Key Takeaways
1. BYD’s U9 Track Edition set a new speed record for electric cars, reaching 472.41 KPH (nearly 300 MPH) at the ATP test track in Germany.
2. The U9 Track Edition features over 3,000 horsepower from a quad-motor system with advanced 32,000 RPM electric motors and a 1,200 V powertrain.
3. Compared to the standard U9, which costs $235,000 and produces 1,288 HP, the Track Edition offers significant performance upgrades at a lower price than competitors like the Rimac Nevera R.
4. BYD claims the U9 Track Edition has the highest power-to-weight ratio of any vehicle, achieving 1,217 Ps from one ton of mass, highlighting its competitive edge in the EV market.
5. The growing competition in the EV sector includes Xiaomi’s upcoming YU7 Ultra supercar, set to enter the European market in 2027, indicating increased rivalry among electric vehicle manufacturers.
While the Rimac Nevera R hypercar’s recent acceleration performance has raised eyebrows, the leading electric vehicle manufacturer has now developed a more affordable competitor that has just set a new speed record for electric cars.
Speed Testing
The record was achieved using the Track Edition of BYD’s U9, which is marketed under its luxury Yangwang brand. The test took place on a closed course at the ATP test track in Germany, where professional driver Marc Basseng reached an impressive speed of 472.41 KPH, which is nearly 300 miles per hour, before having to brake. To put it into perspective, this top speed is similar to that of the Bugatti Chiron but was reached by an electric vehicle that employs a modest 80 KWh LFP battery, which is significantly cheaper.
Power and Performance
The U9 Track Edition boasts over 3,000 horsepower thanks to its innovative quad-motor system that utilizes BYD’s advanced 32,000 RPM electric motors, each capable of peaking at 555 kW. To support this power, BYD has created the first mass-produced 1,200 V electric vehicle powertrain. They’ve also improved the thermal management of the powertrain to handle the high energy demands.
In comparison to the standard U9, which operates on BYD’s 1 kV platform, costs $235,000, and produces a total of 1,288 HP from four 240 kW motors, the Track Edition is a significant upgrade. While it’s certainly less expensive than the Nevera R, which is priced at $2.7 million and has a top speed of 268.2 MPH, it still represents a leap in performance.
Market Implications
BYD claimed that the U9 Track Edition has the highest power-to-weight ratio of any vehicle to date, achieving 1,217 Ps from one ton of vehicle mass. The fact that this record was set in Germany is noteworthy, as BYD and other Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers are aiming for global growth, particularly in Europe, which presents a huge market opportunity.
Xiaomi has also entered the scene with its YU7 Ultra supercar, which is set to hit the European market in 2027, heightening the competition in the EV sector. Notably, the video showcasing the record run did not provide details on the remaining battery life after reaching such high speeds, but with a charging capacity of 500 kW, the U9 should manage battery depletion effectively.
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