- In the field of automotive innovation, speed has always been a benchmark of excellence. And now, the bar has been raised to unprecedented heights with the introduction of the world’s fastest smart car.
- The Tesla Model S Plaid, for instance, boasts impressive acceleration and top speed, with the ability to go from 0 to 60 mph in under 2 seconds and achieve a top speed of over 200 mph.
- The Rimac C_Two is known for its exceptional performance, featuring a top speed exceeding 250 mph and advanced electric drivetrain technology.
What is a smart car? What sets a smart car apart is its seamless integration of speed and intelligence. Equipped with state-of-the-art sensors and sophisticated algorithms, they anticipate twists and turns, optimizing performance and ensuring an exhilarating driving experience. Powered by advanced AI systems and propelled by electric engines, they blaze across highways and racetracks with unparalleled agility and velocity.
What do we expect from smart cars? Speed is definitely a big part of it. Advancements in electric vehicle technology are constantly pushing the boundaries of speed and performance, so the title of the world’s fastest smart car may continue to evolve as new models and innovations emerge. But we are happy to introduce you to two types of fast electric cars that have been tested so far.
Also read: The case against ‘smart cars’: Why we’re better off without them
The Tesla Model S Plaid
Musk claims that the Model S Plaid will be “the fastest production car ever” when it is released on June 10, 2021. It is equipped with three high-performance electric motors with up to 1,020 hp, a top speed of 322 km/h, and a 100 km acceleration time of just 2.1 seconds.
Model S Plaid gets Tesla’s tri-motor set-up (421bhp on the front axle, two doses of 414bhp at the rear) for an absurd 1,020bhp. Torque is 1,050lb ft, almost double that of a Ferrari 296 GTB. 0-60mph falls just under two seconds if you subtract the first foot of rollout; just over if you don’t. With no traffic or laws to worry about the Plaid could hit 100mph from rest in 4.19s and chalk off a quarter-mile sprint in 9.23s, crossing the gate at 155mph. Top speed is 200mph.
Musk said at the launch of this new car: why build such a fast car? I think one thing that’s very important for the future of sustainable energy is that we have to prove that electric cars are the best cars, without a doubt. We must be clear that sustainable energy cars can be the fastest cars, the safest cars, and the best cars in every way. That’s what I call the limits of physical engineering, Musk said.
Also read: What’s gone wrong at Tesla?
The Rimac C_Two
Launched in August 2021, the Rimac C_Two concept has evolved into a production-ready electric hypercar called the Nevera. The Rimac Nevera is an all-electric sports car designed and manufactured by the Croatian automotive manufacturer Rimac Automobili. Powered by a 120kWh battery pack, the Nevera uses four electric motors — one for each wheel — to put down an almost unbelievable 1.4MW of power, which Rimac says is roughly equivalent to 1,914 horsepower. The quad-motor setup can push the car to 60 miles per hour from a standstill in just 1.85 seconds. It has a top speed of 258 miles per hour.
Furthermore, Rimac has dedicated significant efforts over the past years to enhance the battery pack’s liquid cooling system. This advancement ensures that drivers can harness peak power for extended durations without encountering battery performance degradation.
