Finding An Expensive Electric Car: The Best EVs On A High Budget

• by Kris Cook
• March 4, 2022
• 14 min read

Have you ever stopped to wonder what the most expensive electric car in the world is?

Like traditional high-end cars, the electric vehicles tipping the expensive end of the scale offer unbelievable power and performance.

The kind of performance that you need to see to believe.

In this budget series, we’ve been showcasing a range of electric cars at varying price points to give you a better idea of what’s out there cost-wise.

We’ve already covered the best options for green drivers with low to medium budgets, only we’ve yet to cover high-end electric cars.

That changes today.

With our affordable electric cars post, we kept the budget around the £40,000 mark. Like with the other posts the costs will carry on from that point, only we will be digging into six-figure territory.

We’ll be looking at a range of electric supercars here, covering speedsters from the likes of Porsche, Rimac, Aspark, Lotus, Tesla and Audi. Some you might be aware of already, others you’ll be learning about for the very first time.

Let’s not waste anymore time, and jump straight into the best EVs on a high budget.

Expensive Electric Cars: The Top 10

Flashy cars have always been a key area of interest for drivers and supporters alike. Not everyone can afford these vehicles, but that doesn’t stop people from having an overall interest in vehicles that are quite impractical when you think about it.

Expensive electric cars are a little different in that they are practical. Practical in the sense that they produce less emissions and therefore offer a solution to current climate issues.

That being said, the costs are still a barrier to entry. And the performance of some of these vehicles are still a bit impractical.

For example, a vehicle that has the power to travel over 200 mph and offer near instant torque isn’t going to help you trim time on the morning commute.

As mentioned, we’re going to be covering vehicles that push well beyond the £40,000 mark. We should mention that some are currently in production and aren’t officially out yet.

We’ve still included them just the same, to make this list as comprehensive as possible.

DISCLAIMER: We’ll be starting low and ending high, with the most expensive electric car taking out tenth spot.

The Audi e-Tron GT in action © Credit to Audi

1. Audi e-Tron GT

• Manufacturer: Audi
• Type: Sports Car
• Price: $164,000

The first vehicle in our expensive electric car lineup is the Audi e-Tron GT. This EV runs on a dual-motor setup, with a total output of 469 HP and an overboost function that gives you 522 HP for 2.5 seconds.

In terms of torque. The Audi e-Tron GT promises 612 lb-ft compared to the RT version with 464 lb-ft. This allows the the GT to go from 0 to 60mph in around 3.1 seconds.

It’s not as quick off the draw as some of the other high-end cars covered, but there’s no denying its appeal. Range-wise, the vehicle can travel 238 miles between charges.

This expensive electric car uses no leather. Instead, it makes use of faux suede and recycled materials. Another highlight is its 10.1 inch touchscreen found inside.

All-in-all, it’s a fantastic option for drivers with plenty of money lining their pockets.

E4TP Says

Needless to say, the e-Tron GT is definitely one of Audi’s finest vehicles to date. It’s a vehicle that doesn’t stray too far from the typical sports design either. Looking more like one of the vehicles coming out of the Tesla camp.

2. Tesla Roadster

• Manufacturer: Tesla
• Type: Sports Car
• Price: $200,000

It’s hard not to talk about electric vehicles and not think about Tesla.

Some of the vehicles in its lineup (the Model S, for example), almost feel like sports cars in and of themselves given the maximum performance and functionality on offer.

Still, they all pale in comparison in terms of costs when matched up against the original. The first electric car released by the American automaker.

We’re, of course, referring to the Roadster.

Now, the original Roadster was released years ago. The one we’re talking about is the one that was announced in 2017, an updated model that puts its previous iterations to shame.

According to Tesla, this vehicle can fo from 0 to 60mph in just 1.9 seconds, thanks to a 200 kWh battery, three motors, and an unbelievable 7,400 lb/ft of torque.

Speed-wise, this Roadster can go travel up to 250mph, and not even break a sweat. It has 620 miles of electric range to offer, which would make it the EV with the longest range.

E4TP Says

The Tesla Roadster might not be out yet, but it’s already creating some serious buzz amongst drivers and Tesla fans alike. It’s also not even the most expensive electric car, and its performance is already better than most.

British Engineering: It’s the Lightning GT © Credit to Lightning

3. Lightning GT

• Manufacturer: Lightning
• Type: Super Car
• Price: $300,000

British firm, Lightning is an automaker focused solely on producing one vehicle and one vehicle alone. That being:

The Lightning GT, a vehicle that originally launched back in 2008. Multiple updates later and we have this proposed electric Lightning GT. We say ‘proposed’ as, like the Roadster, this expensive electric car is yet to launch.

One of the major highlights of this particular vehicle is its 22kWH Lithium-Titanate battery pack strings that can, apparently, recharge in ten minutes. It also features an onboard charger that can fill the vehicle with juice in around five hours.

E4TP Says

The visual stylings of this high-end electric car certainly screams luxury. Whether or not you should put a deposit down on this vehicle though… That’s another question, given how many times its been relaunched.

