When we think about electric vehicles, the conversation often centers on how far they can travel on a single charge. However, for anyone planning a road trip or needing a quick power-up without access to a home charger, the speed at which an EV can recharge at a DC fast charger is a critical factor, perhaps even more important than range itself.
Automakers, bless their hearts, sometimes present this information in ways that can leave your head spinning. Take Hyundai, for instance, which proudly states the Ioniq 6 can go from 10 to 80 percent in just 18 minutes. While impressive, that doesn’t quite translate into the real-world miles drivers actually care about. At MotorTrend, we believe a more practical measure is how many miles an EV can add in 15, 30, 45, or 60 minutes of charging, giving you a tangible idea of how long you’ll be waiting before you hit the road again. This way, a quick pit stop can truly be, well, quick!
It’s a truly exciting time to be an EV enthusiast because charging speeds have seen significant improvements over the last decade. Back in 2012, a Tesla Model S would take about an hour to fully charge at a Supercharger. Today? It can do the same in nearly half the time. But here’s the kicker: many newer EVs have not just matched this benchmark but utterly surpassed it. We’re talking about vehicles that can add over 150 miles of range in the time it takes to grab a snack and make a bathroom run. These advancements, coupled with increased range and performance, are making the switch to electric more appealing than ever. So, let’s dive into the future of fast charging and meet some of the game-changers!
1. **Genesis Electrified GV70**: Prepare for a delightful surprise, as the Genesis Electrified GV70 claims the top spot for the fastest-charging EV on our list! It’s particularly impressive because, unlike many EVs designed from the ground up, the Electrified GV70 is an electric adaptation of a gasoline-powered car. Yet, Genesis has achieved outstanding results, demonstrating that a skillfully executed conversion can truly excel in the electric era.
This luxury SUV masterfully blends the brand’s signature comfort and agility with impressive electric capabilities. It’s equipped with a smaller 77.4 kWh battery, which, when combined with a robust peak charging speed of 233 kW, allows it to outperform many competitors in terms of charging time. It’s a powerful combination that puts the Electrified GV70 in a league of its own for rapid pit stops.
While its 236-mile range might not be the longest available, its exceptional charging speed more than makes up for it. The all-wheel-drive system provides a dynamic 429 horsepower, ensuring a lively and engaging driving experience that feels as premium as one would expect from Genesis. This vehicle offers not just a comfortable ride, but also remarkable speed in multiple aspects.
But the real showstopper? When the battery dips low, this beauty can be recharged from 10 to 80 percent in an astonishing 17 minutes. Yes, you read that right – 17 minutes! This makes it faster than any other EV on this list. For drivers who prioritize minimal downtime and appreciate premium comfort in an electric SUV, the Electrified GV70 stands out as an incredibly attractive and practical option, demonstrating that you don’t always need a ground-up EV to be a charging champion.
2. **Lotus Eletre**: Lotus, a brand renowned for its lightweight sports cars, has undergone a significant transformation, entering the high-performance EV market under Geely’s ownership. The Lotus Eletre boldly announces this new direction, establishing itself as a strong contender against established performance SUVs like the Lamborghini Urus. This modern interpretation of Lotus is a welcome evolution.
With a jaw-dropping up to 905 horsepower and an expected range of around 315 miles, the Eletre is a masterclass in blending extreme power with surprising practicality. Its futuristic design isn’t just for show; it houses advanced technology that reinforces Lotus’s new leadership in the electric vehicle space, making it one of the most exciting electric SUVs to hit the market. It’s a vehicle that demands attention, both on the road and at the charging station.
What truly sets the Eletre apart in the charging department is its incredible speed, especially considering its generous 111.9 kWh battery. Thanks to its advanced 800V system and an impressive peak charging speed of 350 kW, it can achieve an incredibly fast charging time of just 20 minutes to go from 10 to 80 percent. The context even mentions that Lotus claimed in June 2024 it can reach 402 kW when plugged into its own 450 kW charger, potentially cutting the 10-80 percent time down to just 14 minutes. This thing is a charging beast!
While new tariffs could impact its global availability, potentially before it fully establishes itself, the Eletre has the raw potential to redefine the Lotus brand entirely. If it can navigate these external challenges, this electric SUV is poised to compete at the very highest level of the luxury EV segment, offering a compelling blend of speed, style, and rapid-charging prowess that will certainly turn heads and redefine expectations.
3. **Lotus Emeya**: Following closely on the heels of the Eletre, the Lotus Emeya is poised to make a notable impact with its U.S. arrival this year. As the brand’s first four-door electric GT, it presents a stylish and high-performance alternative to its SUV counterpart, highlighting Lotus’s ambitious expansion across various EV segments. This clearly signals Lotus’s serious commitment to its electric future and its aim to deliver electrifying performance in diverse vehicle types.
Sharing a substantial amount of the Eletre’s advanced design and underlying technology, the Emeya promises an exciting performance with up to 905 horsepower in its top configuration, enabling a top speed of 159 mph. Although its official range figures are still pending final confirmation, the model truly stands out with its incredible rapid-charging capabilities, ensuring that high performance doesn’t require excessive waiting times.
The Emeya benefits from a slightly smaller 102 kWh battery compared to the Eletre, a factor that contributes to its even faster charging times. This elegant GT can reach an 80 percent charge in just 18 minutes. Under ideal conditions, Lotus has even demonstrated an incredibly impressive 14-minute charging time, solidifying its position as one of the quickest-charging EVs on the market. This is lightning-fast and a true game-changer for long-distance travel.
Equipped with a phenomenal peak charging speed of 350 kW and a sophisticated 800V system, the Emeya embodies Lotus’s bold step into the luxury EV sedan space. It perfectly blends high performance with cutting-edge charging technology, offering drivers an unparalleled experience of speed and convenience. As Lotus continues its transformative journey towards full electrification, the Emeya stands as a beacon of what’s possible when innovation meets a rich performance heritage.
