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The Tesla Model S has long been the benchmark for EV performance, with its quick acceleration and excellent driving dynamics. However, the Model S is very expensive — and well out of the price range for the vast majority of electric car buyers. However, there are some EVs that are cheaper than the Tesla Model S — and fast too. Here are three electric car alternatives to consider. 

Fast electric car alternatives that cost less than a Tesla Model S

Front view of red 2022 Tesla Model S, highlighting fast EV alternatives that are cheaper
2022 Tesla Model S | Tesla

The starting price of the 2022 Tesla Model S is $104,990. Notable specs of the Model S include a top speed of 200 mph, a 0-60 mph acceleration time as low as 1.99 seconds, an output of up to 1,020 horsepower from its available tri-motor system, and an estimated driving range of up to 405 miles. 

The Model S is a wonderful car, but it costs a great deal of money. Alternatively, check out these three fast EVs that cost less than the Tesla Model S, with the following starting prices:

  1. 2023 Lucid Air: $87,400
  2. 2023 Porsche Taycan: $86,700
  3. 2023 BMW i4: $55,900

2023 Lucid Air 

Front angle view of maroon 2023 Lucid Air, electric car alternative that costs less than Tesla Model S
2023 Lucid Air | Lucid

One of the best EV alternatives to the Tesla Model S is the 2023 Lucid Air, which starts at $87,400. The startup EV automaker already has made big waves with the Air, for it earned the illustrious 2022 MotorTrend Car of the Year award. For specs, the Air has a top speed of over 200 mph — and can achieve the 0-60 mph sprint in under two seconds. Also, with its available dual-motor system, it delivers an output of up to 1,200 horsepower. 

While those specs are very impressive, the one attribute in which the Lucid Air stands out the most is its driving range. It can travel up to 520 miles on a single charge, which is the most for a production electric car. On top of that, the Air has a beautiful exterior design and a comfortable, roomy, and technologically-sophisticated interior. 

2023 Porsche Taycan

Front angle view of brown 2023 Porsche Taycan, fast EV alternative that costs less than Tesla Model S
2023 Porsche Taycan | Porsche

Another fast electric car alternative that’s cheaper than a Tesla Model S is the 2023 Porsche Taycan, which has a starting price of $86,700. Notable specs for the Taycan include a top speed of 161 mph, a 0-60 mph time as low as 2.6 seconds, and an output of up to 750 horsepower from its dual-motor motor system.

Before the release of Taycan, some people feared that the eclectic sports car would not have the exceptional driving dynamics of gas-powered Porsche models, such as the iconic 911. However, the Taycan does not disappoint — with its precise steering, confident handling, and superb cornering abilities. One drawback of the Taycan, though, is its estimated driving range of only up to 246 miles, which is less than its competitors.

2023 BMW i4

Front angle view of blue 2023 BMW i4 electric car
2023 BMW i4 | BMW

A fast EV that costs considerably less than the Tesla Model S is the 2023 BMW i4, which starts at $55,900. The i4 is an important model for BMW’s expanding electric vehicle lineup, as detailed by Car and Driver. For specs, the i4 has a top speed of 140 mph, a 0-60 mph as low as 3.7 seconds, an output of up to 536 horsepower with the available dual-motor system, and an estimated driving range of up to 300 miles. 

Also, the i4 provides agile handling — and with its practical hatchback body style, it functions well as a daily driver. While the performance specs of the i4 aren’t as impressive as the other electric cars on this list, when you consider its considerably lower price, it’s a relative “bargain.”

Fast and more affordable Tesla Model S electric car alternatives

Fast electric cars that are cheaper than the Tesla Model S include the 2023 Lucid Air, 2023 Porsche Taycan, and 2023 BMW i4. If you have the “need for speed” with an EV but want a more affordable alternative to the Model S, then these three vehicles are worth considering. 

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