Sports cars have revolutionised the automotive landscape since the early 20th century, captivating consumers with sleek designs and incredible speed. They've elevated cars from practical transportation to items worthy of collection. These vehicles have continually pushed boundaries, evolving to wield more power and speed. However, the industry's seismic shift toward electric cars has sparked mixed opinions among sports car enthusiasts. Electric vehicles (EVs) now stand head-to-head with their petrol or diesel counterparts, challenging the traditional status quo.

In this blog, we'll showcase the most exciting electric sports cars due for release in 2024, while exploring the intricacies and obstacles inherent in electric sports car engineering. We also include a list of high-performance cars available at The Electric Car Scheme via salary sacrifice.

How can a sports car be electric?

Similar to their petrol and diesel counterparts, electric sports cars can deliver impressive speed, control, and performance. The torque serves as the driving force propelling your vehicle. The units for torque are newton-metres (Nm) or pound-feet (lb-ft) - newton (or pound) stands for the force that is acting, while metres (or feet) stand for the length of the lever arm. In a petrol engine, torque originates from the combustion of the gasoline and oxygen blend, exerting downward pressure on the piston head, generating a force that induces rotation. This process involves multiple moving components. Petrol engines are typically linked to transmissions and differentials, which can slow the car's forward motion. On the other hand, electric motors instantly produce 100% of their torque without delay or hesitation. As Alex Ramos writes, “No matter how fast the quickest transmission can shift, it will never be faster than a transmission that doesn’t need to shift.” Some EVs also have 4 separate electric motors (one for each wheel) “which is one of the most advanced drive units on the road today.”

Certain electric vehicles, not originally designed as sports car competitors, outpace traditional petrol and diesel sports cars. This superiority stems from their immediate torque, dual motor all-wheel drive (AWD), and substantial mass, enabling them to quickly considerable power. Therefore, the pertinent query shouldn't revolve around "how can an electric car become a sports car," as the inherent swiftness of electric cars is derived from the fundamental workings of electric engines.

Salary sacrifice can save employees up to 60% on an electric car. At The Electric Car Scheme, we have several electric high-performance cars available via salary sacrifice, from Tesla to Porsche. You can browse our inventory by using the quote tool which will also show how much you can save each year of your lease.

The challenges with electric sports cars

Although EV batteries give sports cars better speed, control and performance in comparison to fuel-powered alternatives, there are still challenges to overcome. According to Topspeed, EVs have yet to reach a level of development where they consistently surpass the speeds achieved by traditional sports cars.

One of the main challenges with electric cars is that they are expensive and sports cars will be no different. Luxury brands, like Porsche, are investing millions into developing high-speed battery-powered models which means the cost for the consumer is currently very high. However, advancements in technology and ongoing research aimed at optimising production processes may eventually lead to cost reductions for electric sports cars, potentially making them more accessible to a wider consumer base.

The most exciting sports cars of 2024

We have curated a list focusing on four of the most exciting electric cars slated for release in 2024.

Porsche Taycan Facelift

Porsche is currently working on a Facelift for the Taycan to bring updates to the company’s first all-electric car. The Taycan Sedan was released first in 2019 followed by the Cross Turismo (2021) and Sport Turismo (2022). Photographs revealed that the Taycan Cross Turismo is currently being tested.

This image is sourced from InsideEVs

The images unveiled alterations in the bumper, lights, and grilles, indicating forthcoming changes. Anticipations suggest that current Taycan models will receive a boost in range, addressing the primary critique of the Taycan in comparison to other electric vehicles. For instance, the Tesla Model S boasts a range of 396 miles on a single charge, surpassing the current Taycan's range.

Pininfarina Battista Edizione Farina

The Pininfarina Battista is classified as a hypercar and is a limited edition as only five are being made. The car is named after Battista ‘Pinin’ Farina, first ever F1 champion. This is an example of a car that has two electric motors mounted to each axle, each powering a specific wheel. The total horsepower is rated at 1873 and is capable of reaching 0-186mph in less than 12 seconds.

This image is sourced from MotorTrend

This car has a top speed of 217 miles per hour which the AutoCar review of the Battista says “It is so fast you actively have to remind yourself to breathe in as your lungs compress under the immense g-force.”

Audi RS e-tron GT

The Audi RS e-tron GT has a battery charge time from 5% to 80% in approximately 22.5 minutes and has a DC max charging power of 170kW. This car is very fast with a top speed of 152mph and the ability to go from 0-60mph in just 3.9 seconds. It has instantaneous e-torque vectoring plus which helps to ensure stability and hand handling in most driving situations. The all-wheel-drive system powers each axle individually, offering traction in nearly all road conditions.

**Range:** 249 miles
0-60mph: 3.9 seconds
Starting price: 83,285
**Torque:** 612 lb-ft

This image is sourced from Forbes

The cabin incorporates multiple digital displays on its dashboard. Audi offers a leather interior with different colour options as well as a leather-free package that uses recycled materials. There is ample legroom in the back and there is luggage behind the back seats, making it a comfortable sports car to drive - potentially on a day-to-day basis.

