Electric motors can do crazy stuff. The thing is, you don't even need as much power as a traditional ICE. Our Hyundai EV only has 138 HP, but because it has so much torque it performs like a 200 hp 4 cylinder. At 80 mph on the freeway it's so smooth and quiet that I had to get used to a car this small performing so well

 

Also remember that, because of the way an electric motor works, it usually produces its maximum torque at very low RPMs (theoretically, on paper, at 0 RPM)...so, the faster it spins, the more torque it loses. That's one reason why it doesn't need a conventional multi-step or CVT transmission.

 

There's definitely full torque from the time you put your foot down. I'm not sure where the "peak" is. They can be overloaded and begin to overheat, which is where they start to lose efficiency. But they still remain relatively cool on hot days, as the coolant reservoir usually only gets warm. I've never seen it get hot, even driving all day when it 100 degrees plus