McLaren hasn't released a fully electric supercar yet, but the company has committed to building one

McLaren, the British supercar manufacturer, does not currently sell a production electric vehicle. The company has announced plans to introduce its first fully electric supercar, but as of now, no model is available for purchase. McLaren has stated that an electric supercar is coming, but the timeline and specifications remain under development.

This is different from some competitors. Porsche already sells the Taycan, an all-electric performance car. Ferrari and Lamborghini have also announced electric models in development. McLaren's approach has been slower, partly because the company specializes in lightweight, high-performance machines where battery weight presents real engineering challenges.

Key Takeaways

  • McLaren has not yet released a production electric supercar, though the company has publicly committed to building one.
  • The delay reflects genuine engineering constraints: electric motors and batteries are heavier than traditional powertrains, and McLaren builds cars where every kilogram matters.
  • McLaren's parent company, Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company, has pushed for electrification as part of a broader business strategy.
  • When McLaren does release an electric model, it will likely target the same ultra-high-performance, ultra-high-price segment as the company's current lineup.

Why McLaren has been slower to go electric than competitors

McLaren's core identity is built on lightweight construction and extreme performance. A McLaren 720S weighs around 1,300 kilograms. A Porsche Taycan, by contrast, weighs 1,600 to 1,700 kilograms—and it's a four-seat sedan, not a two-seat supercar. The battery pack alone accounts for much of that extra weight.

Adding a large battery to a McLaren means either accepting a heavier car (which changes handling and acceleration) or designing an entirely new platform from the ground up. That is expensive and time-consuming. McLaren has chosen to develop a dedicated electric architecture rather than retrofit an existing design, which is why the timeline has stretched longer than some expected.

What McLaren has said about its electric future

In 2021, McLaren announced a business plan called "Ultimate Series" that included a commitment to electrification. The company stated that by 2025, at least 50 percent of its lineup would feature hybrid or electric powertrains. That target has already shifted—McLaren later clarified that it would focus on developing a fully electric supercar rather than rushing multiple hybrid models to market.

McLaren's leadership has indicated that the electric supercar will be a flagship model, not a budget entry point. The company is not trying to build an affordable electric car. Instead, McLaren is designing a machine that will compete with other ultra-premium electric performance vehicles in terms of acceleration, handling, and technology.

How battery weight affects supercar design

A typical electric supercar battery weighs 500 to 700 kilograms. That is roughly half the weight of the entire McLaren 720S. Distributing that weight low and centered in the chassis is critical for handling, but it still changes the car's balance compared to a traditional engine-powered supercar.

McLaren has the engineering informed to solve this problem—the company has been building carbon-fiber chassis for decades and understands weight distribution better than most manufacturers. The challenge is not whether it can be done, but whether the result will feel like a McLaren. The company's reputation depends on delivering a car that accelerates, corners, and responds the way customers expect from the brand.

Competing electric supercars already on the road

Porsche's Taycan has been in production since 2019 and offers 0-60 mph acceleration in under 3 seconds in its most powerful versions. The Rimac Nevera, a Croatian hypercar, delivers 0-60 in 1.85 seconds with four independent electric motors. Lotus has announced the Evija, an electric hypercar with similar performance targets.

These cars prove that electric powertrains can deliver supercar-level performance. They also show that buyers at that price point—$200,000 and up—are willing to accept electric technology if the performance is genuine. McLaren is watching this market develop and will enter when it believes its offering is competitive.

What to expect when McLaren releases an electric supercar

Based on McLaren's track record and public statements, the electric supercar will likely feature a carbon-fiber chassis, dual or quad electric motors, and a 0-60 time under 3 seconds. The price will almost certainly exceed $200,000. The car will be positioned as a successor to or replacement for models like the 720S, not as a new entry-level option.

McLaren will also need to address charging infrastructure and real-world range. Most McLaren owners have access to private charging at home or at their dealerships, so the company is not facing the same infrastructure pressure that affects mainstream electric vehicle makers. Still, the company will need to communicate clearly about how long charging takes and what range owners can expect on a full charge.

The business case for McLaren going electric

Stricter emissions regulations in Europe and other markets are pushing all supercar manufacturers toward electrification. McLaren cannot continue selling only gasoline-powered cars indefinitely. Additionally, McLaren's parent company has made electrification a strategic priority across its portfolio of investments.

From a customer perspective, an electric McLaren also offers advantages: when ready torque delivery, lower maintenance (no oil changes, fewer moving parts), and the prestige of owning cutting-edge technology. For a company selling cars at McLaren's price point, these factors matter more than fuel economy or charging time.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will McLaren release an electric supercar?

McLaren has not announced a specific release date. The company has stated that an electric supercar is in development, but timelines have shifted multiple times. Based on current statements, a model could arrive sometime in the mid-to-late 2020s, though this is not confirmed.

Will McLaren make a hybrid supercar before going fully electric?

McLaren has not ruled out hybrid models, but the company's recent focus has shifted toward developing a fully electric supercar rather than hybrid variants. Some existing McLaren models may receive hybrid powertrains, but the flagship electric car will likely be all-electric, not hybrid.

How much will a McLaren electric supercar cost?

McLaren has not announced pricing. Based on the company's current lineup and comparable electric supercars from Porsche and other manufacturers, expect a price starting above $200,000. The exact figure will depend on the final specifications and market positioning.

Will an electric McLaren be as fast as a gasoline McLaren?

Yes. Electric motors deliver maximum torque when ready, which gives electric supercars an advantage in 0-60 acceleration compared to traditional engines. The electric McLaren will likely match or exceed the acceleration of current gasoline models, though top speed and range will depend on the final battery and motor configuration.

Can I buy a McLaren electric car right now?

No. McLaren does not currently offer any fully electric production vehicles. The company sells gasoline and hybrid-powered supercars only. You can contact a McLaren dealership to learn about the timeline for future electric models or to reserve a spot on a waiting list if the company offers one.