In the race to make electric driving as effortless as petrol, charging speed is the new battleground. Range still matters, but being able to add hundreds of miles in minutes is what turns an EV from a weekend cruiser into a true long-distance companion. With the right charger, some of today’s fastest EVs can go from 10% to 80% in less than 20 minutes.
Why Charging Speed Matters
At home, your 7kW wallbox is perfect for overnight charging. But on the road, it’s all about DC rapid chargers. The top-performing EVs now accept 250–350 kW, allowing for ultra-fast top-ups at public stations like Gridserve and Ionity. While manufacturers advertise maximum kW figures, real-world results depend on:
- Battery pre-conditioning
- Ambient temperature
- State of charge when you plug in
To keep things simple, here’s our 2025 list of the 10 fastest charging EVs in the UK, based on official maximum DC charging rates.
Top 10 Fastest Charging EVs 2025
1. Lotus Eletre – 350 kW
- Battery: 112 kWh
- Charge: 10–80% in 14 mins
- Range: 373 miles
The Lotus Eletre leads the pack, hitting 350 kW on public chargers – and even more on Lotus’ own 450 kW units.
2. Porsche Taycan – 320 kW
- Battery: 89 or 105 kWh
- Charge: 10–80% in 18 mins
- Range: 394 miles
Thanks to its 800-volt system, the Taycan’s facelifted model cuts charging time significantly compared to its predecessor.
3. Audi Q6 e-tron – 270 kW
- Battery: 82 or 100 kWh
- Charge: 10–80% in 21 mins
- Range: 392 miles
Smart ‘bank charging’ tech lets it split the battery for quicker top-ups, even on lower-power chargers.
4. Maserati GranCabrio Folgore – 270 kW
- Battery: 83 kWh
- Charge: 20–80% in 18 mins
- Range: 278 miles
Luxury meets speed in one of the first convertible EVs with blistering charging performance.
5. Porsche Macan Electric – 270 kW
- Battery: 100 kWh
- Charge: 10–80% in 20 mins
- Range: 380 miles
A mid-size SUV with Taycan tech under the skin, offering family practicality with rapid charging.
6. Hyundai Ioniq 5 – 260 kW
- Battery: 63 or 84 kWh
- Charge: 10–80% in 18 mins
- Range: 354 miles
Shared with the Kia EV6 platform, it’s a road trip-friendly EV with futuristic design and outstanding efficiency.
7. Kia EV6 – 258 kW
- Battery: 84 kWh
- Charge: 10–80% in 18 mins
- Range: 361 miles
Sporty, tech-packed and quick to recharge – a strong alternative to the Tesla Model 3.
8. Polestar 3 – 250 kW
- Battery: 111 kWh
- Charge: 10–80% in 30 mins
- Range: 403 miles
Not an 800-volt EV, but still charges fast enough for most, with luxury SUV comfort and cutting-edge infotainment.
9. Volvo EX90 – 250 kW
- Battery: 111 kWh
- Charge: 10–80% in 30 mins
- Range: 374 miles
A spacious, seven-seat flagship with the same charging tech as the Polestar 3.
Understanding 400V vs 800V Systems
Most EVs run at 400 volts, but 800-volt architectures allow for faster, more efficient charging by reducing heat loss. This is why top performers like the Taycan and Eletre can fully exploit 350 kW chargers.
Maximising Your Charging Speed
- Use the ONEEV route planner to find high-power chargers along your route.
- Pre-condition your battery before arrival for optimal performance.
- Charge between 10% and 80% to save time and preserve battery health.
External Resources
UK Government: EV Charging Infrastructure
RAC EV Guides
The Bottom Line
Faster charging equals more freedom. Whether you’re a city commuter or a company car driver, pairing the right EV with ONEEV’s real-time charger locator makes long journeys smoother, quicker and more enjoyable.
