How did the Rimac Nevera R become the world’s fastest electric car?
The Rimac Nevera R didn’t just inch past its rivals—it obliterated the record books. Clocking a jaw-dropping 268.2mph, this Croatian-built hypercar now stands as the world’s fastest electric vehicle, outpacing even the legendary Bugatti Veyron Supersport. What’s even more impressive? It’s not just a straight-line missile. The Nevera R blitzed from 0-62mph in a mind-bending 1.66 seconds, setting a new benchmark for production car acceleration. That’s 0.08 seconds quicker than the already blistering standard Nevera.
These numbers aren’t just marketing fluff. The top speed and acceleration were independently verified during Rimac’s final validation tests before customer deliveries. In fact, the Nevera R shattered 24 world records in a single session, including a 0-400-0km/h (0-249-0mph) run in just 25.79 seconds—over two seconds faster than the previous record holder. For context, the quarter-mile sprint was dispatched in 7.9 seconds, a 0.35-second improvement over the standard model. The result? Pure magic.
What makes the Nevera R different from the standard Nevera?
You might think the Nevera R is just a slightly tweaked version of its sibling, but there’s a lot more going on under the skin. Rimac’s engineers didn’t just chase top speed—they focused on making the R a sharper, more agile machine. The R gets next-generation all-wheel torque vectoring, meticulously tuned for its new Michelin Cup 2 tires. The steering rack has been revised for crisper feedback and quicker responses, making the car feel more alive in your hands.
Aerodynamics play a starring role, too. A new fixed rear wing and a larger front diffuser combine to boost downforce by 15% and aerodynamic efficiency by 10%. This means the Nevera R isn’t just about straight-line heroics—it’s a monster in the corners, with 10% less understeer and 5% more lateral grip than before. Carbon-ceramic EVO2 brakes provide the stopping power needed for such extreme performance, and the car’s lighter, more focused setup sets a new standard for driving excitement on twisty back roads.
How does the Nevera R balance performance with everyday usability?
It’s easy to assume that a car this extreme would be a nightmare to live with, but Rimac’s approach is refreshingly different. Despite its hardcore focus, the Nevera R retains much of the comfort and practicality that made the original Nevera a surprisingly usable daily hypercar. The 120kWh battery pack remains, offering a range that, in the standard model, stretches up to 250 miles. While official range figures for the R haven’t been confirmed, Rimac’s commitment to real-world usability is clear.
Company founder Mate Rimac summed it up well: “We’re relentlessly tweaking to customers’ desires, and many were looking for a car that really emphasized the Nevera’s cornering ability, using all the advanced technology on board.” The result is a car that’s not just a record-breaker, but one you could genuinely enjoy on a favorite stretch of road—or even on the daily commute, if you’re feeling brave.
Why is Rimac considering a shift away from pure electric cars?
Here’s where things get interesting. Despite the Nevera R’s headline-grabbing performance, Rimac isn’t married to the idea of being an all-electric brand forever. Mate Rimac has openly discussed how the narrative around electric cars is shifting, especially in the ultra-high-end market. Some buyers, he notes, are starting to feel “a little bit repulsed” by the forced application of EV technology, craving the analog engagement of traditional supercars.
Rimac’s philosophy is refreshingly pragmatic: “Rimac isn’t exclusively electric. It’s doing whatever is most exciting at the time.” The company’s willingness to adapt—whether that means hybrid powertrains or something entirely new—shows a keen understanding of its customer base and the evolving automotive landscape. It’s a reminder that, in the world of hypercars, emotion and excitement often trump pure numbers.
How much does the Nevera R cost, and what do buyers get for their money?
If you’re in the market for the ultimate electric hypercar, the Nevera R starts at £1.97 million—before you even get to the dizzying array of personalization options. That’s a step up from the standard Nevera’s £1.72 million price tag, but for collectors and enthusiasts, the exclusivity and performance on offer are hard to match. The R launches exclusively in Nebula green, but buyers can tailor nearly every aspect of the car to their tastes.
What’s the big takeaway for electric performance cars?
The Nevera R isn’t just a technical marvel—it’s a statement. It proves that electric cars can deliver not just mind-bending speed, but also genuine driver engagement and everyday usability. Yet, as Rimac’s own leadership acknowledges, the future of high-end performance isn’t set in stone. The real lesson? Chasing perfection isn’t about sticking to one formula—it’s about making smarter, bolder adjustments. Start with one change this week, whether it’s in your car, your routine, or your mindset, and you’ll likely spot the difference by month’s end.