A British company that provides track-day experiences reports that customers are turning to electric vehicles over traditional super sports cars because of the EVs’ faster acceleration.
TrackDays.co.uk says electric-vehicle driving experiences “are gradually overtaking their petrol supercar equivalents in popularity.”
The reason: The need for speed, or at least to feel the acceleration provided by the instant maximum torque outburst provided by EVs.
“The latest TrackDays.co.uk data shows the inexorable rise of the superfast accelerating EVs on the track for a driving experience, with bookings for these models outpacing conventional supercars such as Ferrari’s, Lamborghinis, Porsches and Aston Martins,” said the company, which just added an Aspark electric hypercar to its fleet. The Aspark accelerates from 0-to-60 mph in 1.72 seconds.
It also reports that bookings for the Tesla Model S “Ludicrous” P90D, which springs to 60 mph in 2.6 seconds, have increased significantly in the past three months.
It adds that the Tesla is faster to 60 mph than the Ferrari 458 Italia, Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder, Porsche GT3 RS or Aston Martin V8 Vantage.
“Whether it’s on the road or on the track, there’s no stopping the EV charge,” said Dan Jones, TrackDays operations manager. “The lightning quick acceleration is a major draw, and quite often it takes people by surprise.
“Obviously, on the road there are legal driving and speed restrictions, but by enjoying a driving experience on a track, then it is possible to witness first-hand the real thrill and potential of these lightning quick EVs in a safe environment.”
I am not an electric car fan by any means, but I too would be booking the 2.2 million Euro Aspark to experience 1.7 second acceleration. But let’s be real here rather than an EV fanboy, the Aspark is 10 times the price of the Lamborghini Performante whose acceleration matches the “Tesla” P90D. I’ve driven both, the Performante is pure excitement and was the production roadcar Nurburgring record holder (now the Aventador SVJ). The Tesla has the acceleration wow factor, but has no soul.