7. Hyundai IONIQ 5
- Charging speed: 690 mph
- Maximum charging rate: 263kW
- Real-world range: 280 miles
As the sister car to the Kia EV6, the IONIQ 5 set a new benchmark for futuristic EVs with its distinctive design when it first hit the market.
Though it’s been around for a few years now, its charging capability remains among the best, proving just how ahead of its time it was. Like a fine wine, it only gets better with age.
8. Lotus Eletre
- Charging speed: 670 mph
- Maximum charging rate: 367kW
- Real-world range: 305 miles
The Lotus Eletre brings a level of luxury and space never before seen from the brand, all while delivering the kind of performance and driving excitement you wouldn’t typically associate with a large SUV.
And to top it off, it charges almost as quickly as it accelerates.
9. Genesis GV60
- Charging speed: 630 mph
- Maximum charging rate: 233kW
- Real-world range: 240 miles
As the premium brand within the Kia and Hyundai family, Genesis combines advanced technology with luxury and the GV60 is no exception.
It boasts impressive charging speeds alongside high-end features, like the striking crystal sphere in the center console, which elegantly rotates to reveal the gear selector.
10. Porsche Macan
- Charging speed: 630 mph
- Maximum charging rate: 270kW
- Real-world range: 315 miles
Symmetry is the essence of perfection, isn’t it? That makes this list all the more fitting we started with a Porsche, and we’re ending with one: the Porsche Macan.
A well-known name in the SUV world, the Macan has now received the full EV treatment. It remains practical, enjoyable to drive, and boasts impressive charging capability everything you’d expect from Porsche.
