Earth Day 2022: Quick cars that don't anger the planet

The Fast and the (not so) Furious...

For as long as they have been produced, drivers (and passengers) have got serious thrills from high-powered, high-performance and unfortunately for most, high-emission sports cars. 

Now, as we delve into a world of zero-emission, low impact vehicles, brands are introducing some hugely powerful and seriously good looking vehicles, meaning that maybe you don’t have to compromise when it comes to driving responsibility while also getting the ultimate driving pleasure.

April 22 marked 2022's Earth Day, with car manufacturers across the globe promoting their electric car ranges. 

Thanks to their instant torque and advanced technology, electric cars can rank among some of the fastest and most luxurious on the road. With an electric car lease, drivers can experience that same driving thrill for a fraction of the cost.

We've taken a closer look at some of the quickest ones available right now.

Tesla Model S

Now we could have included any of the Tesla models in the lineup as they’re all zero-emission and all super quick. I mean why else would they feature a setting called ‘ludicrous mode’? But there is one car in particular that we lust after and that is the Tesla Model S Performance. 

The Model S P100D is the brand's flagship model and is best known for its sleek aesthetic and minimalist, tech-heavy cabin. Well, that and the fact that it’s astonishing acceleration - It'll go from 0-60mph in as just as 2.3 seconds! 

With performance figures that good, there's no surprise the Model S is a popular Tesla lease choice.

You can watch our hilarious Tesla Model 3 Acceleration Reaction video below.

A worthy mention before we move on, keep your eyes peeled for the new Tesla Roadster on the roads in the future. The Roadster is claimed to propel from 0-60mph in just 1.9 seconds, have a range of 620 miles and a mind-boggling 10,000Nm of wheel torque!

Audi e-tron

The Audi e-tron and e-tron Sportback are fully electric SUVs that firmly compete against the likes of the Mercedes-Benz EQC, Jaguar I-PACE or Tesla Model X.

Like the rest of the Audi lineup, the e-tron features a futuristic, minimalist cabin with a lot of tech available as well as a hugely practical boot and plenty of room for passengers in the back.

In terms of performance, the e-tron is powered by batteries and two electric motors, and in 8-second bursts, it will launch you from 0-62 in 5.7 seconds (as long as you’re in S mode) as it wants to encourage efficient battery-saving driving. The range tops out at about 240 miles and with a 150kW rapid charger, will charge to 80% in just 30 minutes.

Porsche Taycan

For a company already steeped in history, the Taycan marks a monumental shift for the prestigious German manufacturer. 

The Taycan is the brand's first-ever fully-electric supercar yet it prides itself on retaining all of the characteristics of their cars that Porsche drivers love so much. Good looking and fast, the Taycan has three model variants; the Taycan 4S, Taycan Turbo and Taycan Turbo S – the latter of which will go from 0-62mph in just 2.8 seconds. 

Mercedes-Benz EQC

The EQC might not be Mercedes-Benz's first venture into the electric world (remember the B-Class Electric Drive or the outrageous Mercedes SLS AMG Electric Drive?) but it is their first venture into the world of pure electric SUVs.

The EQC combines the luxury and comfort of our favourite Merc 4x4s but with the added bonus of 0g of CO2 emissions. It also features the highly sought-after MBUX infotainment system, as well as an abundance of other driving technologies that make the drive as easy (and friendly) as a walk in the park.

The EQC doesn’t lag when it comes to performance either; it’ll reach 0-62 in just 5.1 seconds, which is quicker than that of the Audi e-tron but not quite as fast as the Jaguar I-PACE.

Jaguar I-PACE

Next on our list is the I-PACE. And it is pace by name, pace by nature. The I-PACE may be an SUV but don't let that fool you into thinking it's slow... it's anything but.

The I-PACE will launch from 0-60mph in a pretty rapid 4.5 seconds. Not too shabby, eh?

Now, don’t get the I-PACE confused for the E-PACE as I’m sure many do - myself included. (You’d think ‘E’ meant electric right?) - Well no. Both are compact crossovers, but the E-PACE is powered by a (still very good) range of diesel and petrol engines in contrast to the 90kW battery in the I-PACE. 

The I-PACE takes the historic driving knowledge of Jaguar's past and brings it into the 21st century, combining innovative technologies, electric power and exhilarating acceleration to create a car that is super economical and more than worthy of the big cat emblem it bears.

Browse our latest offers on the Jaguar I-PACE