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In the golden era of internal combustion engines, the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon stood as an icon of raw power. Priced at $96,666, it boasted a quarter-mile time of 9.65 seconds at 140 mph, making it one of the few sub-$100k cars to break the 10-second barrier.  However, as we speed into 2025, the landscape of high-performance vehicles has shifted dramatically. Electric vehicles (EVs) now dominate the realm of affordable speed, offering unparalleled acceleration without the hefty price tags of their gasoline-guzzling predecessors. 

The Rise of electric 10-second cars

Today’s EVs have harnessed the instantaneous torque of electric motors to achieve staggering performance metrics. Notably, several models under $100,000 have redefined what’s possible in terms of acceleration:

  • Tesla Model S Plaid: With a base price of $89,990, this sedan delivers 1,020 horsepower and 1,050 lb-ft of torque. It rockets from 0 to 60 mph in just 1.99 seconds and completes the quarter-mile in 9.23 seconds at 155 mph.
  • Tesla Model X Plaid: Starting at $94,990, this SUV matches its sedan counterpart with 1,020 horsepower. It achieves 0 to 60 mph in 2.5 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 9.8 seconds at 146.7 mph.
  • Hyundai Ioniq 5 N (Honorable mention): With a quarter-mile time of just 11.1 seconds, the Ioniq N on stock tires is not a 10-second car (ahem, crossover). But at $67,475, it’s an electric performance bargain. Watch out for the first electric sedan Hyundai gives the N treatment.

Beyond Tesla: other electrifying 10-second cars

While Tesla has set benchmarks, other manufacturers have introduced impressive EVs that offer exhilarating performance:

  • Lucid Air Sapphire: Priced at $249,000, the Lucid Air Sapphire boasts 1,234 horsepower and 1,430 lb-ft of torque. It achieves a quarter-mile time of 9.3 seconds at 156 mph.
  • Porsche Taycan Turbo GT: Starting at $230,000, this model offers 1,019 horsepower with overboost and 914 lb-ft of torque, completing the quarter-mile in 9.4 seconds at 150 mph.

Passing the performance torch from gas to electric

The transition from internal combustion engines to electric powertrains has not only been about environmental considerations but also about performance enhancements. EVs provide immediate torque delivery, resulting in rapid acceleration that was once the domain of high-octane, gasoline-powered machines. This evolution has democratized speed, allowing more enthusiasts to experience supercar-level performance without breaking the bank.

The era when sub-$100k cars like the Dodge Demon ruled the quarter-mile is fading. Electric vehicles have taken up the mantle, offering blistering acceleration and performance once reserved for the elite. As technology advances and prices become more accessible, the future of speed is undoubtedly electric. Soon, a V8 will be a quaint powertrain you buy more for the noise and experience. And only when you don’t want the fastest car on the road.

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Staff Writer

Henry Cesari

Henry Cesari is a MotorBiscuit Staff Writer who brings his deep interest in vintage cars, trucks, and motorcycles to the site. Having restored his first classic car at just 16 years old, Henry has wrenched on everything from overland campers to Japanese motorcycles and even pre-war Bugattis. Henry is also an avid attendee at local car shows and genuinely enjoys connecting with fellow auto enthusiasts. Henry earned a Bachelor’s in Anthropology and English from the University of Vermont. While Henry is interested in vintage cars, he believes the golden age of cars is yet to come. He is confident journalists will play an important role in this revolution by exposing the industry as it is now and envisioning its possible future.