4. **Porsche Taycan & Audi e-tron GT**It’s no secret that collaboration often breeds excellence, and in the electric vehicle world, the Porsche Taycan and Audi e-tron GT are shining examples of this. These two performance titans share a common platform, resulting in an almost identical blend of exhilarating performance and outstanding charging capabilities. They represent the pinnacle of what a luxury electric sportscar can be, delivering an experience that thrills and impresses.
The Porsche Taycan truly stands out with its diverse array of body styles and powertrain options, allowing buyers to meticulously tailor their EV experience to their precise needs and desires. To unlock that incredibly fast 18-minute charging time, however, the secret lies in selecting a model equipped with the larger 105 kWh battery. With a scorching peak charging speed of 320 kW and a state-of-the-art 800V system, the Taycan remains one of the most technologically advanced EVs available, seamlessly blending Porsche’s legendary driving dynamics with cutting-edge electric innovation. It’s a pure, unadulterated Porsche experience, electrified.
On the other side of the shared platform, the Audi e-tron GT takes a slightly different approach, offering a higher base power—up to 670 hp compared to the Taycan’s 402 hp—though this comes with a higher price tag. Crucially, it matches the Taycan’s impressive 18-minute charging time from 10 to 80 percent, thanks to a recent facelift that upped its maximum charge rate from 270 kW to 320 kW. However, this added power often comes at a slight expense to range, topping out at 300 miles versus the Taycan’s 318 miles, depending on the configuration. Both models are marvels of engineering, reflecting their 800-volt electrical architecture, which is a key reason for their incredible charging speeds.
Despite these nuanced differences, both vehicles proudly represent the zenith of performance EVs. They flawlessly combine unparalleled luxury, breathtaking speed, and some of the fastest charging times available in the market today. Whether you lean towards Porsche’s iconic sportiness or Audi’s refined power, you’re getting an EV that redefines what’s possible, ensuring that your time on the road is maximized and your time at the charger is minimized. It’s a win-win for luxury performance aficionados.
5. **Maserati GranCabrio Folgore**When you think of electric vehicles, a Maserati convertible might not be the first image that springs to mind, but the GranCabrio Folgore is here to change that perception, and dramatically so. This stunning vehicle proudly joins the exclusive 800-volt, 270 kW club, signaling that the future of open-top luxury is unequivocally electric and exceptionally fast. It’s a breathtaking statement from a brand known for its passionate designs and exhilarating performance, now with an electric heart.
This luxurious soft-top grand tourer boasts an impressive charging capability, able to fill its battery to 80 percent in as little as 18 minutes when utilizing a powerful 350 kW charger. It’s important to note that this specific measurement is for a 20-80 percent charge, making it a standout performer in real-world scenarios where quick top-ups are paramount. The GranCabrio Folgore is not just about speed; it’s about blending convenience with high-octane luxury in a way that truly pushes boundaries.
As one of the very first convertible EVs to grace the market—and indeed the first soft-topped four-seater—the GranCabrio Folgore is an undisputed design winner, both inside and out. Its aesthetics are matched by decent range and advanced technology that elevate the driving experience to new heights. And true to its Maserati lineage, it’s seriously quick, rocketing from 0 to 62 mph in an astonishing 2.8 seconds, ensuring that every drive is an event in itself.
With its combination of pioneering convertible EV status, dramatic design, and scorching acceleration, the Maserati GranCabrio Folgore isn’t just a car; it’s a statement. It embodies a new era where luxury, performance, and cutting-edge electric charging technology converge in a breathtaking package. This is a vehicle designed for those who refuse to compromise on style or speed, even when it comes to how quickly their electric dream can be recharged.
Beyond the very fastest chargers, a whole host of other incredible electric vehicles are redefining what it means to stop for a charge. These next-generation EVs are packed with advanced technology, proving that rapid replenishment isn’t just for the most exclusive models but is becoming a standard feature across a wider spectrum of the market. Let’s dive into some more game-changers that are making electric driving more convenient and accessible than ever before.
6. **Kia EV6 & Hyundai Ioniq 5 N**When it comes to setting a high bar for performance and charging prowess, the Kia EV6 and the high-performance Hyundai Ioniq 5 N are absolutely crushing it. These two incredible machines have firmly established themselves as industry leaders, and honestly, seeing them rank so highly on a list of fastest chargers isn’t surprising in the slightest. They’re a testament to what a shared platform and a drive for innovation can achieve.
Kia has been quite open about the EV6’s charging capabilities, stating that every trim level, regardless of battery size, can charge from 10 to 80 percent in an impressive 18 minutes, making it one of the fastest-charging EVs available. With a peak charging speed of 263 kW and the vital 800V system, the EV6 exemplifies a masterful balance of speed and efficiency, complemented by a competitive maximum range of 310 miles on select trims, offering both quick charging and enduring mileage.
Now, let’s talk about the Hyundai Ioniq 5. While it generally shares its battery and motor setup with the EV6, most of its trims take a slightly longer 20 minutes to hit that 80 percent charge mark. But here’s the kicker: the high-octane Ioniq 5 N, a true performance beast, proudly matches the EV6’s incredible 18-minute charging time. This slight difference across the Ioniq 5 lineup does spark some interesting questions about real-world charging performance and whether Kia’s charging estimates are perhaps a tad more ambitious.
Regardless of these minor distinctions, both the Kia EV6 and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N continue to elevate the benchmark in the EV market. They consistently deliver a powerful combination of rapid charging, impressive range, and cutting-edge technology that keeps them firmly among the most desirable options for anyone looking to go electric. It’s a win-win for drivers who crave both thrill and efficiency.