4. Rolls-Royce 102EX

• Manufacturer: Rolls-Royce
• Type: Luxury Car
• Price: $500,000

There’s regal EVs, and then there’s the Rolls-Royce 102EX.

And yes, we’re fully aware that the Rolls-Royce has stated it won’t manufacture the vehicle on a large scale.

We just had to include this high-end electric car in some way, as it’s just so different from every other electric super car. It’s old meets new, just done in a very forward-thinking manner.

For those not in the know, the Rolls-Royce 102ECX — otherwise known as the Phantom Experimental Electric (EE) — is a one-off electric prototype version of the Rolls-Royce Phantom VII.

It was revealed to the world at the Geneva Motor Show in 2011, created to gauge the response of customers and other stakeholders to the idea of an electric Rolls-Royce.

The range of the vehicle is nothing to get too excited about (124 miles). Still, that was never the appeal of a luxury car like this.

E4TP Says

A throwback through and through. The Rolls-Royce 102EX might never come to fruition in the ways we want, but we can at least say we’ve seen it in action. We just hope the Phantom inspired other expensive vehicles to embrace the retro feel.

The Mercedes-Benz SLS is a white whale Mercedes-Benz

5. Mercedes-Benz SLS (Electric)

• Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz
• Type: Sports Car
• Price: $550,000

Mercedes actually released less than 20 of the electric SLS before production was quickly brought to a halt. In other words, trying to find one out in the wild is going to be hella expensive, not to mention, difficult.

Let’s rundown some of its specifications.

The Mercedes-Benz SLS can go from 0 to 60mph in around 3.9 seconds. There’s also an electric motor located in each wheel, helping the vehicle deliver on unbelievable torque (737 lb/ft).

What lets it down is the weight of the battery (1200 lb) which limits its range to 155 miles. Speed-wise, it can only travel up to 155mph too, mostly due to the sheer heft of the battery.

The Mercedes-Benz SLS rolled into production back in 2014, but didn’t last that long before the German automaker pulled the plug.

E4TP Says

Weight and price aside, this vehicle is something to be cherished. It was released during a time where EVs weren’t nearly as popular as they are today. There’s something to be commended about taking a risk, which explains why the electric SLS is such a white whale.

6. Genovation GXE

• Manufacturer: Genovation
• Type: Super Car
• Price: $750,000

We’re getting to that point now where the designs of these vehicles are starting to look a lot more out of this world. Which is typically how you’d describe these vehicles to people who aren’t as clued in on their high-end electric cars.

Those that pay the $750,000 asking price will be handed the keys to the world’s first street legal all electric car to break the 200 mph barrier.

That’s right, Genovation’s GXE is a speed demon, powered by two electric motors with 250kW each powering them. This gives this super car around 602 lb/ft of torque.

It looks the part, it’s speedy, and it’s a record holder.

What’s not to love?

Well, the range is a little lacking (130 miles). It’s disappointing news if you’re in the market for something with a lot more stamina given how much you’re fronting.

E4TP Says

The Genovation GXE is one of those seeing is believing types we mentioned at the top of this post. Again, where it drops the ball compared to other high-end electric cars is in the stamina department. Only having 130 miles of range is kind of a bummer.

Our favourite high-end EV, the Lotus Evija © Credit to Lotus

7. Lotus Evija

• Manufacturer: Lotus
• Type: Super Car
• Price: $2,000,000+

The Lotus Evija is as much a statement of intent as it is one of the world most expensive electric car.

You see, the UK staple recently announced its intent to move into the electric vehicle space, promising multiple sustainable vehicles within the next few years. The Evija is simply the beginning.

Again, this is another one of those ‘in-production’ vehicles, but Lotus has performed enough track tests and handed out enough review vehicles for us to get an accurate read on how it performs and how innovative it is.

The Evija is a super car in name and in practice, delivering almost 2,000 horsepower, which is absurd. Lotus claims this makes it the most powerful production car on the planet.

And who could dispute that?

Here’s another interesting Lotus Evija fact:

It’s the lightest electric hypercar to enter production (3700 lbs). In other performance areas, it can sprint to 62 mph in under three seconds, and travel more than 200 mph.

Cost-wise, we aren’t sure how much this super car will cost exactly. All we know is that it’s going to set you back at least $2 million.

E4TP Says

Lotus is making a serious play for the super car throne with the Evija. It has all the markings of a generation-defining super car. If we had to choose, we’d probably say the Lotus Evija was our favourite expensive electric car.

8. Rimac Nevera

• Manufacturer: Aspark
• Type: Super Car
• Price: $2,500,000

Pure. Unrivalled. Power.

That’s exactly what you’re getting with the Rimac Nevera. That, and a vehicle you can charge to 80% in 19 minutes!

The Rimac Nevera is a Croatian powerhouse in every which way possible. It can zoom from 0 to 60mph in 1.85 seconds and hit a top speed of 258mph. The Rimac Nevera is pretty good at delivering range too (300 miles).

