Executive Summary
The Story So Far
Why This Matters
Who Thinks What?
China’s BYD Company has shattered the world record for the fastest production car with its U9 Xtreme EV, unofficially dubbed the U9X, achieving a top speed of 496.22 kilometers per hour (308.3 mph) at the Papenburg test track in Germany. Driven by German test driver Marc Basseng, the limited-edition electric vehicle surpassed the previous record held by the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+, showcasing advancements in automotive engineering from the world’s largest manufacturing economy.
Record-Breaking Performance
The U9 Xtreme EV officially dethroned the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+, which set its record in 2019 at 490.4 kph (approximately 304 mph). The test run, captured in a video released by BYD, showed tire warm-ups and the historic moment the car reached its peak speed.
This achievement marks another significant milestone for China, a country increasingly recognized for its industrial and manufacturing prowess. Only 30 units of the U9X will be manufactured, making it an exclusive vehicle.
Advanced Electric Powertrain
The U9X delivers a staggering 3,027 horsepower, more than double the 1,287 hp of the standard version. This immense power is generated by four electric motors, each producing 757 hp and spinning up to 30,000 rpm.
A key innovation enabling this output is the use of ultra-thin super silicon, just 0.1 millimeters thick, in mass production for the first time. This technology contributes significantly to the motors’ efficiency and power density.
Cutting-Edge Electrical System and Suspension
The U9X is the first car to be equipped with a 1,200-volt electrical system, which provides 170% more power density compared to advanced 800-volt systems found in many high-performance EVs today. This system also significantly reduces heat generation by 67% and allows for regenerative braking at an unmatched 700 kilowatts.
Further enhancing its performance and handling, the vehicle incorporates BYD’s advanced Disus-X suspension system. This combination of groundbreaking powertrain and chassis technology underscores the U9X’s engineering sophistication.
Implications for Global Automotive Innovation
The U9X’s record-breaking performance underscores China’s growing prowess in high-performance electric vehicle technology, pushing the boundaries of speed and innovation in the global automotive industry. This achievement highlights the rapid advancements being made in EV capabilities, challenging established benchmarks set by traditional supercar manufacturers.
