Are all electric cars fast off the line?!

Jamesyboyjim

Jamesyboyjim

Jamesyboyjim

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I had a stupid driver in a bmw i3 pull out on me yesterday, I didn't scream shout, react or anything, just slowed down and grumbled to myself how ugly and stupid the car was. So there I was stuck behind this monstrosity when all of a sudden, wow! it just flew off up the hill we were going up and off into the distance!

I burst out laughing to myself, I had no idea how nippy they were!

When I got home I googled their specs and saw that it'll do 0-62 in under 8 seconds, so not super quick in the grand scheme of things but still, much quicker than my car, I was shocked! It also said that it has instant electric torque so I guess that explains things.

But anyway, it did make me chuckle. not bad at all :)
 
Max torque available from 0 rpm isn't it, with electric motors? I know the Nissan Leafs I drive with work feel pretty quick off the line up to 40-50mph, more so than you'd think given the weight and apparent power.
 
Wow. That ****** in the i3 has no interest in anyone else and surely no idea that their eco-tyres aren't exactly grippy?

Max torque at zero RPM and no gears = launch. Perfectly usable within the speed limits, but pushing past 70/80, power starts to tail off dramatically.
 
George Hincapie said:
Have a look on YT at the Tesla 'Insane Mode' videos. Blooming fast! :D
Click to expand...

Yeah... my step-dad took me out in his Tesla Model S the other day, not even the stupid fast one (I think his is the P85, 0-60 in 4.2s).

Very strange experience going down the slip-road onto the motorway, no engine noise and one moment doing 20mph, the next 70mph... felt like it didn't so much accelerate, but more instantaneously change speed :p
 
Excluding the Teslas which are just bonkers quick, most electric cars are very rapid away from the line. My previous Smart ED was rapid in the 0-30 bracket, beyond that it all got a bit sedate however day to day driving it always felt fairly quick as you are always in the right gear. Just foot down and you have optimum power straight away.

As a daily proposition they are brilliant cars.
 
We now have a Nissan Leaf to replace the mondeo the initial acceleration does surprise everyone and as there is almost no noise it is not easy to judge speed so I have to keep looking at the speedo.
 
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