In the race to dominate the electric vehicle (EV) landscape, the Yangwang U9 has just made a significant mark by becoming the third-fastest EV in the world. This impressive feat comes as Yangwang, a luxury sub-brand of BYD, announced that the U9 reached a top speed of 233 mph during recent testing. This remarkable achievement places the U9 behind only the Aspark Owl, which holds the top spot with a blistering 272 mph, and the Rimac Nevera, which clocks in at 258 mph.
The announcement was made on the Chinese social media platform Weibo, where Yangwang shared a video showing the U9 accelerating to its top speed of 375.12 km/h (233 mph). The test location was not disclosed, but the video evidence has created a buzz in the automotive community, especially since the U9 has now outpaced other renowned EV supercars such as the Pininfarina Battista (222 mph) and Lotus Evija (218 mph).
What makes the U9’s performance even more impressive is the substantial leap from its initially projected top speed. When the car was first unveiled earlier this year, Yangwang stated that the U9 would reach a maximum speed of 192 mph—already a formidable number. However, the actual top speed achieved during testing is a staggering 41 mph higher, showcasing the U9’s superior engineering and performance capabilities.
The Yangwang U9 is designed to rival traditional supercar giants like Ferrari and Lamborghini. Built on BYD’s advanced e4 platform, the U9 features a powerful motor at each wheel, collectively producing a massive 1,300 horsepower and 1,239 lb-ft of torque. This setup allows the car to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in just 2.36 seconds, making it a true contender in the high-performance EV market.
Perhaps the most appealing aspect of the U9 is its price. Unlike its competitors, which often carry seven-figure price tags, the U9 starts at a comparatively affordable $235,450. This pricing strategy could make the U9 an attractive option for those looking for supercar performance without the supercar price tag.
As the U9 continues to garner attention, there’s growing anticipation among enthusiasts for its potential availability in international markets, including the United States. Should BYD decide to bring the U9 stateside, it could revolutionize the high-performance EV market with its blend of speed, power, and relative affordability.
Elizabeth Puckett
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