Chinese automaker BYD’s luxury performance brand Yangwang has set a new global benchmark for electric vehicles (EVs) with its U9 Track Edition hypercar achieving a staggering top speed of 472.41 km/h, making it the fastest EV in the world.
The record-breaking run highlights how rapidly EV technology is evolving, particularly in the high-performance automotive space. For years, EVs were considered environmentally friendly but less powerful alternatives to combustion-engine sports cars. The Yangwang U9 challenges that perception, proving that electric drivetrains can deliver both sustainability and extreme performance.
A Leap in EV Engineering
The Yangwang U9 Track Edition was specifically engineered for racing conditions, featuring advanced aerodynamic design, lightweight materials, and a high-output electric powertrain. BYD’s proprietary e⁴ platform technology, which underpins the vehicle, allows for precise torque distribution across all four wheels, enabling better stability and higher performance at extreme speeds.
The 472.41 km/h milestone does not just surpass previous EV speed records—it brings electric hypercars into direct competition with the world’s fastest combustion-engine supercars. This record places Yangwang among the global leaders in pushing EV innovation beyond efficiency and into the realm of pure performance.
Global EV Landscape and BYD’s Role
The achievement also reflects China’s growing dominance in the EV sector. While Tesla, Porsche, and Rimac have previously set benchmarks for EV performance, BYD’s Yangwang brand is now showing that Chinese automakers are ready to compete in the ultra-luxury and hypercar segments.
Industry experts suggest that this development could reshape consumer perceptions of electric cars—not just as green choices but as symbols of speed, innovation, and engineering excellence.
What’s Next?
Although the U9 Track Edition is a specialised model unlikely to enter mass production, the technologies tested and proven in this hypercar are expected to influence future EV models across BYD’s portfolio. The lessons from this achievement could trickle down into everyday EVs, improving performance, efficiency, and safety for regular drivers.
By breaking this record, BYD is signalling that the future of high-speed performance cars could be electric, marking a significant milestone in the global automotive industry.
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