Lotus Evija

The Lotus Evija has four dynamic electric motors to get a performance output of 1,972 horsepower which means it speeds off the starting line from 0-60mph in under 3 seconds and has a top speed of 200mph. Lotus claim this is the lightest pure-electric hypercar, weighing just 3,703 pounds. Performance can be customised by five different modes: Range, City, Tour, Sport and Track.

This image is sourced from Car and Driver

It has a minimalistic interior and comes with adjustable race-style seats, a race-style steering wheel (due to its rectangular shape), but only seats two passengers.

High-performance cars available to Salary Sacrifice

At The Electric Car Scheme, we have a variety of high-performance cars you can choose from to salary sacrifice. Salary sacrifice allows employees to save between 30 and 60% on any electric car by reducing their salary in exchange for an electric car as a benefit. You can learn more about how this works at The Electric Car Scheme by visiting our website. We have compiled a list of all the high-performance cars we have available at The Electric Car Scheme.

Tesla Model 3 Long Range

The WLTP range of the Tesla Model 3 is 421 but it is thought that the real-world range will be approximately 391 miles and you can re-charge up to 175 miles in as little as 15 minutes. The Model 3 has a quieter cabin, and there is an all-glass roof thanks to the 360-degree acoustic glass. You can have remote access from the Tesla app, which is very handy.

Polestar 2 Plus Performance

The Polestar 2 comes with an all-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive powertrain, both optimised for driver engagement and performance. It has a range of 367 miles and can accelerate from 0 to 60 in 4.2 seconds. Top Gear reviewed this car and claimed its "simplicity is a joy.” You can salary sacrifice the Polestar 2 Plus Performance for £680, saving yourself 36% versus leasing the car yourself.

Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo

The Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo has a top speed of 137 mph and can accelerate from 0 to 60 in 5.1 seconds. If you’re looking for the perfect high-performance car to salary sacrifice this is it because you could save £22,124 over three years compared to the standard lease cost. The Cross Turismo has increased luggage compartment volume and more headroom compared to the standard Taycan, offering a comfortable experience with plenty of space wherever you sit. Interestingly the Cross Turismo also has a gravel mode which was specifically designed for this model and optimises off-road driving on gravel or mud.

Salary sacrifice breakdown for Tesla, Polestar and Porsche

How are your savings calculated?	Tesla Model 3 Long Range	Polestar 2 Plus Performance	Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo
Monthly gross cost	£928	£1,073	£1,661
Income Tax saving	-£371	-£429	-£664
National insurance savings	-£19	-£21	-£33
Average benefit-in-kind	+£47	£58	+£83
Net cost you pay	£585	£680	£1,047

What we can expect from electric sports cars

Many car manufacturers, such as Jaguar aiming for 2025 and Lotus 2028, are transitioning to all-electric fleets. This shift suggests an impending surge of brands venturing into the supercar realm. Anticipated advancements in technology promise enhanced performance for these cars in the future. Considering the impressive range achieved by certain electric SUVs, it's reasonable to assume electric sports cars will begin to have extended ranges. For instance, the Lucid Air Grand Touring boasts an impressive 516-mile range, signalling the potential for longer-range electric sports cars.

The adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) has been a contentious topic among many traditional 'petrolheads', and this scepticism extends to electric sports cars. There's uncertainty regarding the potential of electric motors in terms of technology and power. However, as highlighted in this blog, electric motors enable cars to accelerate faster from the starting line compared to their petrol or diesel counterparts. As attitudes toward electric vehicles gradually shift towards acceptance, a similar trend will likely emerge for electric sports cars. As more people embrace EVs, the acceptance and enthusiasm for electric sports cars are expected to follow suit.

Switching to an electric car is one of the most significant ways to make a positive change towards net zero. At The Electric Car Scheme, we want to make it cheaper and easier than any other option. Salary sacrifice makes this possible, allowing employees to save 30-60% on any electric car on any electric car by reducing their salary in exchange for an electric car as a benefit. We don’t have any supercars, but some pretty fast cars are available! Have a browse using our quote tool or learn more about how the scheme works here.

Our lease pricing is based on data collected from The Electric Car Scheme quote tool. All final pricing is inclusive of VAT. All prices above are based on the following lease terms; 10,000 miles pa, 36 months, and are inclusive of Maintenance and Breakdown Cover. The Electric Car Scheme’s terms and conditions apply. All deals are subject to credit approval and availability. All deals are subject to excess mileage and damage charges. Prices are calculated based on the following tax saving assumptions; England & Wales, 40% tax rate. The above prices were calculated using a flat payment profile. The Electric Car Scheme Limited provides services for the administration of your salary sacrifice employee benefits. The Electric Car Scheme Holdings Limited is a member of the BVRLA (10608), is authorised and regulated by the FCA under FRN 968270, is an Appointed Representative of Marshall Management Services Ltd under FRN 667174, and is a credit broker and not a lender or insurance provider.

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The most exciting electric sports cars to salary sacrifice in 2024