The Chinese electric supercar, Yangwang U9 Track Edition by BYD, has smashed the global EV speed record with a staggering 293 mph (472 km/h) run at Germany’s ATP Automotive Testing Papenburg track. On August 8, racing pro Marc Basseng pushed the quad-motor machine to its limits, showcasing the capabilities of an electric vehicle on par with gasoline supercars.
This wasn’t just raw speed. The U9 Track Edition packs nearly 3,000 horsepower thanks to its four independent motors and a cutting-edge 1,200 V power platform. To manage the immense power and thermal stress, BYD added a custom temperature control system and high-performance Blade Battery cooling. Their efforts allowed the vehicle to hold its ground—quite literally—at speeds past 280 mph.
EVs have long been closing the gap on top-tier combustion vehicles, but this leap puts them within striking distance of petrol supercar benchmarks. For reference, the Rimac Nevera R previously held the EV top speed record at 268 mph. Meanwhile, internal combustion contenders such as the Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut are projected to reach 310 mph, though in practice, such speeds remain unverified.
BYD’s milestone does more than make headlines. It signals a shift in automotive engineering, where Chinese EV makers are stepping confidently into the global supercar arena. With the Yangwang U9 combining luxury, performance, and advanced systems like deep torque vectoring and Giti Tire-developed semi-slicks designed for 300 mph, BYD demonstrates that electric performance cars are entering a new era.
In light of this achievement, it’s clear that EVs aren’t just eco-friendly alternatives—they’re breaking new ground. Whether future challengers will reach or exceed this speed remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the Yangwang U9 has raised the bar for electric performance.
As the Yangwang U9 reaches near-300 mph speeds, it restarts the conversation about what EVs can do—blending sustainability with raw, awe-inspiring performance.
