Best & Worst Ranked Electric Vehicles
In the world of electric vehicles, the biggest myth we tell ourselves? “I’ll just top up real quick.” Depending on your EV, that might mean grabbing a coffee—or finishing War and Peace while you wait.
Charging speed is one of the biggest factors separating the best EVs from the rest. Some add 200 miles in 20 minutes, while others take over an hour for the same range. So, which electric cars charge the fastest, and which ones are still crawling toward the future?
How We Measured Charging Speed
Instead of theoretical lab conditions, these results are based on real-world charging speeds at a public 350-kW fast charger. That’s because, in the real world, factors like battery temperature, state of charge, and charger efficiency impact how quickly an EV refuels.
The Slowest-Charging EVs
Let’s start with the EVs you don’t want to rely on for a quick road trip charge.
• Nissan Leaf – 2.7 miles of range per minute
• Fiat 500e – 4.6 miles per minute
Both of these city-friendly EVs are great for short commutes but painfully slow if you’re in a hurry. If you take one on a long drive, you might as well plan for extended breaks.
The Mid-Pack: Acceptable, but Not Exciting
The middle tier of EVs isn’t exactly lightning-fast, but they won’t leave you stranded for hours:
• Kia Niro EV – 5.1 miles per minute
• Toyota bZ4X – 5.3 miles per minute
• Subaru Solterra – 5.4 miles per minute
These cars are fine for everyday driving, but if you’re looking for rapid charging, they’re still playing catch-up.
Stepping Up: Decent Speed for Longer Drives
Here’s where EVs start making road trips a little less painful:
• Genesis GV70 Electric – 10.8 miles per minute
• Chevrolet Silverado EV – 10.9 miles per minute
These vehicles offer solid charging performance, meaning you can grab a coffee and a snack rather than planning a full sit-down meal while you wait.
Fast-Charging EVs: Road Trip Approved
Some EVs are genuinely quick to recharge, making them great for longer journeys:
• Hyundai Ioniq 5 – 11.8 miles per minute
• Genesis GV60 – 11.3 miles per minute
At this speed, you can add substantial range in just 15-20 minutes, making EV travel much more practical.
The Fastest-Charging EVs on the Market
These electric speed demons charge at rates that make long-distance travel genuinely competitive with gas cars:
• Tesla Model Y – 14.5 miles per minute
• Lucid Air – 15.0 miles per minute
• Tesla Model S – 15.1 miles per minute
• Tesla Model 3 – 16.1 miles per minute (Fastest on the list!)
With a Tesla Model 3, you can add 200 miles in just 12-13 minutes. That’s nearly as fast as stopping for fuel in a gas-powered car.
Not All Chargers Are Equal
Before you start rethinking your EV, remember that charging speed depends on the charger itself.
• 350-kW fast chargers – The autobahn of EV refueling
• 150-kW chargers – More like city traffic
• 50-kW chargers – Hope you brought a book
Apps like ChargeHub can help you find the fastest charging stations, saving you time and frustration. After all, waiting an extra hour for 100 miles of range? That’s so 2015.
Why Charging Speed Matters
EV charging isn’t just about numbers—it’s about freedom. A faster-charging EV means more time on the road and less time waiting at a station. So, if you’re in the market for an electric car, choosing the right one could mean the difference between a quick pit stop and an extended charging break.
Drive smart, charge fast, and never again explain awkwardly why your “quick charge” took 90 minutes.
