2025 New Electric Cars: More Choices Than Ever
2024 was a record year for electric car sales in the U.S., with electric cars having reached a record share of just over nine percent of the overall market. Collectively, well over a million Americans made the switch to an electric car, attracted by a combination of performance, technology, zero local emissions, and lower fueling and maintenance costs.
The choice of EVs available to American consumers is also greater than ever; the number of electric car choices available to buyers continues to expand, with new entrants in many new market segments and price points. But if 2024 was a big year for EVs, 2025 is going to be an even bigger year, with dozens of new models coming to market. So far, we’ve detailed some of the exciting mainstream and luxury crossovers and SUVs arriving this year, but if you are more interested in a high performance sedan, coupe, or hot hatchback, there are plenty of new EVs for you to get excited about.
Dodge Charger Daytona
The Dodge Charger has a reputation as a tarmac-ripping muscle car. Generally powered by big gas engines, generations of Chargers got faster and faster, asserting their dominance on the road and on drag strips and race tracks, guzzling plenty of gas along the way. Now, though, the Charger is going electric, and Dodge says it will retain its title as the world’s quickest and most powerful muscle car. The new electric Charger Daytona will offer up to 670 hp, roar to 60 mph in just over 3 seconds, and run the quarter-mile in just over 11 seconds.
Two new electric Charger models will be offered: the Charger Daytona R/T and the meatier Charger Daytona Scat Pack. Both vehicles are driven by a 400-volt electrical system that delivers huge power, instantaneous torque, and zero tailpipe emissions. All Charger EV models are all-wheel drive, with separate front and rear electric motors.
The Charger Daytona R/T produces 496 hp, while the Charger Daytona Scat Pack ups the ante to a total of 670 hp. Both models come with a standard 100.5-kWh battery pack, giving 317 miles of EPA estimated range in the R/T and 260 miles of range in the Scat Pack. Fast-charging capability is excellent, allowing up to 350 kW on a compatible charger, and going from 20 to 80 percent of charge in just over 27 minutes.
Audi e-tron GT
We have always loved the Audi e-tron GT’s combination of style, performance, handling, and luxury, but it fell a little short in terms of range and efficiency. Now, Audi has refreshed the lineup with 100 miles more range as well as other significant upgrades that make it a much more appealing package.
The new e-tron GT lineup offers three distinct models: S e-tron GT, which combines sportiness and elegance in perfect balance; the sportier RS e-tron GT; and the top of the line RS e-tron GT Performance, which offers a huge power boost and lightweight, performance-enhancing features for the ultimate in driving excitement.
All three e-tron GT models feature dual motors and standard, electric quattro all-wheel drive. The S e-tron GT’s combined system output is a staggering 679 hp, while the RS e-tron GT delivers 856 hp, and the RS e-tron GT Performance model produces a monstrous 925 hp, making it the most powerful production car Audi has ever made. Acceleration is daunting, even the “base” S e-tron GT will get to 60 mph in less than 3.5 seconds, while the RS e-tron GT dips under 3 seconds, and the RS e-tron GT performance will get you there in less than 2.5 seconds. Top speed for all models is 155 mph.
Tesla Model 3 Performance
Designed as a high-performance, long-range daily driver, the Model 3 Performance is the top model of the refreshed Model 3 “Highland” lineup. It packs a new, more powerful drive unit that Tesla says delivers a 22 percent improvement in continuous power. Overall, there's a 32 percent increase in horsepower, with 16 percent more torque. Total output is now 510 hp and 546 lb-ft of torque, similar numbers to such performance sedans as the BMW M3, Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, and Cadillac CT4-V.
With all that extra power, and standard all-wheel drive from dual motors, the Model 3 Performance will zap from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.9 seconds. Despite all of that, improvements to the Model 3’s software and systems mean that energy consumption is actually reduced by two percent. Tesla claims a driving EPA estimated range of 296 miles, with a top speed of 163 mph.
Adaptive dampers with hollow piston rods, new stabilizer bars, higher-strength steel springs, and stiffer suspension mounts should make the Model 3 Performance more stable in the corners. There are three drive modes, Standard, Sport, and Track, which adjust the stiffness of the dampers. Track mode also activates different programming for the motors, cooling system, and vehicle dynamics electronics.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is one of our favorite EVs, thanks to its combination of space, range, and technology. The Ioniq 5 N is an all-new high-performance version designed to demonstrate the limits of electric technology on the road and racetrack. It adds huge power, advanced technology, and extreme cornering to the portfolio of the regular Ioniq 5 and is distinguished by multiple visual upgrades including contrasting black trim, 21-inch wheels, a lower ride height, wider body, and large rear wing.
The Ioniq 5 N delivers on the promise of its visuals with twin electric motors that provide up to 650 hp in the most aggressive mode. Launch control is available, as well as a new “boost” function for more power in 10-second bursts. The brakes are the most powerful fitted to any Hyundai, and there is even a simulated manual transmission function, which mimics the function of an eight-speed gearbox by controlling the motor’s torque output and adding a jolt between shifts. An active sound module incorporates internal and external speakers to deliver a choice of gutsy sounds. Use all of the power, and you’ll understand why the EPA range estimate for the Ioniq 5 N is only 205 miles with the 84-kWh battery.
At a starting MSRP in the U.S. of over $63,000, the Ioniq 5 N is not cheap but it offers performance that rivals significantly more expensive cars from Porsche, BMW, and others, for a lot less.
Cadillac Lyriq-V
Cadillac is extending its high-performance V-series family into the EV realm with the 2026 Lyriq-V. It combines luxury, tech, and performance in a unique way, made possible by its electric architecture. Thanks to the 102-kWh battery being positioned low in the rigid body, it has a low center of gravity and a solid foundation for great handling. All while also improving the level of isolation and calm you would expect of a Cadillac.
The headline figures, of course, are the 615 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque generated by dual EV motors, which will deliver a powerful surge of acceleration. Driving modes include V-Mode, which allows drivers to save their favorite performance-focused settings, including a new “competitive” mode. Engaging V mode is easy thanks to a dedicated button on the steering wheel, letting drivers dial up the fun with one touch.
With launch control engaged, the Lyriq-V will rip to 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds. At a starting MSRP of $79,990, including destination freight charge, the Lyriq-V is impressively good value for its level of performance. For a small price premium, it offers substantially more performance than the Audi SQ6 e-tron, and it’s tens of thousands of dollars cheaper than the 630-hp Porsche Macan Turbo EV, while offering more interior space and more standard equipment.
