Skip to main content

A German electric car just beat the 0-to-62 world record with a time of 1.779 seconds

GreenTeam - World Record - 0-100km/h - 1,779s
When I was in college, my most crowing achievement was an ungodly long and annotated research project about federally sponsored broadband networks. I was proud of it, but a group of students in Germany have officially succeeded in making my accomplishments feel fruitless.

Members of the GreenTeam Formula Student group at Stuttgart University have set an unofficial world record for a 0-to-62 mph sprint, posting a blistering time of 1.779 seconds.

The speedster is question is dubbed the E0711-5, an all-electric, one-seat race car. The puny track vehicle is the fifth in a long line of record chasers to come out of GreenTeam’s secret labs, and it’s by far the fastest. With 134 horsepower pushing just 363 pounds, the car has a staggering power-to-weight ratio of 2.71 lbs per hp. For reference, each of the LaFerrari’s 950 ponies are responsible for pushing 3.67 lbs of mass. Even more impressive though is the E0711-5’s torque output, rated at an Earth-moving 885 pound-feet.

GreenTeam Formula Student electric car
Image used with permission by copyright holder

GreenTeam has released a video of the stunt, and it illustrates just how impressive electric powertrains can be. Electric motors produce all of their energy in an instant, and that power-on-demand results in hellaciously quick launches, gobs of useable torque, and incredibly quick trips to highway speed.

After a brief chirp from the tires, the only sound you hear is the mechanical whine from the motors, which sounds distinctly like a Star Trek ship going to warp. The car goes just about as fast too, crossing the finish line in the blink of an eye.

The record is still unofficial at the time of this writing, as Formula Student is awaiting Guinness World Records validation. When the feat is confirmed, the E0711-5 should take the acceleration crown from Swiss company ETH Zürich, who holds the current record of 1.785 seconds.

Editors' Recommendations

Andrew Hard
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Andrew first started writing in middle school and hasn't put the pen down since. Whether it's technology, music, sports, or…
Rivian R2 vs. Kia EV9: battle of affordable electric SUVs
Kia EV9 GT-Line Three Quarters

The long-awaited Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it's an excellent option for those who want an electric SUV that doesn't completely break the bank. Sure, the R2 isn't cheap -- but it's a whole lot cheaper than most other EVs out there, especially when it comes to SUVs. But Rivian isn't the only company trying to tackle the problem of the budget electric SUV. The Kia EV9 is finally available, and it too offers a modern design and a range of helpful features.

Given the fact that the Rivian R2 and Kia EV9 are two electric SUVs in a similar price range, you might be wondering which is better for your needs. That's why we put the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 head-to-head.
Design
Both the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 are actual SUVs -- not crossovers pretending to be SUVs, like plenty of other EVs out there. The two vehicles offer big, boxy designs and plenty of interior space, making them excellent options for families or those who need that extra storage.

Read more
Rivian R2 vs R1S: How will Rivian’s cheaper SUV compare?
The front three-quarter view of a 2022 Rivian against a rocky backdrop.

Rivian has finally unveiled the R2, its long-awaited attempt at a more affordable electric SUV. The new vehicle may not be available just yet, but fans of Rivian's design aesthetics and feature set are already looking forward to being able to order the new car. The R2 is targeted at being a more affordable take on the electric SUV and will sit alongside the flagship-tier R1S.

Let's get this out of the way right now: The R1S is most likely going to be a better vehicle than the R2. Rivian isn't replacing the R1S with the R2 — it's releasing the R2 as a more affordable alternative, and there will be some compromises when buying the R2 over the R1S.

Read more
Cybertruck production reportedly halted over pedal issue
Tesla CEO Elon Musk behind the wheel of a Cybertruck.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk behind the wheel of a Cybertruck. Tesla

Tesla’s Cybertruck has been hit by a production delay caused by an issue with a part of the vehicle, a number of media reports have claimed.

Read more