BYD has set a groundbreaking milestone in the electric vehicle (EV) industry with its premium sub-brand Yangwang.
The Yangwang U9 Track Edition has officially claimed the record for the fastest speed ever achieved by an electric vehicle, reaching a staggering 472.41 km/h (293.54 mph) at the ATP Test Track in Germany earlier this month, according to the company.
The test vehicle is powered by the world’s first mass-produced 1200-volt ultra-high voltage platform, combined with an advanced vehicle thermal management solution designed to enhance performance under extreme conditions. The U9’s e4 powertrain is built on the world’s first quad-motor platform, driven by 30,000-rpm high-performance motors, each delivering a peak power output of 555 kW.
With a combined power output exceeding 3,000 PS, the vehicle boasts an industry-leading power-to-weight ratio of 1,217 PS/t. This exceptional powertrain enables the U9 to generate 1,288 horsepower and 1,680 Nm of torque, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.36 seconds.
The U9’s remarkable speed builds on previous track records, including a top speed of 375.12 km/h in August of last year, which was followed by 391.94 km/h in October. These records surpass the 350 km/h of China’s high-speed rail, providing a glimpse of the fastest experience for ordinary people outside of air travel.
Imtiaz Nawsher, Chief Marketing Officer of BYD Bangladesh, shared his thoughts on the achievement: “This is not just about the speed; it’s about the future accelerating ahead. This milestone highlights BYD’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of technology and high-speed performance in electric vehicles, shaping a new era in the global automotive industry.”