Now that electric vehicles (EVs) are capable of driving several hundred miles on a single charge and hybrid systems are being used to not only bump fuel economy but also make performance vehicles even faster, it's a good time to look at how they each stack up against the good ol' internal combustion engine. For the sake of the test, some of the greatest examples from each should be used for representation: why not the Mercedes-AMG GT63 S, a Porsche Taycan Turbo S, and a Polestar 1?
Porsche made big waves in the automotive world when it announced the Taycan super EV last year, claiming a zero-to-60 time of just 2.6 seconds in top-trim Turbo S spec thanks to 750 battery-sourced horsepower. Those are big numbers, all achieved on electric power, but the Taycan's range suffers from its focus on all-out speed, only totaling 192 miles--admittedly, that number does fluctuate a bit depending on who's testing it. Even so, the car's performance is breathtaking and makes almost everything else on the road look like a horse and buggy.
Finally, Polestar incorporates the strengths from ICE and EV methods with its beautiful touring car, the Polestar 1. It's slower than both the Porsche and the Mercedes, but it's more flexible than the other two because it can operate on fuel, battery, or both, which massively increases its range. Its hybrid powertrain includes a turbo- and supercharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder which, when combined with two electric motors, is good for 600 hp and 737 pound-feet of torque. It might not win in a no-holds-barred drag race, but it's an all-around player that takes a bit from both to create a more complete package.
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