Sure, there are lots of plug-in electric cars that are quick, like the Tesla Model S P100D that zips from 0 to 60 MPH in 2.5 seconds or less, for example, but at $135,000 it isn't even close to affordable.
Here we present quick (0 to 60 MPH) plug-in electric cars that are priced at or below the average new car selling price, which is $35,444, according to the latest Kelley Blue Book data.
PRICE NO OBJECT - 8 QUICKEST PLUG-IN ELECTRIC CARS FROM 0-60 MPH
That $35,444 ceiling is very restrictive when it comes to the current crop of plug-ins sold in the U.S., so to make the list a bit broader, we're looking at EVs with an after-tax-credit price that's below the average new car selling price threshold.
SEE AFTER TAX CREDIT PRICING HERE
Let's take a look at the 8 quickest (based on automaker published and/or documented test results) plug-in electric cars for under $35,444 (after tax credit, which varies based on battery kWh - see actual tax credits for each vehicle here).
8. Hyundai IONIQ Electric
The IONIQ Electric scoots from 0 to 60 MPH in 8.1 seconds and at $29,500 plus destination, or $22,885 after the tax credit, the IONIQ Electric easily makes our price cut off.
7. Ford Fusion Energi
The Fusion Energi hits 60 MPH from a standstill in 8 seconds, according to outside testing. At $31,400 plus destination, or $28,268 after the tax credit, the Fusion Energi is a solid deal.
6. Nissan LEAF
The new Nissan LEAF improves acceleration over the last generation and now, according to outside tests and estimates, goes from 0 to 60 MPH in 8.0 seconds. Priced from $29,990 plus destination, or a steal at $23,375 after the tax credit, the new LEAF is an excellent choice. We bumped it ahead of the Fusion Energi simply because it's cheaper, despite the identical 0 to 60 MPH times.
5. Ford C Max Energi
It's not often the C Max Energi gets mentioned around here these days, but it does make the list with a tested time of 0 to 60 MPH that varies from 7.6 to 7.9 seconds. It checks in at $27,120 plus destination, or $23,988 after the tax credit.
4. Chrysler Pacific Hybrid
Woah...big 'ol minivan makes it high up the chart. It's tested 0 to 60 MPH time is 7.5 seconds. It's rather expensive among this list though at $39,995 plus destination, or $33,590 after the tax credit.
3. Chevrolet Volt
The Volt has a test 0 to 60 MPH time of just 7.4 seconds. The Volt comes in at $33,220 plus destination, or a reasonable $26,595 after the tax credit.
2. MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4
The plug-in hybrid Mini is the first on the list to crack into the 6s with a 0 to 60 MPH time of 6.7 seconds. It's quick, but expensive. Price from $36,800 plus destination, or $33,649 after the tax credit, this MINI barely makes our price cut off.
1. Chevrolet Bolt
And the winner is...with its 0 to 60 time of just 6.5 seconds, the Bolt captures the crown in this affordable, yet quick comparo. Price from $36,620 plus destination, or $29,995 after the tax credit, there's no competition for the Bolt in this comparo. Oh, it goes 238 miles per charge, too.
Honorable Mention - Standard Range Tesla Model 3
Though not yet available, this version of the Model 3 would meet our price criteria (provided Tesla sticks true to its promised price) and it's expected to go from 0 to 60 MPH in 5.5 seconds, but you can't buy it, so it doesn't make our cut.
Closing
0 to 60 MPH times are but one parameter for measuring performance. In the real world, 0 to 30 MPH might matter more.
RELATED - PLUG-IN VEHICLE ACCELERATION - 0 - 30 AND 0 - 60 MPH
Or maybe, off-the-line quickness doesn't matter at all to you. If that's the case, then perhaps you'll find the slowest EV (which happens to be the cheapest too) on the U.S. market right now, the Smart fortwo ED, perfectly suitable for you with its 0 to 60 MPH time of nearly 12 seconds.