5 Cheaper Electric Vehicles That Can Keep Up With The Chevy C8 Corvette Z07 (And, 5 That Almost Make The Cut)

The Chevrolet Corvette is a high-performance icon to which sports cars and supercars alike compare themselves. The latest

Corvette Z06 bolts from zero to 60 mph in less than three seconds
, which is a figure not many similarly powered cars can approach. And, when you factor in its reasonable purchase point (by supercar standards), you begin to realize that, going forward, there may never be another equal to this performance benchmark, with the automotive world speeding toward widespread electrification.

Chevrolet Corvette Z06 (w/ Z07 Package) Specifications

So, it may come as a surprise to discover a couple handfuls of dedicated electric vehicles (EVs) that can match the 2024 Corvette Z06’s $128,585 price tag (when fitted with the Z07 performance package), five that can match or beat its 2.8-second 0-60 mph time, and five others that come damn close.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including Car and Driver and MotorTrend. We present them from fastest to slowest.

1

Tesla Model S Plaid: $89,990

0-60 MPH in 1.99 Seconds

The Tesla Model S has come a long way from its beginnings as the company’s first mainstream product in 2012, and has witnessed and furthered the rapid production and adoption of EVs around the world. The Plaid variant was introduced in 2021 and re-energized the Model S with performance attributes to position it as a bona fide sports sedan.

Performance Specifications

At its heart is a groundbreaking powertrain that uses three electric motors to deliver supercar-like 1,000+ pound-feet of torque to launch the Tesla Model S Plaid down a quarter-mile strip like it was shot out of a cannon. Yet, unlike other performance-intended cars, it’s easy on the energy budget and has room and comfort for the whole family.

Pros

• Blistering acceleration
• Impressive EV range
• Cutting-edge driving-aid technology

Cons

• Not cheap
• Minimalist interior lacks actual controls
• Some build-quality issues

2

Rivian R1T Quad Max: $109,900

0-60 MPH in 2.5 seconds

One of the pioneers in the electric pickup segment, the Rivian R1T took EV expectations in a different direction by emphasizing specific performance as an alternative to just saving fuel by choosing an electric powertrain. The new Quad Max variant adds more grunt for off-roading, but also takes pickup acceleration to unprecedented levels.

Performance Specifications

Four electric motors take outputs to massive turbodiesel levels, but the instantaneous nature of on/off electric propulsion means the electric pickup can blister up the pavement as it launches to 60 mph in 2.5 seconds. Torque vectoring and advanced suspension make sure the Rivian R1T remains sure-footed over all terrains.

Pros

• Exceptional power for acceleration and off-roading.
• Impressive range
• Premium presentation

Cons

• Premium price point
• Availability and service network
• It’s a heavy brute

3

Tesla Model X Plaid: $94,990

0-60 MPH in 2.5 seconds

As the company’s second vehicle, the 2015 Tesla Model X took Tesla further into the mainstream with a competitor in the burgeoning crossover SUV market, and became noted for its gull-wing rear doors (renamed falcon-wing, for optics). Like the Model S, the Model X acquired a high-performance Plaid version in 2021.

Performance Specifications

Also like the Model S, on which it’s based, the Tesla Model X is endowed with super acceleration powers thanks to power that top the 1,000-hp level. Staggering acceleration makes the 0-60 mph sprint whizz by in 2.5 seconds, beating many supercars to the tape. And unlike supercars, the Model X can navigate dirt trails with relative ease.

Pros

• Insane acceleration for an SUV
• Exceptional range and efficiency for an SUV
• State-of-the-art technology

Cons

• High price point
• Stiff ride
• Needlessly powerful for daily driving

4

Rivian R1S Quad Max: $115,900

0-60 MPH in 2.6 seconds

The Rivian R1S is basically a full-bodied version of the R1T pickup, sharing all the same acceleration and off-roading capabilities, but in a beefier package. Following its pioneering sibling to market, the R1S nonetheless positioned itself as a consideration in the growing electric adventure vehicle segment alongside many established names.

Performance Specifications

A motor at each wheel, combined with torque vectoring and customizable driving modes, means there’s traction available all the time, regardless of what surface conditions are like. And, nearly 1,000 pound-feet of torque makes the Rivian R1S move off the line smartly, even if it’s loaded up with seven passengers or a cargo-hold full of equipment.

Pros

• Exceptional off-roadability
• Unexpected acceleration for its segment
• Driving range

Cons

• Expensive
• Big and bulky
• Limited charging availability for adventure seekers

5

Hyundai IONIQ 5 N: $66,100

0-60 MPH in 2.8 seconds

Hyundai’s N division crafts performance versions of the company’s various offerings, and now it turns its attention to the growing ranks of Hyundai EVs, turning the Hyundai Ioniq 5 into one of the fastest and boldest of the world’s mass-market EVs, and more affordable alternative to names like Tesla and Mustang Mach-E.

