These electric vehicles that impress

Since the rise in popularity of electric vehicles based on an increasingly diversified offer, we have continued to draw up rankings to reflect their constant progress. Some data strike the imagination, even when compared to their gasoline counterparts. An overview of the models that stand out from the crowd for their prowess.

The fastest in top speed and the fastest in acceleration

The Rimac Nevera is credited with an extraordinary number of performance records for a production vehicle. The electric two-seater built by Croatian manufacturer Rimac, which is part owner of the legendary French brand Bugatti, has four electric motors – one per wheel – producing a total of 1,888 hp. Thanks to the drive of its drivetrain, which is adjusted independently to each wheel, the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h is completed in just 1.81 seconds and 300 km/h is reached in 9.2 seconds, which is comparable to the 0 to 100 km/h of many production vehicles. The top speed is 412 km/h – a record for an electric vehicle – and relies on active aerodynamic appendages to generate downforce and reduce air resistance depending on the speed reached. Not bad for a 2,300 kg vehicle, a weight attributable to its 120 kWh battery, since its chassis is essentially made of carbon fibre.

The electric vehicle that tows the most

The Chevrolet Silverado EV takes the prize for the electric vehicle capable of towing the greatest load. General Motors’ protégé can tow a trailer weighing up to 5,670 kg (12,500 lb) when you opt for the entry-level 3WT trim. This is comparable to many gasoline versions of the pickup. To achieve this result, this Silverado EV uses two electric motors, one per axle, which produce 510 hp when working in unison. However, you should expect a significant reduction in range, estimated at 632 km for this version in mild conditions. It should be noted that Chevrolet planned, when the model was launched, to increase this maximum load to 9,027 kg (20,000 lb) for a variant intended for commercial use.

The electric vehicle that travels the most kilometers

The Lucid Air Grand Touring is the vehicle currently sold in Canada with the longest range. The large sedan, a direct competitor to the Tesla Model S, can theoretically travel 832 km on a full charge, according to data collected by Natural Resources Canada. Not bad for an 819 hp car. The Air Pure variant is also the most efficient vehicle currently on the market: it can travel 6.4 km per kilowatt-hour consumed, a figure obtained by means of a record drag coefficient of 0.197 cx allowing it to pierce the air. The young Californian company is thus breathing down Tesla’s neck, a natural rivalry fueled by CEO Peter Rawlinson, former chief engineer of the Tesla Model S.

The fastest charging electric vehicle

The charging time of a vehicle depends on a host of factors, from ambient temperature to the size of the battery and especially the inherent capacity of the charging station to provide the power that the vehicle may require. Nevertheless, Lotus unveiled the results of an ultra-fast charge of its new Emeya sports sedan earlier this year, which are quite impressive. In 14 minutes, the latter’s battery went from 10 to 80% with an average power of 310 kW and a maximum charging power of 402 kW. Lotus did not specify the size of the battery, but estimates that the Emeya can theoretically store 310 km of range in 10 minutes, according to the European WLTP measurement cycle. Note that this record is only possible on a charging station capable of reaching these powers, something that is currently not possible in Canada. That said, the feat suggests a promising future.

The most popular electric vehicle in Quebec

While 2023 ended with a surge in sales of the Chevrolet Bolt in Quebec fueled by the end of production of the subcompact, 2024 sees a new model occupy the top of the rankings. The Tesla Model Y has been the most popular electric model in Quebec since the beginning of the year. According to the Roulez vert program’s statistical data updated on August 31, 6,944 Tesla Model Ys were the subject of a rebate request, accounting for 9.55% of all requests. The Volkswagen ID.4 ranks a good second with 5,274 requests, a share equivalent to 7.26%. The Hyundai Kona Electric completes the podium with 4,948 sales (6.81%). This result is not surprising given the great global popularity of the Tesla Model Y. In 2023, it became the best-selling vehicle in the world, all categories and engines combined, with 1.23 million units sold.