Key highlights
- YANGWANG U9 Track Edition clocks a record-breaking 472.41 km/h
- Quad-motor setup with over 3,000 PS power output
- Advanced body control and aerodynamics push EV performance limits
The electric performance game has shifted yet again. YANGWANG, BYD’s premium sub-brand, has set a new benchmark with its U9 Track Edition, achieving an astonishing 472.41 km/h at the ATP Papenburg test track in Germany. This feat, recorded on August 8, 2025, officially makes it the fastest electric vehicle in the world.
Engineering a 472 km/h EV
At the heart of this record lies the e4 Platform, the world’s first quad-motor system featuring 30,000rpm motors. Each motor pushes 555 kW, delivering a combined output of over 3,000 PS. That translates to a jaw-dropping power-to-weight ratio of 1,217 PS per tonne, rivaling the most extreme hypercars on the planet.
Power alone isn’t enough at these speeds. Stability comes from the DiSus-X Intelligent Body Control System, which manages vertical suspension movement at each corner in real-time. The system actively suppresses pitch and roll, ensuring the tyres stay glued to the track even under brutal acceleration or high-speed cornering.
Aerodynamics and tyre technology
The U9 Track Edition retains the slippery design of the road-going U9 but adds a functional carbon-fiber front splitter for better stability at high speeds. To handle the extreme demands, BYD partnered with Giti Tire to create semi-slick tyres with special compounds and knurling treatments at the rim interface. This reduces tyre slip and torque loss while enhancing predictability at the edge of performance.
Driver behind the record
Professional German racer Marc Basseng piloted the U9 during the record run. Interestingly, Basseng also set the previous EV top-speed record in 2024. After the attempt, he admitted he never expected to better his own record so quickly but, new technologies from YANGWANG made it possible.
Competitors and global context
With this achievement, YANGWANG pulls ahead of rivals like Rimac Nevera (412 km/h) and Lotus Evija. More importantly, it signals how EVs are not just catching up but surpassing traditional supercars in performance benchmarks. Backed by BYD’s expertise in batteries and sustainability, the U9 Track Edition is both a speed record holder and a tech showcase for the future of electric mobility.
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