Trigger Your ICE Buddies With A Hellcat-Smashing sub-40k Electric

There are those who say electric cars like the Tesla Model 3 and Kia Niro EV are lacking in ‘soul’ because they don’t have engines that make noise. Acceleration times don’t benefit from soul, but they do benefit from electric motors– and shoppers are starting to catch on. Those after the quickest acceleration for their dollars have a growing number of all-electric options hitting the used marketplace at more compelling price points than ever. Below, we’re highlighting a variety of EVs you’ll find nearly-new or with plenty of remaining warranty for around $40,000, as well as some notable sports and performance models they’ll tie or beat when it comes to 0-60 acceleration, no brutal clutch-dumps required.

If you’re itching to trigger your Hellcat, M4 or 911-driving pals with something all electric, or maybe partake in some weekend trolling at the drag strip, you’ll find a few contenders worthy of your consideration below. We’ve included some more modest options that deliver strong acceleration figures as well. It’s all to show you how fast you can go for $40,000 in 2025, while choosing the right model for your needs and budget.

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2025 Kia Niro EV

0-60: 6.8 sec

The Niro EV is spacious, flexible, and goes 253 miles per charge according to EPA data, though its front-drive, single-motor configuration with 201 horsepower earns it the lowest place on our list. For the dollar, this contender is worthy of big consideration if you’d like something quick enough but prefer your dollars go more towards full warranty coverage than lung-squishing torque. Even though it’s the slowest EV on the page, the Niro EV can do 0-60 in sub-7-second territory if conditions are perfect, putting it in the same ballpark as sports cars like the Honda Civic Si. With a base MSRP of $39,600, you’re looking at a brand-new purchase with full warranty at our $40,000 price point. Slightly used models are available for thousands less.

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2024 VW ID.4 Pro

0-60: 5.0 sec

According to Volkswagen, key competitors to the ID. 4 are identified as the Honda CR-V, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, Mazda CX-5, Subaru Forester, and Toyota RAV4. To help further its appeal, the ID. 4 was given a major update in 2024, including a more powerful drivetrain that could whisk AWD-equipped models to 60 MPH in 5 seconds with no shifting or noise required. That’s half a second quicker than a GTI, faster still if it’s raining or snowing. Since the 2025 GTI is no longer available with a manual transmission, the quicker (and also automatic) ID. 4 might be a compelling reason to try a more spacious electric alternative.

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2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6

0-60: 4.4 sec

Its looks aren’t for everyone, but the Hyundai Ioniq 6’s award-winning EV platform and relaxing, solid ride are easy to appreciate. Ditto the rear seat legroom. The fuel bill isn’t too bad either, especially considering this streamliner-styled four-door can do 0-60 in 4.4 seconds across a wide range of conditions, thanks to its fast-acting AWD traction. This might be one of the weirdest-looking ways to say ‘sayanora’ to your WRX STI buddies at the stop light, no clutch-dumping required. You can even surprise the Cadillac Escalade V in total stealth. You’ll find slightly used copies with plenty of remaining warranty for $40,000 or less.

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2024 Mercedes EQE / EQS 500

0-60: 4.4 sec

Step up the luxury and ambiance a notch while laying down sub-5-second 0-60 passes in the lap of German luxury with a slightly used copy of the EQE or EQS. These hefty electric luxury lounges provide more space and glitz than the Hyundai Ioniq 6 listed previously, and roughly tie it when it comes to acceleration figures. You’ll need to accept a few more miles on their odometers, but these equally-as-quick options can carry 5 adults and their cargo while accelerating alongside machinery like the Nissan 370Z and Audi R8 V8, neither of which have a spacious rear seat. The latest all-electric Mercedes models have depreciated rapidly, making for some great deals on a spacious high-speed cruiser.

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2024 Acura ZDX Type S

0-60: 4.5 sec

Here’s another family-ready electric option that’s ready for soccer, winter storms, and keeping up with machinery like the Kia Stinger, Toyota Supra and Ford Mustang. This Acura rides GM-sourced EV tech beneath its skin, and two motors work to deliver a 500-horsepower punch to all four wheels. You’ll outrun the latest Integra Type S, TLX Type S and even the original Acura NSX-T, all with a 3,500-pound towing capacity. You’ll find pricing start a little north of our $40,000 limit for a ZDX Type S, though higher-mileage models should fit into our hypothetical budget nicely.

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2023 BMW i4 M50

0-60: 3.7 sec

Here’s a riddle for you: what costs $40,000, uses no gas, and can go 0-60 as fast as a brand-new Porsche 911 Targa 4S for less than 25% of the cost? The answer is a second-hand BMW i4 M50. Turn off the simulated acceleration sounds and listen closely to hear the acceleration squish the air out of your lungs. Breathtaking off-the-line urgency and immediate throttle response deliver nearly startling launches, and this is one of the most award-winning luxury electrics in recent history. With instant torque and abundant traction, this is a $40,000 way to surprise just about any rear-drive Hellcat model that isn’t on a clean, dry, surface.

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2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E GT with Performance Upgrade

0-60: 3.3 sec

One of the best ways to make your ICE-loving buddies groan and whine is to drive a controversial electric SUV that costs $40,000 and can out-accelerate virtually any mass-production Mopar, Ford or GM Performance model from the past 10 years. You’ll find second-hand copies of the Ford Mustang Mach-E GT in the used market with the majority of their warranty remaining for $40,000 or less, and a software performance upgrade drops 0-60 figures to just 3.3 seconds. That’s not only quicker than a Grand Cherokee Trackhawk or Ram TRX, it’ll leave a long list of $250,000-plus exotics in the dust, too.

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2022 Tesla Model 3 Performance

0-60: 2.9 sec

Few gas-fired machines on this side of a lottery-winning pricetag can crack 0-60 mph in sub-3-second territory, making a slightly-used Tesla Model 3 Performance a hilarious way to outrun, well, just about anything else on the road. The latest revisions update the machine’s styling and tech, and drivers can expect 0-60 mph to arrive in less than 3 seconds. Many supercars with lottery-winning sticker prices need ideal launch conditions, specially prepared surfaces and professional drivers to pull off those sorts of numbers, and none of them can be had for $40,000. On real world roads in real world conditions, few cars are quicker than the Model 3 Performance, which makes a slightly used copy the best value on your page for those looking to accelerate as rapidly as possible, and maybe visit the friendly local drag strip for some weekend trolling.

Sources: AutoTempest