BYD U9 Track Edition Breaks Global EV Speed Record

BYD on Tuesday announced that its high-end sub-brand Yangwang has set a new global benchmark for electric vehicle performance. On August 8, the Yangwang U9 Track Edition supercar hit a verified top speed of 472.41 km/h (294 mph) at Germany’s ATP proving grounds, making it the fastest production EV in the world.

The U9 Track Edition builds upon the same e⁴ Platform and DiSus-X body control system as the Yangwang U9 that BYD first unveiled in February 2024. However, this version incorporates key enhancements, including the world’s first mass-produced 1200V ultra-high-voltage platform paired with advanced thermal management, designed for sustained extreme performance.

“By setting a new global EV speed record, Yangwang redefines the sustainable supercar,” BYD said in its press release. “Backed by BYD’s innovation and sustainability commitments, Yangnwang employs cutting-edge tech to deliver unmatched performance, safety, and driving experience.”

At its core, the Track Edition features a quad-motor setup, each spinning up to 30,000 rpm and delivering 555 kW of output, for a total system power of over 3,000 hp. That translates to a staggering power-to-weight ratio of 1,217 PS per tonne. Complementing this, the DiSus-X Intelligent Body Control system adjusts suspension at each corner in real time to keep the car stable even under brutal acceleration and high-speed cornering.

The record-setting run was piloted by professional driver Marc Basseng, who also set the previous EV speed record in 2024. Speaking after the achievement, he admitted he “never expected to break [his] own record so soon.”

To handle the forces at nearly 300 mph, Yangwang collaborated with Giti Tire to create semi-slick, track-focused rubber with special compounds and a unique tread, further ensuring stability and durability under extreme loads.

With this record, BYD now claims the crown for fastest production EV, though the Rimac Nevera R still holds the title of world’s fastest-accelerating production car, electric or otherwise.