Mate Rimac, CEO of Bugatti Rimac and mastermind behind the all-electric Nevera hypercar, has publicly cast doubt on BYD’s headline-making claim that its new Yangwang U9 Nürburgring Edition delivers a staggering 3,000 horsepower.
The 37-year-old Croatian entrepreneur, whose own four-motor, 2,012 hp Nevera shook the EV supercar world in 2022, believes the U9’s numbers may look impressive on paper — but are far from realistic in real-world performance.
🔍 The Core of Rimac’s Skepticism
Rimac took to the Apex Automotor Facebook group to break down his doubts:
- Battery Limitations – While the U9’s motors could theoretically reach 3,000 hp combined, the 80 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery likely can’t discharge that much power, not even for one second.
- Extreme Discharge Rates – Achieving 3,000 hp would require a 20+C discharge rate — meaning the battery would be completely drained in about 3 minutes — an almost impossible feat for LFP cells.
- Battery Chemistry Constraints – LFP batteries are popular in Chinese EVs due to their low cost and long lifespan, but they generally can’t sustain extremely high discharge rates.
- Traction Reality Check – Even his own Nevera, with 2,012 hp, is traction-limited at lower speeds. He estimates the U9’s 3,000 hp advantage would only make a difference above 240 km/h.
- Possible Power Calculation Trick – Rimac suspects BYD might be adding the individual peak power of each motor instead of measuring all motors producing peak output simultaneously.
📊 Quick Specs Comparison
| Feature / Model | Bugatti Rimac Nevera R | BYD Yangwang U9 Nürburgring Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Claimed Power Output | 2,012 hp (1.5 MW) | 3,000 hp (2.2 MW) |
| Battery Type | High-performance cells | LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) |
| Battery Capacity | Not disclosed | 80 kWh |
| No. of Motors | 4 | 4 |
| Key Limitation | Tire grip | Battery discharge rate |
| 0–400–0 km/h World Record | ✅ Yes | ❌ Not tested |
| Nürburgring Challenge Announced? | ❌ No | ❌ No |
🏎 Why It Matters
If Rimac’s predictions hold true, the Nevera’s reign as one of the quickest-accelerating EVs in history could remain unchallenged.
Currently, the Nevera holds 24 performance records, including beating the Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut in the 0–400–0 km/h test.
Meanwhile, BYD has not yet confirmed any plans to attempt a Nürburgring lap record, which could serve as the ultimate head-to-head test between the two electric titans.
📢 Final Word
Mate Rimac’s comments highlight an important point in the EV hypercar race: raw horsepower claims mean little without the technology to back them up.
For now, the battle between European precision and Chinese ambition remains a war of words — but if the U9 ever takes on the track, the results could redefine the EV performance landscape.
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