BYD breaks world record for fastest EV with track-focused Yangwang U9

BYD continues to push the boundaries of technology and the performance of electric cars with its latest feat.

The Chinese automaker has broken the top speed record for electric vehicles with the track-focused version of its flagship hypercar, the Yangwang U9. The record was achieved at the ATP Automotive Testing Papenburg proving grounds in Germany, with professional driver Marc Basseng behind the wheel.

The BYD Yangwang U9 Track Edition reached a top speed of 472.41 km/h, topping the previous record set by the Rimac Nevera R that hit 431.45 km/h earlier this year. The Yangwang U9 Track Edition also obliterated the record set by the standard version that reached 391.94 km/h.

So how did the track-focused Yangwang U9 achieve that impressive record? Well, it’s more than just trading that huge swan neck rear wing for a new carbon fiber splitter and bespoke tires from Giti. There’s also that immense power generated by its four electric motors that combine for over 2,960 horsepower.

Of course, putting all that power on the road effectively is a huge challenge. BYD says the Yangwang U9 Track Edition gets independent torque vectoring and adjusts power delivery at over 100 times per second. The DiSus-X Intelligent Body Control System, which was famously known for making the standard U9 leapfrog into the air, also makes millisecond adjustments to the suspension to maximize grip and keep the car planted.

Likewise, the electric architecture is another breakthrough for BYD, as it has a 1200V platform compared to most high-tech EVs that still have an 800V architecture.

With the rapid development of EVs, the record may not stand for a long time. But this impressive feat will certainly put other high-performance EV manufacturers on notice.