The Rimac Nevera started out as a mere concept vehicle back in 2018, but its production equivalent turns everything up to a solid eleven. It’s total output now is set at 1,914 horsepower, hence its speedy sprint capabilities.

For a time, the Rimac Nevera was known as the quintessential high-end electric car, a title that it still clings onto depending on who it is you’re speaking with.

It’s easy to see why given its all-wheel vectoring system that serves as a traction control system and electronic stability. It’s a system that makes more than 100 calculations per second, doing so to aid the driving style of the person behind the wheel.

E4TP Says

The features of the Rimac Nevera make it a true force to be reckoned with. How could it not, with it’s impressive starting sprint? It’s not the most expensive electric car there is, but it will cost you a pretty penny or two to own it.

The Battista is an unbelievable super car © Credit to Automobili Pininfarina

9. Pininfarina Battista

• Manufacturer: Automobili Pininfarina
• Type: Super Car
• Price: $2,600,000

When talking about the most expensive electric cars, vehicles like the Pininfarina Battista are what come to mind. How could it not with the manufacturer hailing from Italy!

The Pininfarina Battista is a super car with 1,900 HP and 1,649 lb-ft of torque. It can go from nothing to 62mph in less than 2 seconds and hit a top speed of 218 mph.

This EV is so powerful, it could give the most expensive car in the world a run for its money in the performance, stylings, and speed department. Which is no small feat when you see which electric super car takes the top spot.

What’s more, the Pininfarina Battista comes with a 120 kWh battery pack. This gives the Italian-made vehicle 311 miles of range per charge, doubling that of the GXE.

According to Automobili Pininfarina, the team behind the Battista, only 150 units will be released. So you might want to be snappy if you want yours.

E4TP Says

Automobili Pininfarina has teased more electric super cars are on the way, but you never forget your first. The Pininfarina Battista is no slouch, which was always to be expected given just how expensive it is. Think you could afford this one?

10. Aspark Owl

• Manufacturer: Aspark
• Type: Super Car
• Price: $3,600,000

Butterfly doors, check. Outlandish colour scheme, check. Low body clearance, also check.

The Aspark Owl is like the McLaren P1 on electric steroids and the most expensive electric car in the world.

The combined power of its electric motors guarantees 1,985 HP and instant torque (1,475 lb-ft). And we mean instant.

This Owl can go from 0 to 60 mph in 1.72 seconds, with a top speed of 249 mph — or 450 km. In 2020, the Aspark Owl became the fastest accelerating car in the world on a one foot roll out. Completing this feat at the Misano World Circuit in Italy.

Range isn’t too bad either, giving drivers 280 miles to play with before needing some juice.

In terms of its frame, the Aspark Owl is made from carbon-fibre, sitting around 6.3 inches from off the ground. Height-wise, this expensive electric super car is measured at 38.97 inches.

Like other supercars, Aspark will only produce 50 units of this vehicle:

• 20 to Europe
• 20 to Asia
• 10 to the US

E4TP Says

Is the Owl something you’d be interested in owning/driving? Seriously, go watch any video of this high-end super car on YouTube. You’ll see instantly why this vehicle is so revered, not to mention, worshiped.

Finding An Expensive Electric Car: The Best EVs On A High Budget

Were you expecting the electric vehicles shown to be so expensive? You probably had a rough idea of how much these EVs cost, but seeing them close-up can be somewhat surprising.

Again, not everyone will be able to afford these vehicles, especially the Aspark Owl, the most expensive electric car currently available right now. Still, at least you now know which EVs sit at the opposite end of the scale. Be sure to check out our post on cheap electric cars to see just how far the gap goes.

Did we leave any expensive electric cars off the list? Leave a comment down below if so. Be sure to tell us which is your favourite high-end EV while you’re at it.

Again, we love the Lotus Evija, but you might go for the Aspark Owl, which happens to be our second favourite.

Expensive Electric Car FAQs

What is the most expensive electric car?

The most expensive electric car in the world is the Aspark Owl, an electric super car developed by Manifattura Automobili Torino (MAT) for Aspark. It costs $3,600,000 and can go from 0 to 60mph in 1.72 seconds thanks to 1,475 lb-ft of torque.

How much is the Rimac Nevera?

The Rimac Nevera hypercar costs $2.5 million. It’s a vehicle that has raised constant comparisons with the Bugatti Veyron, a classic hypercar that originally launched back in 2005.

Do Rolls-Royce make electric cars?

Yes, Rolls-Royce are producing electric cars. The Rolls-Royce Spectre is an upcoming electric vehicle, expected to arrive in 2023. The firm has previously launched an all-electric concept in 2014 in the Rolls-Royce 102EX. Although that vehicle did not enter production.

Kris Cook

Hey, I’m Kris, a Junior Content Strategist at E4TP. At the moment I live in the world of EVs, keeping up on current trends in the space, and delivering quality content. I’m a creative type both inside and outside of work, in that I write poetry in my spare time, design independent zines, and paint. When I’m not knee deep in any of that, I collect vinyl (my collection has around 150 LPs in it), and enjoy spending time with pals outdoors, mostly on a bike — or in another country.

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