Performance Specifications

With 600 horses at the ready, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N can burn through a zero to 60-mph sprint in less than three seconds, and puts a smile on everybody’s face when the appropriately-named “Grin Boost” is activated. A dynamic suspension and torque vectoring keep the wheels planted on the pavement and providing grip through high-speed corners.

Pros

• Impressive acceleration
• Delightfully affordable
• Balance of performance and practicality

Cons

• Considerable price hike from base models
• Heavy little rascal

6

Tesla Model 3 Performance: $54,990

0-60 MPH in 2.9 seconds

Having established itself as a mainstream competitor, Tesla moved into mass-market production mode with the Model 3, in 2017. The first Tesla Model 3 provided EVs with the price point and uncompromised room of a compact sedan, and became Tesla’s top seller and the world’s leading EV model (later supplanted by the Model Y crossover).

Performance Specifications

The Tesla Model 3 Performance takes the established family sedan and gives it the opportunity to compete in the compact performance car segment, with 0-60 mph acceleration in the 3-second range. But it’s the battery floor, combined with an uprated suspension, that gives the Model 3 Performance sports-sedan character.

Pros

• Instant acceleration
• Excellent handling
• Top-notch driving aids

Cons

• Overly stiff ride for everyday driving
• Higher price tag
• Limited personalization options

7

Lucid Air Grand Touring: $110,900

0-60 MPH in 3.0 seconds

Lucid may be the Cadillac of dedicated electric brands, with only a couple cars serving up premium luxury to people who want more than just the ability to go far on an electric charge. The Lucid Air is part of the ambitious plan to challenge Tesla, and it has taken a similar route to Tesla in establishing the car as a dominant force in range and performance.

Performance Specifications

The company manages to eke out more horsepower out of two motors than most others out of three, and they work admirably to get the Lucid Air GT to 60 mph only marginally slower than a Corvette Z06. And with a range of nearly 500 miles and room for the family and then some, the Lucid Air should do quite well against other EVs that go slower and discharge sooner.

Pros

• Impressive range
• Supercar performance
• Luxurious interior

Cons

• Luxury + performance + range = $$$
• Lack of brand recognition

8

Kia EV6 GT AWD: $61,600

0-60 MPH in 3.1 seconds

When Kia introduced the EV6 in 2021, it was a pleasant departure from the boxy looks of its crossover and SUV models, and the new Kia EV6 GT is a fine step up from the sensibility of its EV line-up. The GT version injects the electric crossover with a dose of excitement normally reserved for sports coupes and sedans.

Performance Specifications

The Kia EV6 GT doesn’t quite match up to the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, though it does have considerably better range, awesome hp and torque, and finely-tuned manners to put in on a level with much pricier and sportier cars from established performance brands like BMW and Mercedes-AMG, surpassing EVs from both of those when it comes to acceleration times.

Pros

• Impressive performance
• Stylish conservative design
• Competitive pricing

Cons

• Sporty suspension a bit stiff for everyday driving
• Limited rear visibility

9

Mercedes-AMG EQE 4MATIC+: $106,900

0-60 MPH in 3.2 seconds

There are rumors that the Mercedes-EQ line may go away within the next decade, as Mercedes shifts its strategy away from segregating its EVs to their own Class. In the meantime, the Mercedes EQE stands out as the electric E-Class, and this one is endowed with Mercedes-AMG genes for finely-tuned performance.

Performance Specifications

The Mercedes-AMG EQE 4MATIC+ uses two motors to supply over

675 horses and 730 pound-feet
of torque, while using the all-wheel drive 4MATIC system for the tenacious grip to take the mid-sized sports sedan to 60 mph in just over three seconds. As AMG tunes Mercedes engines to enhance performance, it focuses on tuning batteries in the EQE.

Pros

• Impressive acceleration
• Advanced AWD and handling systems
• Luxurious interior with high-tech features

Cons

• Terrible range
• Heavier than some competitors

10

BMW i4 M50 Gran Coupe: $73,200

0-60 MPH in 3.3 seconds

The BMW i4 M50 is a blend of BMW new and old, with the i Series denoting the modern trend toward sustainability, and the M designating the legendary BMW performance. The car is also a testament to BMW’s commitment to marketing its established lines (in this case, the compact 4 Series coupe) with various powertrain options.

Performance Specifications

Although there are styling adjustments,

the 2024 BMW i4 bears instant resemblance to the 4 Series
, and matches up with its ICE siblings in the production of 500+ outputs of horsepower and torque, that grant it decent acceleration. Of concern, though, would be the very-limited driving range that would impact long trips without a mid-journey charge.

Pros

• Powerful motor performance
• Classic BMW design and cachet
• M-Performance enhancements

Cons

• Severely limited range
• Costlier than EV competitors
• Tight rear seat and trunk space for a four-door