Cover YANGWANG U9 Track Edition breaks global speed record for electric cars

From the YANGWANG U9’s 472 km/h milestone to BYD’s expansion in Vietnam, electric cars prove that the era of performance now belongs to clean energy.

When it comes to speed, most people still picture roaring combustion engines. Yet for electric cars, a new chapter has now begun.

Last August, at the ATP Automotive Testing track in Papenburg, Germany, a milestone was set. The YANGWANG U9 Track Edition supercar officially achieved a new world record for pure electric cars with an extraordinary speed of 472.41 km/h. This was a resounding statement of the remarkable progress of electric vehicle technology.

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Breaking records

To reach such “lightning” speed, electric cars require not only immense power but also absolute stability. The YANGWANG U9 Track Edition is built on the e⁴ Platform and DiSus-X core technology. This system uses four independent motors, each delivering a maximum of 555 kW, for a combined output exceeding 3,000 PS. As a result, the car achieves a power-to-weight ratio of 1,217 PS per tonne, placing it among the most formidable supercars in the world.

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Above YANGWANG U9 Track Edition, pushing the speed boundaries of electric cars

Adding to this, the DiSus-X intelligent suspension system allows each wheel angle to be adjusted independently, giving the car resistance against pitching and rolling while maintaining maximum traction at extreme speeds and through sharp corners. To optimise performance, Yangwang also collaborated with Giti Tire to create semi-slick tyres designed specifically for the track, ensuring precision and endurance at the highest velocities.

Conquer the future

With these advances, YANGWANG has demonstrated that pushing the speed boundaries of electric cars is entirely possible. It stands as compelling evidence of the rapid progress in the new energy vehicle industry, where corporations such as BYD are taking the lead. The underlying technologies of the U9 Track Edition are developed and refined by seasoned experts, gradually being transferred from high-performance models to mainstream vehicles, delivering a safe yet powerful driving experience for everyday users. The record set by the YANGWANG U9 is not just a triumph for one car, but a defining moment that confirms the future of the electric vehicle industry.

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Above YANGWANG U9 Breaks Global EV Top Speed Record

Mr Marc Basseng, the professional racer who set the record in 2024, shared his pride after the achievement: “Last year I thought I had reached the limit. I never expected that, after only one year and at the same test track, I could surpass my own record thanks to YANGWANG’s new technologies.”

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Above YANGWANG U9 Track Edition, pushing the speed boundaries of electric cars

For those curious about these innovations, BYD has already introduced a line-up of new energy vehicle (NEV) models to the Vietnamese market. The BYD HAN, BYD SEAL and BYD ATTO 3 all integrate advanced technology, catering to diverse needs from daily commutes to family travel.

BYD officially launched in Vietnam in July 2024, marking the start of a long-term development strategy in one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing automotive markets. Within just one year, BYD has introduced seven NEV models, including saloons (BYD HAN, BYD SEAL), hatchbacks (BYD DOLPHIN), MPVs (BYD M6) and SUVs (BYD ATTO 3, BYD SEALION 6, BYD SEALION 8). Each model applies modern technology, tailored to varied lifestyles from urban driving to family or professional use. The BYD ATTO 2, a brand-new compact electric SUV, is the next step in bringing premium green cars closer to Vietnamese drivers.

With its vision of a zero-emission future, BYD Vietnam is committed to accompanying local consumers through the green transition, offering high-value products, cutting-edge technology and a sustainable service ecosystem.