BYD’s Revised YangWang U9 Breaks EV Top Speed Record

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According to a recent post on BYD’s Xiaohongshu (aka RedNote) page, the YangWang U9 recently set a new EV top speed record of 472.41 km/h (293.54 mph) at ATP Automotive Testing Papenburg, a track in Germany. This comes ahead of an anticipated Nürburgring run.

While most people are not in the market for a hypercar, the extreme application helps to develop EV technology. Most reports indicate that this car uses motors and components shared with the Super E Platform found in more approachable cars, like the BYD Han L (that only gets one 500 kW+ motor instead of 4). This platform’s 30,000+ rpm motors with an extremely wide power band likely contribute to the top speed, as well as maintaining performance and efficiency at elevated highway speeds. However, according to CnEVPost, this car will have the “world’s first mass-produced 1200-volt ultra-high voltage platform.” That would also imply more advanced SiC power electronics, which are also typically used to charge the battery in BYD cars. In addition, the 80 kWh LFP Blade Battery being put to the test here is similar to batteries used throughout BYD’s lineup, but with a more advanced cooling system.

This also isn’t a one-off prototype, having already filed with MIIT for road certification in China. The development of this car benefits from the transfer of technology from mainstream cars, and mainstream cars can also benefit from technology transfer.

Racing can also help to change public opinion. For example, back in the late ’60s and ’70s, at a time when the US was dominated by V8 muscle cars, BRE’s racing of Datsun sedans and sports cars helped to change perceptions of the small, relatively efficient Japanese vehicles. That made people more accepting of the market shift that happened after oil prices shot up. BYD has also been realizing the potential impact of racing on consumer perception. BYD recently opened a massive, “All-Terrain Racing Track” complex in Zhengzhou, letting the company show off performance vehicles and making racing accessible to people who likely have never ridden or driven on a track before. For many people, the most exciting experience they will ever have with a car will be with an EV. People will feel the difference and get to put EVs to the test. In addition, like the Plaid drag racing videos in the US, it will help to take the wind out of ICE bragging rights.

While 3000hp+ hypercars setting records can seem pointless to many, the technological development and testing can benefit more practical EVs. Racing can also go a long way toward changing consumer perceptions and building excitement for the transition to electric vehicles.